July 2011
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Kaye Photography takes journalistic approach
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Upcoming events in downtown Fond du Lac
Flohr’s Photography in downtown for 14 years
Gallery & Frame Shop
spotlights local artists and custom framing
Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter For 32 years the Gallery & Frame Shop has been an anchor in the downtown at 94 S. Main St.
images to be printed on canvas or paper and create the desired size to fit their wall space.
In 2002 Julie Balson took over ownership of the full-service picture framing and art gallery business started by her parents Dick and Dolly Lewis in 1975.
Art from several local artists is showcased at the Gallery & Frame Shop, including notecards of historic Fond du Lac buildings by artist Marla Janes, originals and pendants by Mel Kolstad, photography by Brian Kolstad, notecards by Cathie Seffern, pottery by Christ Tzakais and original art by Don Kloetzke and Roger Sippel.
“I’ve been involved with the shop since its inception,” Balson said, noting that the catalyst for her dad opening the business in 1975 was a work strike at his place of employment, Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Company. “My father was a machinist, and when the strike occurred he packed up his toolbox and started the Wood Shop Gallery & Frame Shop out of our home on First Street,” Balson said. “In 1979 my father purchased our current location at 94 S. Main St.” “Around 1986 my mother and I were operating the business together while my father formed the Wisconsin Professional Picture Framers Association. He went on to be president of the National Professional Picture Framers Association.”
Art is also available from many other well-known artists such as Terry Redlin. Posters, limited edition art, framed art, giftware, UV glass options, including museum glass, ready-made frames, precut mats and mat board are also available. “We offer many framing options. Clients can purchase the components and take it home to finish it or they can take advantage of our full-service framing option,” Balson said, noting services include mat-cutting, canvas stretching, stitchery and textile framing, and creating shadow boxes — to name a few.
Fourth from top: Julie Balson, owner of Gallery & Frame Shop on South Main Street, peers through one of the many frame samples at the shop. She took over the business in 2002 from her parents, who founded the business in 1975.
Photos above show the range of Three fourths of the main framing and products at Gallery & floor at Gallery & Frame Shop Summer hours at the Gallery & Frame Shop Frame Shop, 94 S. Main St. is dedicated to the retail art are 9:30 to 5 Monday through Friday; 9:30 to 4 (Aileen Andrews photos/The gallery and custom pictureReporter) framing design area. The Saturday; and Wednesday nights until 7. remaining space is for custom To learn more go to www.galleryframe.net or framing and finishing. The Fair in July. call (920) 921-1144. The shop also has a presence basement level houses space The final night of the Fair she brings back the winning on Facebook and Twitter. for frame assembly, stretching pieces to be put in her display windows for a month-long of canvases and cutting mats. exhibit. Community involvement with Balson says her own training in the profession is derived “Last year’s response was wonderful. The kids were so art is evident at Gallery & Frame Shop. Twice a year Balson from continuous education in the association her father excited,” she said. displays student art. started. An organizer by nature, Balson has been instrumental in a “March is Youth Art Month, and every year we display Works by well-known artists near and far can be purchased new art venture coming to the downtown — an effort she artwork from the middle and high school art classes,” and framed at the shop. Some pieces are already framed hopes will attract people to Main Street. Balson said. and on display. Customers can also bring in their own art “A group of us are organizing Fond du Lac’s own art walk or meaningful items such as sports jerseys or handmade From the end of July through August, Balson will display called Tour the Town,” Balson said. “It will premiere Friday needlepoint wall hangings to be framed. 4-H gallery award winners. night, September 16.” The shop’s online presence offers a link to Artaissance “We started this award last year,” Balson said, noting she “I want to continue striving to make our downtown a — a personalized option where customers can select art judges the student art projects at the Fond du Lac County destination,” Balson added.
July 2011
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Kaye Photography
approach
takes journalistic Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter
Although the office for Kaye Photography is located downtown at 166 Sheboygan St., owner Stephanie Unke (whose middle name is Kaye) snaps her pictures at nearby locations chosen by her clients. “My entire client base is driven by onlocation photography,” Unke said. Unke launched her photography business two years ago after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Doing the behind-the-scenes work for her business in the downtown is convenient, Unke said, noting she doesn’t want the structure of a studio and feels she can be more creative outside that setting. Her downtown office is used primarily for photo editing and designing during the
time she is not out taking photographs or meeting with clients. “I love the atmosphere and charm of the downtown. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of,” Unke says, noting she is a Fond du Lac native. “Being close to the other businesses is great for networking, and I am also close to many different locations for shooting, which is fantastic.” Unke takes a modern photojournalistic approach to her work. Wedding and engagement photography is her specialty, but she also takes pictures of children, families, high school seniors, and does some commercial photography. “After doing freelance work and shooting a few weddings from word-of-mouth, I decided to take on a name and create
To learn more about Kaye Photography call (920) 904-0480, email Stephanie at stephanie@kayephotography.com or visit her website www.kayephotography.com.
a website,” Unke says of her business startup two years ago. “Everything sort of just fell into place.” The business has grown through satisfied customers. “My past clients are more than eager to spread the word,” she said. “I am so thankful to be able to meet such wonderful people.” “I meet with clients and take all photos on location. Prints are conveniently delivered by mail, and can be viewed and ordered online as well,” Unke says, noting she does not have set hours at her office. “Many times I am out on location so the best way to reach me is by phone or email.”
