Katherine Brigantino Winkelman is the oldest of eight children and was raised with Italian traditions, music, food and art, thanks to her Italian-born grandparents, who lived next door to an apricot and walnut ranch where Katherine’s family worked during the summer months. Her family background comes from Piemonte in the north of Italy, Tuscany, Salerno, Lago in Cosenza, and Sicily.
While attending Santa Clara University to gain a Masters in Business Administration, Katherine took the opportunity to live in Italy and study Renaissance Art History as well. As a travel agent, she returned many times with her Italian relatives to visit some of her family living there. She became good friends with several of the artists, many of whom she still works with 40 years later, and through them she has met many new artists.
Katherine founded the Gioia Company in 2006 with Lee Marie to support a new generation of Italian artisans, both in Italy and the United States. “Gioia’ means “Joy,” a perfect name for the Company designed to bring joy to others through the beautiful arts and traditions of Italy. They specialize in Italian gifts that are still manufactured by family businesses or single artisans, guaranteeing unique gifts where no two items are exactly the same. It’s like a “walk through an Italian Piazza” experience.
When you purchase something from Gioia Company at Discover San Jose, you are also supporting an Artist in Italy or here in San Jose, while also supporting the traditions of this beautiful art. Discover San Jose and Katherine would both like to say “Grazie mille amici!” or “Thanks so much friends!”
For more information on Gioia Company, please visit gioiacompany.com
You can also follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/gioiaitalianartandproducts
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