Eleanor Menzie Imports

Fine South American Folkart

About Us

Phone: 866-852-3372

Fax: 866-351-4236

E-mail: folkartemi@live.com

Eleanor Menzie Karneke's wholesale business began in 1971 after living in Chile for 4 years. She has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and her imports offer a wide selection of authentic and distinctive South American handcrafted folk-art.

   She made her distinction by getting a work visa for a weaver from San Pedro de Cajas, Peru. He demonstrated his craft at major museums and galleries throughout Southern California. Over the years, she has specialized in many varieties of folk art and other hand-crafted items, mainly from the South American culture she adores. Her most preferred crafts have included ceramic nativities, traditional ceramics, reverse painted glass, musical instruments, retablos and Christmas ornaments. One of Eleanor's favorites, carved and decorated gourds, inspired her to write a book on the subject.                                                                   

   Eleanor lives in Santa Paula, a vintage town in Southern California set against the hills inland from the coastal city of Ventura. Involved in the business are several family members, such as, her husband Sid Karneke, her son Byron Menzie (who has now taken over the helm), Byron's wife Ana Menzie, and her granddaughter Cristina Menzie who works part-time when college is not in session.                                                                                                                          

   She continues traveling to Peru and Chile selecting and buying the finest folk art from those countries. Her passion for the art is as strong as it was when she started the business more than three decades ago. The foundation for the longevity of her business was built on strong work ethic, integrity and honesty, all of which have been passed on to her son Byron.

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