Buffalo-born Jim Sotet met his wife, Danielle, while working at a local radio station in Sands Creek, New York. The couple later moved to Chicago, where Jim worked as an executive for Mercury Records. As passionate art collectors, they had already begun to amass an impressive collection before returning to New York, where they became active participants in the burgeoning East Village art scene.
Danielle, who worked as an accountant for an independent film production company, was introduced to renowned gallerist Joanne Mayhew-Young, also known as Gracie Mansion, by one of the producers she worked with. This connection led both Jim and Danielle to become early investors in Mansion’s emerging gallery on Tenth Street, which became a cornerstone of the avant-garde art community.
During their time in Chicago, the Sotets acquired works by then up-and-coming artist Claudia DeMonte. Recognizing her talent, they encouraged DeMonte to show her work with Gracie Mansion, effectively helping to launch her career. Their involvement in nurturing new talent reflected their commitment to supporting artists on the rise.
Despite owning a significant collection of important works by major contemporary artists, Jim and Danielle’s laid-back demeanor and edgy personal style made them unassuming figures in the art world. Their collection gained wider recognition when selections were featured in an exhibition at the University of Maryland, accompanied by a catalog with an introduction by DeMonte, highlighting the couple's influential role in the art community.
