End of an era: Quintana Galleries closes doors

Beyond the intriguing symbolism and history, the Quintana family has always enjoyed Native American art because of the people involved.

It’s what they’ll miss the most when they close shop at the Quintana Galleries of Native American Art, Portland’s longest-running art gallery.

“The artists, the people, the families. It’s really familial based,” says Cecily Quintana, daughter of Rose and Cecil Quintana, who opened the gallery in 1972. “That’s why so many Natives wanted to work with us, they understand we were family.”

The Quintanas opened their first Native American gallery at the old Couch Street Gallery, and then moved to different locations throughout the years — Northwest Second and Davis, Southwest Broadway and Washington. For the past 10 years, it’s been located in the heart of the Pearl District, 124 N.W. Ninth Ave.

Rose and Cecil are retiring and Cecily wants to try other things, having been involved with the gallery her entire life. They would have liked for another group to continue the gallery, but the Quintanas couldn’t find anybody passionate or committed enough — “there was nobody who wanted to take it on,” Cecily says — and the Quintanas had to make a decision on whether to get another lease. It’s a bittersweet time, having to shut the doors on one of Portland’s most unique galleries, but they’re also excited about the future. Rose and Cecil are moving to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

“It is sentimental,” Cecil says. “But, I’ll be happy to get through it. There are a lot of memories and whatnot. We’ve dealt with so many people for so long.”

“It’s an institution,” Rose says, of their gallery. “It’ll probably be remembered for a long time and all in good thoughts. It’s been a wonderful run. Portland has been very supportive.

“It was a huge decision to do this, because so many artists depend on us. We buy all of the art. It leaves a void; at the same time, we established a way for these artists to get it done. We set a good example.”

Indeed, Quintana has operated differently than other galleries. The family establishes relationships with artists, buys the art, showcases it in openings, and sells it. It means the Quintanas have had to be, perhaps, more business conscious. The gallery has weathered many things throughout the years, also, such as the decline of the timber industry, 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis. Ironically, 2015 has been very good for the Quintanas, partly because people know they’re closing the gallery.

The gallery will close on Aug. 15.

The Quintanas came from Gallup, N.M.—Cecil is Cochiti Indian and Rose is Spanish.

After moving to Portland, Rose and Cecil opened the gallery nearly 43 years ago while she worked at Bonneville Power Administration and he worked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, both as accountants. They had a relative who worked as a dealer in Southwest Indian jewelry. He’d give them jewelry, they’d sell it at work. They started selling at flea markets, and the business grew. Then, Cecil found the retail space at Couch Street Gallery, an enclave for various artists at the time. Soon, Rose and Cecil had quit their jobs and worked full time at the gallery.

The gallery was one of the first to challenge the stereotype of Native American art being merely tourist craft. It featured many notable artists, including David Boxley (Tsimshian Nation), Susan Point (Coast Salish Nation), Lillian Pitt (Yakama/Warm Springs), The Henderson Family (Kwakwaka/wakw Nation) and Art Thompson (Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation).

Cecily says entire families are part of Native American art. Boxley started with the Quintanas at age 15.

“It’s consistently progressing and young people are taking it on and traditions are passed,” she says. “It’s exciting to see that evolution, from traditional to contemporary.”

Cecil says the symbolism of Native American art is what he has enjoyed, of humans and animals and their place in the world.

“It has a lot of stories behind it, it means somthing to the people who do it,” he says. “That’s what we can impart to the customers. Everybody asks you, ‘What does this mean?’”

The Quintanas were pioneers in Portland, and around the country, having dealt in contemporary Native American art. They helped nurture artists, who, because of the extensive nature of their works, might only have one or two pieces to show and sell.

Cecily will maintain an online presence, primarily working with jewelry artist Pitt. She wants to pursue other professional endeavors. Her parents support her decision fully.

“We totally support what she’s doing,” Rose says. “She has a lot of talent, a lot of experience. She can either use it in the same type of business or something else. She’s still young enough to do it. We’re going to retire and have a nice life.”

The Quintanas all say the same thing: It’s been a good run for the gallery.

“I never imagined we’d be here almost 50 years,” Rose says.