Photographer Stephanie Unke is shown at work in photos above. In the photo at the top of the page, she is visible in the monitor of the camera. Her middle name is Kaye, which gave rise to the name of her photography business. Her office is located at 166 Sheboygan St. (Patrick Flood PHOTOS/The Reporter)
Experience Downtown Fond du lac is published by The Reporter, Fond du Lac. Contents of this section are published for The Reporter. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of The Reporter. For more information, contact Michael Mentzer, managing editor, at 920-907-7910 or e-mail mmentzer@fdlreporter.com.
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For more information on what’s happening in downtown Fond du Lac, call 920.921.9500 or log on to www.downtownfdl.com July 18
Creative Dynamics - Summer Acting Workshops Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 8-10 Goodrich Little Theatre
This workshop allows young students to use their imagination to transform a story into a play, learning the importance of focus, development of character and use of pantomime. Visit www. cmfdl.org for more information.
The Tortoise Versus the Hare Audition Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 10:00am - noon (only for those cast) $30 for members / $75 for non-members; Ages 6-18 | Goodrich Little Theatre
Painting Class Jennabee Art Gallery & Studio 7:00-8:00pm | $10 per class
Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor. Each week we will be learning a new skill specific to the classes needs. Bring your own materials $10. To use the Gallery materials $15. Visit www. jennabeeartgallery.yolasite.com.
July 23
The Tortoise Versus the Hare Performance Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 6:00pm | Goodrich Little Theatre
July 24
Sunday Stories Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 11:30-12pm | $4.25 per guest, infants The Missoula Children’s Theatre provides a week-long residency “starring” 50 - 60 students under 1 are free | 51 Sheboygan Street in a full scale musical, The Tortoise Versus The Hare.” Missoula has been touring for 35 years and annually visits nearly 1,300 communities in all 50 states.
The Tortoise Versus the Hare Practices Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 10:00am - 2:30pm | (only for those cast) $30 for members / $75 for nonmembers | Goodrich Little Theatre
July 19
Chameleon Improv - Summer Acting Workshops Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 8-18 Goodrich Little Theatre
Participation is emphasized as the students learn to act without a script. This workshop is geared to all students from beginners to more experienced young actors. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.
Museum visitors are invited to hear a story enhanced with creative dramatics and group participation. Featuring selections from the New York Public Library’s “100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know”, participants will be inspired by literature to create art and fun! Program is free with paid admission. No reservations are necessary.
July 26 Dino Days 1 (Session A) Begins Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 9:30 - 10:00am | FREE for members / $24 for non-members; Ages 3-5 | 51 Sheboygan St.
Stomp, Stomp, Roar, Roar -- Here comes a dinosaur! This class is designed for the dinosaur enthusiast. Children will be able to participate in hand-on projects and activities encouraging them to imagine the pre-historic world of dinosaurs. Instructed by Jenny Olson. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.
Dino Days 1 (Session B) Begins Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac July 20 2:30 - 3:00pm Cermamics Around the World FREE for members / $24 for non-members; (Session A) Ends Ages 3-5 | 51 Sheboygan St. Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac Dino Days 2 (Session C) Begins 10:30-noon | $40 for members / $60 Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac for non-members; Ages 6-10 1:00 - 1:30pm 51 Sheboygan St. Young artists will enjoy exploring ceramics FREE for members / $24 for nonfrom around the world as they are inspired by members; literature, history and traditions. Visit www. Ages 6-9 | 51 Sheboygan St. cmfdl.org for more information.
Let’s Make-Up - Summer Acting Workshops Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 5-12 Goodrich Little Theatre
This workshop teaches students of all ages corrective, old-age and fantasy make-up techniques. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.
July 27
Art Around Town Ends Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 9:15 - 10:00am $35 for members / $55 for non-members; Ages 3-5 | 51 Sheboygan St.
Lighthouses, Lake Winnebago, soccer fields, waterslides, windmills and farms...Little ones will be proud to display their artwork, inspired by local landmarks. This class offers a perfect combination of activity and art time!
