Donald Zolan
A Classic Art Brand Licensed Since 1977
A Classic Brand. A World of Childhood Adventures. The Art of Zolan. For nearly 50 years, Donald Zolan has captured the little adventures of childhood and the enduring magic of Santa Claus. Licensed since 1977 and co-branded with iconic American brands, the Zolan collection blends emotional connection with lasting artistry — imagery that continues to touch hearts, spark memories, and create lasting connections across generations.
Born into a family of five generations of artists and sculptors, Donald Zolan (1937–2009) grew up in a working-class home in Brookfield, Illinois, with creativity woven into his heritage. Painting and drawing from the age of three, he earned his first scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago at thirteen, and later completed a four-year program at Chicago’s American Academy of Art in just two years.
After apprenticing with the famed illustrator of the Coca-Cola Santa, Zolan refined his craft at the Art Students League in New York City. He began selling his original oil paintings in galleries and art fairs throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In 1977, Zolan’s fresh, heartfelt paintings of children caught the eye of Pemberton & Oakes, launching him into the world of collectibles and art licensing. Over the next 48 years, he became one of America’s most beloved children’s artists, celebrated with multiple awards and international recognition. Today, his legacy lives on in art, collectibles, and licensed products that continue to inspire across generations.
The Brand
With nearly fifty years in licensing, Donald Zolan established one of the most enduring art brands in the collectibles and gift market. His legacy includes more than 300 original oil paintings that poetically capture the innocence, curiosity, and small adventures of childhood — imagery that continues to resonate with families and collectors alike.
Zolan’s artistry extended beyond childhood into one of his most beloved collections: the Classic Santa Claus series. Inspired by his early apprenticeship with Haddon Sundblom, the master illustrator of the Coca-Cola Santa, Zolan’s Santas carry the same warmth, joy, and timeless spirit that have made them enduring icons of Christmas art and highly successful in licensing.
His ability to tell universal stories through both childhood and holiday imagery made Zolan one of America’s most celebrated artists in collectibles, earning over 20 awards across fine art and licensed products. In 1996, the Zolan brand became one of the first in the art licensing world to align with iconic American names including Collegiate, John Deere, International Harvester, New York Yankees, Shirley Temple, and Radio Flyer. These collaborations established Zolan as both a cultural touchstone and a proven brand partner.
Today, following Donald Zolan’s passing in 2009, the brand continues to be recognized as a Classic Art Brand, valued for its emotional connection, family-centered storytelling, and nostalgic vision of childhood. Through licensing, the Zolan collection — from childhood adventures to the magic of Santa Claus — offers timeless imagery that connects with new generations while honoring its heritage in the global art and collectibles market.
Philosophy
“A childhood where children can truly be children.”
Donald Zolan believed art could do more than decorate walls — it could nurture hearts, inspire hope, and protect the spirit of childhood. His vision was to make a positive difference in the lives of children by creating art that radiates joy, innocence, and love.
At its heart, the Zolan brand is guided by this same philosophy: that every child deserves to discover their world with wonder, safety, and delight. Through licensing partnerships and social licensing projects, we seek to honor Zolan’s legacy by supporting initiatives that protect childhood innocence and champion children’s rights around the world.
“I wish that all children could live the kind of joyous, secure and happy childhood that I capture in my paintings. A childhood filled with love, hugs and kisses, a childhood free from fear and want, a childhood with freedom to express their individuality, and a childhood where children can be children in the first few years of their lives.”
— Donald Zolan (1937–2009), Requiescat in Pace
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