July 2011
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www.fdlreporter.com
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.