Dina Barnese, a potter and East Flagstaff native, recently opened Z House Gallery & Boutique on Route 66 just west of Fourth Street. She hopes her business will support the arts and be part of the Fourth Street Business revival. We spoke with her about what her shop offers, upcoming partnerships, events and how she chose her location, among other things.
1) Tell us a bit about the Z House Gallery & Boutique.
Z House is a gallery that features the work of over twenty Flagstaff artists. The work is different from anything else found in town, and includes pottery, photography, mixed media, encaustics (bees wax paintings), oil and watercolor paintings, quilts, tatted lace, wooden boxes, found object assemblage, and boutique items such as clothing, jewelry, purses, hats, and scarves. In addition to our wonderful local art merchandise, the property has a lovely outdoor patio that we use as a venue for live music, art events, children’s events and is available for rent.
How did you decide to open it?
I had plans to open a pottery studio. When I found this property, it had two buildings – one for a studio and the other to display work. I knew it would be unlikely that I’d be able to keep the sales floor fully stocked with pottery, and I also had a desire to see other types of work mixed in with mine. I started out featuring a few pieces from artist friends and has just grown from there.
What are your plans for the business?
To continue to sell work by Flagstaff artists, to carry unique items, and to collaborate with other locally owned businesses. In fact, the Z House is going to collaborate with Brandy’s Restaurant for a show in November and December. (see below for details) I also have plans to expand the inventory to include more types of art. We’re also hoping to expand the use of the patio for special events, meetings, parties etc.
What kinds of art/products do you carry?
All of the work we carry is handmade by established and emerging local artists. I have one artist who no longer lives in Flagstaff, but otherwise people who live here produce all of the work. Three of my family members have work in the gallery – including hand-hammered copper and silver jewelry by my mom, Carole Southwick. Wooden boxes by my dad, Jim Southwick, and crocheted scarves, headbands and pot holders by my sister, Cheri Zamora.
2) Do you have any upcoming specials or events?
Z House will be collaborating on an art show with Brandy’s Restaurant. Brandy herself is a huge supporter of the arts and we are honored and excited to be a part what she has going on. From October 30 until January 1, Brandy’s will show and sell a variety of work by Z House artists. It will be a “revolving” show, meaning there will always be new work available.
In addition, we will have a featured artist each month who will give art demos during the First Friday art walk. We are off the beaten path but a nice place to stop on the way to downtown, or on the way home. Our featured artists are Wendy Garrison (free motion quilting) for November and Dina Barnese (pottery) for December.
3) How did you choose this location, and how are you liking being located in east Flagstaff and the 4th Street area?
I have been making pottery for years and was outgrowing my home studio, a bedroom inside our house. I started looking for a new studio space and purchased this property when it came onto the market. I remember this house from years ago, when I was growing up. When we’d pass it I would look over and think, “I love that little house. Someday I want to have a house just like it,” and here I am!
I was looking for a location that could offer a studio and some sort of storefront. The location was secondary to the need for enough space for a studio. This place provided more than I had even wanted – by giving an adorable building with enough space on the main drag.
I grew up in East Flagstaff and my first job was on Fourth Street. This was back in the heyday, when KMart was there and the fourth street area was thriving. It was sad to see it go downhill after KMart left. I feel that the area is starting to come back to life, and I am excited to be a part of that revival.
I think it is going to just keep getting better.
2320 East Route 66
For more information about the Z House Gallery, visit http://zizziba.com/