As the city’s arts movement booms, so does local business, American Frame. Beginning in a garage and now expanded to a showroom with a gallery and workshop space, the business gives local artists resources, on a professional level, by offering free classes and workshops that help artists frame, print and mat their own work, bringing a community of artists into the store.
“The Showroom, which was recently redone and expanded in October of 2015, offers American Frame an energy we would not be able to tap into without this place for the community to gather. It gives us a chance for events, gallery shows, classes, and face to face interaction with our customers,” says Lindsey Harrison, Showroom Manager. “We are part of the local art community. We are privileged to be in a position where we can support, elevate, and promote the fine local artists in our area as well as the art community at large.”
To find out how American Frame moved out of the garage and into the sphere of business, we caught up with Laura Jajko, president.
TCP: Tell us about the origins of American Frame?
Laura Jajko: My dad started this company in our garage back in 1973. His idea was to sell custom picture frames to the public via direct mail which was then new to the custom picture frame industry. My sister, Dana & I, continue to grow the company online and in our store.
TCP: How did you choose Toledo as the home for your business?
LJ: Toledo chose us! Our family is Toledo born and bred. Our physical location is actually in Maumee which, to us, is integral to Toledo.
TCP: How have you seen the Toledo market change over the years?
LJ: The city has become an incubator for the arts and we are so proud to be a part of this story. With all the fine work being done by the Museum, the Toledo Arts Commission, the local universities and art schools, we are energized by the opportunities we see for artists and art appreciators.
American Frame pairs up with nonprofit and art organizations to fundraise and support their mission. The showroom has a gallery for art related lectures or meetings, following the notion that the success of an artist is the business’s goal.
In the showroom, see the works of local abstract artist
Vineta Cook in her solo exhibit, “Inner Stories” through September 30.
Join Cook for an Artist Talk & Reception from
11:30am-2pm on Saturday, September 24.
American Frame Showroom | 400 Tomahawk Dr.
419-887-8030 for the showroom.
8:30am-5:30pm | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday and Friday
8:30-6:30pm | Thursday | 10am-2pm | Saturday
americanframe.com/showroom.aspx