Music, Museum and Me! (Session C) Ends Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 10:00 - 10:30am $18 for members / $30 for non-members; Ages 3 & 4 | 51 Sheboygan St.
This class will expose your little one to music, movement and playful group interaction. Children and their caregivers will delight in songs that feature instruments, finger plays and fun learning opportunities!
Music, Museum and Me! (Session D) Ends Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 10:00am - 10:30am $18 for members / $30 for non-members: Ages 3 & 4 | 51 Sheboygan St.
This class will expose your little one to music, movement and playful group interaction. Children and their caregivers will delight in songs that feature instruments, finger plays and fun learning opportunities!
Painting Class Jennabee Art Gallery & Studio 7:00-8:00pm | $10 per class
Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor. Each week we will be learning a new skill specific to the classes needs. Bring your own materials $10. To use the Gallery materials $15. Visit jennabeeartgallery. yolasite.com
July 29
Songs Around the Campfire Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac | 12:00 - 12:30pm $4.25 per guest, infants under 1 are free 51 Sheboygan St.
Summer is perfect for camping and what’s more fun than singing songs around the campfire? Free with paid admission on Fridays in July and August.
July 31 Sunday Stories Childrens Museum of Fond du Lac 11:30-12pm | $4.25 per guest, infants under 1 are free | 51 Sheboygan Street Museum visitors are invited to hear a story enhanced with creative dramatics and group participation. Featuring selections from the New York Public Library’s “100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know”, participants will be inspired by literature to create art and fun! Program is free with paid admission. No reservations are necessary.
Calendar of Events
Fondue Fest — Saturday, Sept. 10 Monster March — Saturday, Oct. 29 Holiday Open House Weekend — November 11-13 Home for the Holidays — Saturday, December 3
1 - Ahern Gross, Inc.
6 - Fox Valley Savings Bank
2 - Beadalotta
7 - Gallery and Frame Shop
3 - Cujaks Wine Market
8 - JJC Flooring and Design Center
4 - Flohrs Photgraphy
9 - Kaye Photography
5 - Focus Inc.
10 - Woods Floral and Gifts
Our “Advertising Hot Spots” displays the locations of our valued advertisers in this special section. You can easily find their locations on the map and then find their ads within these pages to find the great specials and deals that they have to offer you!
July 2011
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Gary Flohr of Flohr’s Photography poses for a shot in his studio at 17 E. First St.
Flohr’s Photography
in downtown for 14 years Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter Gary Flohr moved his photography business from his home to Fond du Lac’s downtown at 17 E. First St. in 1997 when he retired from Mercury Marine to venture into a new career. Taking pictures was a passion he discovered while serving as a photographer in the Navy from 1969-1972. Upon completion of his military duties in 1972, he began taking assignments for wedding photography out of his home — all while working full time for Mercury Marine for the next 25 years. Business and accounting degrees gave
All photo sessions take place with a combination of backdrops found inside the studio and at off-site locations. “Many of our senior graduation portraits are shot outdoors in the downtown area or in Hobbs Woods,” Flohr said, noting the historic brick alley outside his studio is a great background. Pregnancy progression photography has become popular at Flohr’s studio. The expectant mother goes to the studio each month, dressed in the same outfit. Photos are taken from the same view to show the change in her body shape on a monthly
To learn more about Flohr’s Photography call (920) 922-1866, or online at website www.flohrsphotography.com him the educational background for his work at Mercury as well as for running his photography business. “I did upwards of 50 weddings a year during those working years at Merc,” Flohr said, noting that he has photographed more than 1,500 weddings over the past 39 years he has operated his photo business. In making the career switch, Flohr said he had a desire to see if he could survive on his passion for photography. “I was at a point where it was more than just a hobby,” Flohr said. “I had a mini-business going and a pretty strong customer base, so I jumped in full time.” Flohr’s Photography is a full-service portrait studio specializing in photos of weddings, children, families, high school seniors, special events and commercial photography.
basis. The end result is a wide panoramic photo that shows the monthly progression of her pregnancy, with the final shot including the happy parents holding their newborn. Flohr also has fun doing a translucent type photo in which the newborn baby magically appears, through digital tricks of the trade, to be back inside the expectant mother’s tummy. In choosing the location for his studio, Flohr said he and his customers benefit from being in the heart of downtown. “We have great exposure here and are easy to find,” he pointed out. Hours at Flohr’s Photography are 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Appointments can also be made beyond set hours by calling (920) 922-1866. Visitors can also find the studio on Facebook or online at www.flohrsphotography.com.
TOP: The entry way welcomes prospective customers to Flohr’s Photography. BOTTOM: Examples of Gary Flohr’s work are visible along a wall in his studio. (Patrick Flood/The Reporter)