Our Story

Kristen Griego, grew up in the art world and always had a passion for art from a young age. Growing up in Santa Fe, NM - THE absolute art mecca was just a plus! Kristen earned her B.A. in Psychology from The University of New Mexico, all while working alongside her family in one of Santa Fe's best art galleries for many years. When the pandemic happened Kristen moved to Denver, CO to persue her career as a Victim Advocate and Speaker for Colorado's Organization for Victim Assistance and working with Children with rare disease, bringing awareness to what is known as SLC6A1. At the time she also founded and started her online gallery, and founded 'Legends of The West Fine Art'. ​ 

Kristen moved back to Santa Fe, NM in 2021 and became the executive art director of a European art gallery for a year - which then lead her to taking the biggest leap of faith in her life; opening her own fine art gallery storefront! Legends of The West Fine Art officially opened in the Spring of 2022 and has been Kristen's biggest achievement thus far at just the age of thirty. It wasn't always easy as she had to prove herself much harder to artists, clients and other businesses who didn't always believe in her success. Now her gallery has been open for almost five years and she has the best team, artists and clients supporting her. "Being surrounded by beautiful art everyday is amazing and gives me so much motivation to create my own art and support my artists and helping my clients find what speaks to them". ​ 

Kristen has always had a good work ethic and determination for reaching goals that she is passionate about. When Kristen was only seventeen, her father was a victim to homocide which gave her a purpose in wanting to help others who have gone through traumatic experiences like her. She began studying Nursing and is currently persuing a secong bachelor degree to become an RN and recently began graduate school to achieve her Master's in Social Work - with a specialty as a clinical therapist. "These other career paths are not something I will leave my gallery for - but the thing about me is I will never stop continuing to grow and learn just because society makes us think we can only have ONE end goal"  

"The most important thing I have learned through this journey is to stay true to your values and faith. Having good character, integrity and building trust and credibility are the only things that will count toward your success in the end. When your goals align with your values, your work is driven by passion, and your actions are rooted in persistence and purpose, success naturally follows".