Our History
Art is a powerful vehicle for communicating ideas past the physical and into the spiritual, and must be used to unite us in a world that has, in a metaphorical sense, reached the darkest hour in many aspects of life.
2005
The first ArtLabbé gallery opens in Santiago, Chile
Founders Néstor Soto and Maria Fuentes opened the doors to the first ArtLabbé gallery in Santiago, Chile with the purpose of creating dialogues that center around the importance of art in our modern day. Over the years ArtLabbé has had the privilege of working with multiple influential artists including Mario Toral, Fernando Cifuentes Soro, Isabel Margarita Heussler, and Eva Holz. As their gallery has expanded so has their reach, having exhibited at shows such as Art Wynwood, Art Palm Beach, and Context Art Miami.
2016
ArtLabbé begins it's nonprofit initiative and opens ArtLabbé Foundation
During their experience working in the art world, Nestor and Maria realized the strong potential for art to be used as therapy to help individuals with disabilities. As a result they created Fundacion ArtLabbé, a non-profit arm of the gallery that supports special needs youth and adults by providing free art classes and workshops. This charity now offers 14 weekly classes and has directly impacted 1,200 families throughout Chile.
2018
Coral Gables gallery opens
In the natural progression of ArtLabbé’s expansion into the Miami area through shows such as Context Art Miami, the decision was made in 2018 to open a new branch of ArtLabbé in the art-center of Coral Gables. As the bridge between the United States and Latin America, the gallery has exhibited many international artists in both countries.
2024
Coral Gables begins their nonprofit initiatives
Seeing the positive impact of Fundacion ArtLabbé upon Chilean individuals with disabilities and their families, Maria and Néstor looked to replicate their vision in the United States. In 2024 they officially opened the non-profit branch of Coral Gables with the vision to bring the same programs, workshops, resources, and services lifting up those in need within the general Miami area.
Coming soon in 2025
Santa Barbara to become the first ArtLabbé location to open as a full nonprofit entity
2024 was a big year for ArtLabbé and also included the expansion of their gallery and charitable programing to beautiful Santa Barbara, California, becoming the first ArtLabbé location to open as a full nonprofit entity with all the proceeds going to their mission of supporting their special needs community through the arts. ArtLabbé Santa Barbara is expected to open its doors to the public in early 2025.
Our Values
Art is a powerful vehicle for communicating ideas past the physical and into the spiritual, and must be used to unite us in a world that has, in a metaphorical sense, reached the darkest hour in many aspects of life.
unity
To foster unity beyond different ideologies among those we seek to pursue the promotion of national and international culture through the arts.
Dignity
To promote the truth that every human being has inherent value and dignity unrelated to intellectual or developmental capacity.
Accessibility
To provide the opportunity for artistic expression to everyone regardless of intellectual or developmental capacity.
Excellence
To appreciate the effort, desire, and attitude to do things with maximum effort that comes with practice and dedication.
Our Team
FOUNDERS
BOARD of DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
staff
María José Fuentes Labbé
Founder
Gallery Director, Santiago & Coral Gables
Board Member
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts
Nathaniel Grotenhuis
Executive Director, Santa Barbara
Bachelors of Arts, Film & TV Production
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Néstor Soto Godoy
Founder
Gallery Director, Santiago & Coral Gables
Board Member
Honorary PhD in Theology and Philosophy
Daniela Guerrero Cariola
Executive Director, Santiago & Coral Gables
Gallery Director, Coral Gables
Architect
