Q Ken and Deanna Zylstra

Th self-described “obsessive collectors” love visiting art galleries and events. Before moving to Arizona from California, the couple would visit each year for the Art Expo and Celebration of Fine Art. Much of their bronze and painting collections began at those shows.

Discovering new mediums is an integral part of art collecting for the Yorks. “With each art form we would become interested in, we would buy books about the artists, the subject, and the process the artists go through to create their art.” But what is the most fun of all for the couple? Meeting and making friends with so many artists from every genre.

Who are your favorite artists?

NY: For bronzes, Jason Napier and Kim Obrzut. Our favorite painters are Frank McCarthy and Alfredo Rodriquez.

What’s your favorite memory in art collecting?

NY: We have three favorites memories. First was buying our first real painting fro Tom Mansanerz in 1981. It was at Death Valley 49er Days, an outdoor show, and Tom was 17 years old at the time.

Next is the first time we met Ki Obrzut and touched one of her amazing bronzes. We couldn’t get over the wonderful colors and smoothness of each piece. Purchasing Obrzut’s large bronze called “Greeting the Sun” is our latest and most favorite addition to our collection.

Finally, having a chance to stay with Jason and Danielle Napier on San Juan Island of Washington. We have a whole different perspective of patin artists after Jason taught us how to patina a bronze. It is quite a process! Jason is an absolute genius when it comes to complicated patinas. He taught us how to do a very basic patina and even that is very difficul

What is the most unexpected piece in your collection?

NY: A painting by Jerry Crandall. We first saw a mountain man painting by Jerry Crandall in Solvang, CA, more than 40 years ago. We both fell in love with it. We didn’t buy it, because we couldn’t afford the $1200. We drove home and talked about it for a week. We then returned to Solvang to make a lower offer. The gallery owned said that right after we left, a couple came in and bought it. We never forgot the one that got away. Now, when an art piece speaks to us, we take it home.

In 2017, we finally met Jerry and told him what happened. Not long after that, we were able to buy a much bigger mountain man painting from him.

What is the genesis of your art collection and how has it evolved?

NY: We are definitely obsessive collectors. We have several examples of that.

One of Steve’s friends, a knife dealer named Paul Basch, introduced us to custom knives. Paul told us about knife shows around the area. We thought that might be interesting to see, so we went to one and quickly became collectors. We attended the Solvang Custom Knife show every year and met a lot of wonderful knife makers from all over the country.

We have always been interested in Native American art. On a trip to New Mexico, we found beautiful custom pottery. We visited all of the reservations and trading posts and that was the beginning of our pottery and katsina collections. After visiting Richardson’s Trading Post in Gallup, NM, and Garlands in Sedona, we were hooked on Native American rugs.

Why do you collect art?

NY: Being surrounded by beautiful handmade art and sharing it with others makes us happy. We enjoy it every day. What’s next? Who knows!