Glass:
You will find sculptural, decorative and functional glass with emphasis on design and technique - by a variety of Czech artists and designers: Bohumil Elias and his son Bohumil Elias Jr, Stanislav Libensky, Petr Hora, Jan Exnar, Zdenek Petr, Ales Valner, Lubomir Zubor, Pavel Havelka, and twenty others. The comprehensive, up to date collection of Czech glass includes the most contemporary hand engraved stemware, vases, bowls, platters, prisms and objects. Each piece is superbly crafted, signed, sophisticated, contemporary and sensual. Czech glass artists launched the studio glass movement in the 1950s, and we want to see that the seven hundred year tradition of glassmaking in Bohemia continues to flourish.
Jewelry:
Our selection of designer jewelry tempts with exquisite handmade contemporary wearable sculpture by Bernd Munsteiner and Tom and Jutta Musteiner; Michael Lane, John Kennedy, Magick Fusager Design, John Petet, Tom Kruskal, Elizabeth Garvin, Jorge Revilla, Ed Levin, Sarah Graham, Marie Scarpa, Marie Betka, Cindy Mulhollen, Marya Dabrowski, David Tishbi, Lisa Slovis, Cari Streeter, Vera Novakova and Joryel Vera. We seek excellence in all materials and techniques.
Photography:
Michael Mendizza features his photo-murals of nature. For Michael, being an artist is a way of life. “It is the quality of attention that you give to every moment, every day. Large photo-murals have been my dream for years.”
Two locations in California:
The first gallery, launched in the summer 2006 in Solvang, Danish capital of America, is located in central California, 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara and 2.5 hours north of Los Angeles. The beautiful Santa Ynez Valley draws millions of visitors every year with its natural beauty, history, culture, sports and wine, and the valley was the scene of the Oscar-nominated ‘Sideways’ film.
The second gallery, newly opened at Intercontinental the Clement Monterey, welcomes guests since May 2009 on Cannery Row in Monterey.
The Team
Zdena Jiroutova
Born and raised in Bohemia, surrounded by its culture and traditions, Zdena takes delight in connecting the artists, craftspeople and designers with those who admire their work.
Michael Mendizza
Michael, a documentary filmmaker and writer, very much enjoys meeting the designers and artists, discussing with them the creative process and selecting the most unique, dynamic and playful works.
John-Michael Mendizza (Solvang)
When he is not discussing quantum physics in relationship to art glass, John-Michael continues to refine his tango dancing skills and studies at University of California Santa Barbara.
Kathleen Pareti (Solvang)
Kathy joined the gallery from the east coast after working for more than 15 years as a designer and jeweler for Tiffany Co. and 7 years as a buyer for Fortunoff’s. Kathy left the icy winters of New York City and New Hampshire and she has happily made a new home for herself in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley and at Z folio gallery.
When she is not basking in the warm winter sun she is dedicated to your enjoynment of the Z Folio experience and she is keen to offer her expertise to help you select the perfect gift or an addition to your collection.
Penny Mull (Solvang)
Olga Sitnik (Monterey)
Dora Coelho (Monterey)
Larry John Probst (Monterey)
Querra Tatsuoka (Monterey)
Laika Zents (Monterey)
These resources will get you started as you plan your visit to Solvang:
Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association
Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau
Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association
Solvang Chamber of Commerce
Read what people say about us...