About Les Roberts
Les Roberts is the Director of Miami Fine Art Gallery, a leading destination for collectors, designers, and enthusiasts seeking museum-quality pieces that span the worlds of classical and contemporary art. Based in Miami, Florida, Les has spent over 15 years bridging the gap between art’s rich history and its ever-evolving future.
Originally from New York City, Les grew up immersed in the art world, frequenting the city’s museums and absorbing inspiration from their masterpieces. He studied Art History and Business at New York University and trained at Sotheby’s, where he learned the art of curation, valuation, and market insight. Since taking the reins at Miami Fine Art Gallery in 2008, he’s helped transform both private and public spaces into powerful, expressive environments with handpicked works by artists like Rembrandt, Picasso, Warhol, Banksy, and countless emerging talents.
In this candid Q&A, Les shares what success means to him—both personally and professionally—and how art continues to shape that vision.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is when a piece of art truly connects with someone. Not because it completes their space, or because it holds financial value—though that can be part of it—but because it stirs something inside them. When I see someone pause in front of a piece, really take it in, and feel something shift, that’s success. It’s personal, emotional, and deeply human.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
Earlier in my career, I was very focused on milestones—acquisitions, exhibitions, growing the gallery’s reputation. Those things still matter, but I’ve come to see success as less about metrics and more about meaning. I think the pandemic really shifted that for a lot of people. I started asking: What am I building? Who is it for? Now, success means building something lasting—not just a business, but a cultural impact.
What role does failure play in achieving success?
It’s essential. I’ve curated shows that didn’t land, chosen pieces that didn’t resonate the way I expected. But failure is feedback. It forces you to listen—to your audience, your instincts, the market. It sharpens your vision. And honestly, it humbles you. In art, there’s always more to learn.
What’s been your most fulfilling success to date?
There’s a moment I always go back to: A young couple came into the gallery just to browse. They didn’t think they could afford anything, but they found a lesser-known piece that absolutely moved them. We worked with them to make it theirs. That piece now hangs in their home, and they’ve since become serious collectors. That kind of transformation—where someone realizes art is for them, not just for the elite—that’s everything.
How do you stay motivated when things slow down?
I go back to the art. If I’m ever feeling off-track, I walk through the gallery before we open. That quiet time reminds me why I started. I also try to surround myself with artists and thinkers who challenge me. Their creativity is contagious.
Do you think success in the art world is misunderstood?
Often, yes. People think it’s about prestige, name recognition, auction results. But some of the most powerful art lives in small, quiet spaces and speaks volumes without ever going viral. True success in this world is about resonance—how deeply a piece connects, how long it stays with you.
What advice would you give to someone trying to find success in a creative field?
Be curious, be consistent, and be patient. Trends come and go, but a clear vision and strong voice endure. Also—don’t chase the market. Lead with what speaks to you. The right audience will find you if your work is authentic.
How do you measure success in your gallery today?
It’s in the stories our clients tell. When a collector says, “This piece changed how I see my home,” or when an artist tells me we helped launch their career—that’s the kind of success I value most. It’s not about volume. It’s about impact.
Do you ever feel like you’ve “made it”?
Not really. And I think that’s a good thing. The art world is always evolving, and so am I. If I ever felt like I’d arrived, I’d probably stop growing. I want to keep discovering, keep asking questions, and keep bringing new stories into the gallery. That’s the beauty of this work—there’s always another masterpiece waiting to be found.
Final Thought
Success is less about status and more about substance. It’s not just what you build—it’s who you reach, what you inspire, and how you evolve along the way. For me, art is the vehicle, but connection is the destination.