Pat Greene is Bungalower Media’s first sponsored Resident Reporter. Greene has joined our team as our Arts and Culture Correspondent, supported by the efforts of Interstruct Design + Build, an award-winning Orlando-based design and build firm.
Solana Fine Art Gallery (Website) is a new space in Winter Park, just a block or so east of Whole Foods.
The elegant, contemporary black building, renovated in 2019 by Zane Williams, is a frame for the many windows. It stands above the hedges that are a little taller than most humans. The hedges look like you are entering a maze.
It is on the edge of a warehouse district and close to Park Avenue. It feels very LA or Miami.
I met with the owner, Bob Jiminez. Bob grew up here. He and his family recently relocated from Atlanta. After 35 years working corporate, Bob wanted a gallery. He wanted it to be where he grew up.
It’s an impressive spot. Well curated. Well-timed, too. After SNAP’s recent closing and news of the new space, Artful Exchange closing, we need more venues that show art.
Solana is a high-end gallery. Most of the artists that Bob has brought in are from Florida and Atlanta but several of the artists are well-known in this area like Victor Bokas, Orit Reuben, Roberto Gonzalez, and Stacy Barter are from Orlando. They have all made a name for themselves. They are central Florida art stars.
Other represented artists are Pat Zalisko, Francisco Adaro, Heather Blanton, Holly Blanton, Cal Breed, Elizabeth Fischer Chapman, Ana Guzman, Lorra Kurtz, Karlene McConnell, Ginger Oglesby, and Wyanne Thompson.
Solana has some great works. It is tastefully curated, and the placement of the art is perfect.
Bob Jiminez was a successful corporate executive, but he always had a foot in the art world. He has been interested in art since he took an art history class in college. Bob later studied art history and gallery management at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. He has served on the boards of the Woodruff Arts Center – home to the High Museum of Art.
Solana could be considered a second act for Bob Jiminez, but that would be reducing what he’s done. It’s a beautiful professional gallery with a bigger city feel.
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