Meet Moriah Stanton of MoMo Gallery on Bent Street

Q: What inspired you to open MoMo Fine Art Gallery and Jewelry in Taos, and how did you get started in the art and jewelry industry?
My father was in the art business and exposed my brother and me to the fine arts since childhood. We were not limited to seeing “Fine Art” as oil on canvas but the art of basket weaving, textiles, jewelry, contemporary design, architecture, food and nature itself. MoMo came about as a result of living a life with an appreciation for aesthetics.

Q: Can you describe the type of art and jewelry that visitors can expect to find at MoMo?
My focus is on curation. I represent artists who are passionate about what they do and have an appreciation for craftsmanship, community and sustainability. While MoMo is tucked away at the end of Bent Street, the people that find us are people that are willing to explore off the path and quite honestly I believe it is energetic. Many who discover MoMo feel as though they have found a treasure and become repeat customers.

Q: How do you select the artists and jewelers featured in your gallery?
Many of my artists I have known for decades, having grown up here in Taos. Others may have come via a recommendation, some have approached me and others I have discovered on my own.

Q: What challenges have you faced in running an art gallery and jewelry store, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges since day one I’d say. The first couple of years I was working nights in a restaurant to pay the bills, I experienced a break-in and lost several thousands of dollars in merchandise that was never recovered. I heaved-ho and kept going to only become stronger and more determined to succeed. All of the challenges I have faced have been overcome by believing in myself, taking risks and pure unstoppable determination.

Q: What role does community engagement play in your business, and how do you contribute to the Taos art scene?
My foundation was built on community engagement. Not only by representing local artists who live and breath community but by creating a gathering space to celebrate the arts. I learned from my father that throwing parties i.e. serving lots of food and drink complimentary to all instead of paying for expensive glossy advertisements works as a way to bring the community to my doorstep. I have hosted local chefs in addition to local artists who have fed our community with love and bountiful sustenance.

Q: What changes have you seen in Taos over the years, and how do you feel about them?
Too many changes to list. It is also a kind of yin/yang. I believe the affluence that has come to Taos in recent years has enabled me to have a business such as MoMo, which is quite different from the more traditional art galleries in Taos. So in that sense I welcome the change. As a local (born/raised), the other side of the coin is that I have been priced out of purchasing a home as a working full-time single mother that arose from monetary and property poverty. I say monetary and property because my life growing up in NM with very little helped me gain wealth in other ways such as imagination, adventure, love of life, survival techniques and values.

Q: How do you see the balance between tourism and local life in Taos?
We need tourism to thrive, it is essential. Our restaurants, hotels and shops need to be filled. I strongly believe this can all happen simpatico as long as we have a strong emphasis on preserving and honoring our cultures, our ancestors, our lands and our children. There is a rich pool of ancestral knowledge that must be tapped into and incorporated into all governance regarding all developments in our communities.

Q: What do you love most about the Taos community and lifestyle?
I love the land, I love the fresh air and I love the people. For myself, the lifestyle is about being able to be who I am.

Q: What are some of your favorite local spots or hidden gems in Taos?
I’m not sure anything is so hidden any more with the onset of social media but I love the places I have been going to since childhood, like the river to pick watercress when its in season, the mountains to pick strawberries and raspberries, my favorite apple, peach, cherry and plum trees that I visit every year to enjoy and share their bounty. I love seeing the new shops that have opened up in town like Perdido en Taos, BE.E.Spoke and I always shop at Boxy Tee’s before a vacation for something cute. The Valley in Taos and Revolt Gallery are amazing art venues. I enjoy Manzanita Market regularly as I am a picky eater and love fresh organic produce — and there is nothing more divine than the chocolate at Chokola. I look forward to the farmer’s market, Sundays at the Stakeout, live music at the various venues… I love taking my daughter ice skating at the Taos Community Center and skiing at Taos Ski Valley, as she has become quite the fan since participating in the school ski program. The pool at Quail Ridge is our summer hang spot to refresh from the heat. I also covet Vivac winery, I feel transported every time I go there.