I walked into Belleza Gallery in Bisbee, Arizona, around 2 p.m. on an otherwise ordinary Friday afternoon, and immediately felt like I had stepped into something special. Before I had a chance to really look around, I was greeted by a woman who looked as though she’d stepped straight off the cover of a fashion magazine. In one hand, she held a cookie sheet full of homemade chocolate chip cookies, and in the other, a spatula. With a smile that felt genuinely larger than life, she asked, “Would you care for a cookie?” It was impossible not to smile back.
That woman was Lou Anne Sterbick-Nelson, and within minutes, it was clear that Belleza Gallery is as much about her warmth and presence as it is about the art on the walls. At 48, tired of traveling and ready for a new chapter, Lou retired from practicing law and moved to Bisbee with her husband, Dennis. Two years later, she opened Belleza Gallery, despite not being an artist herself and having no prior experience running a gallery. That leap of faith was taken 27 years ago, and a lot has happened since.
Sitting with Lou at her desk in the back of the gallery felt less like an interview and more like two long-lost friends catching up on life. Our conversation flowed easily, and I found myself nodding along as she shared stories that resonated with my own experiences. Lou has a way of making people feel instantly comfortable, seen, and valued, and that quality has shaped every part of her life’s work.
Before Belleza Gallery, Lou founded the Women’s Transition Project, a program designed to help women who needed substance abuse recovery but couldn’t afford treatment, and who often had children to care for. The program secured numerous grants, including a HUD grant that Lou herself wrote and successfully renewed every year for 19 years. Today, the program is known as Renaissance House and is located in Old Bisbee near the courthouse. There, women learned life skills, including computer use, and even made furniture; tools for independence and dignity.
When Lou opened Belleza, her guiding philosophy was simple: “We can all choose our expectations. You get what you expect.” She worked constantly, even late into the night. One evening, out of boredom, she began painting herself. Clearly, something worked. Renowned artist David Berridge purchased the building and remained her landlord until his death two years ago. Another memorable moment came when actress Courtney Thorne-Smith wandered into the gallery one night and mentioned an artist she knew, Bob Ichter. Soon after, Lou began showing his work.
Over the years, Belleza Gallery thrived, and remarkably, every dollar made from art sales went directly to the Women’s Transition Project. When asked about the secret to her success, Lou didn’t hesitate. “I develop an intimate connection with people. That is the key. They love coming to the gallery to see me and the art.”
Now, Lou and Dennis are preparing for their next adventure: moving to the Northwest to be closer to family. “I will miss it,” Lou said. “Bisbee has been good to us.” As for Belleza’s future, it’s in trusted hands. Lou met artist Clement Scott in 2016 and immediately connected with both his work and his values. He will take over the gallery once her house sells, continuing the legacy of treating artists and patrons with care and respect.
As I left Belleza Gallery, I couldn’t help but feel astounded by Lou, her stories, her generosity, and her effortless likability. Before I went, I asked her one final question: what’s her secret to life? She smiled and said, “Allow yourself to be surprised.” And somehow, that answer felt like the perfect ending.