Zola Solamente has been the Director of Arden Gallery Ltd. since 1999. She walked into Arden and instantly knew it was the place she wanted to make her professional home. Zola studied Studio Art and English Literature at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, while also earning 4 National Championships and All-American honors with the Women’s Soccer program. She played on the United States Women's National Soccer team from 1991-1993, representing her country in several international tournaments. Her first job out of university was at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, followed by positions with two independent, woman-owned contemporary art galleries before she and Rick moved to New England to raise their daughter, now a writer in New York City. In addition to curating exhibitions at Arden and running the gallery, Zola has provided consulting services to artists and collectors, as well as juried shows for non-profit venues. She has also lectured about collecting contemporary fine art at local universities and adult education events. When not in the gallery, Zola serves as an Envoy with the US State Department traveling to underserved countries around the world, coaching and speaking about how sports can empower girls & women, and unite communities. She is a volunteer art teacher at Girls Inc. in Lynn, MA. Zola is a competitive sculler, has a passion for playing tennis, and paints in her home studio.