Honored May 1999
Al Wadle has been the owner of Santa Fe's Wadle Gallery since 1981. According to Mary Lou Cook, he is probably known best among artists for his kind manner and open-mindedness. Wadle, the son of immigrants, grew up in poverty and today lives by the philosophy that the more you give, the more you will receive. He applies this philosophy when dealing with his artists, he said.
“We have a deep respect for our artists, and we appreciate the contributions they make,” Wadle said.
Wadle, a native of New Jersey, said being named a “treasure” made him realize that there is much more that needs to be accomplished to continue helping society.
“I was deeply humbled and honored,” he said. “But I recognize how much good work has to be done out there.”
Wadle, 71, served on the Santa Fe Community Foundation until December 1998 and today is working to set up a foundation to help school dropouts.
