July 2011 | www.fdlreporter.com 1

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 framing and products at Gallery & Frame Shop, 94 S. Main St.

(Aileen Andrews photos/the reporter)

Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter

spotlights local artists and custom framing

Gallery & Frame Shop

Kaye photography takes journalistic approach

Upcoming events in downtown Fond du lac

Flohr’s photography in downtown for 14 years

For 32 years the Gallery & Frame Shop has been an anchor in the downtown at 94 S. Main St.

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.

“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.”

Balson says her own training in the profession is derived from continuous education in the association her father started.

Works by well-known artists near and far can be purchased and framed at the shop. Some pieces are already framed and on display. Customers can also bring in their own art or meaningful items such as sports jerseys or handmade needlepoint wall hangings to be framed.

The shop’s online presence offers a link to Artaissance — a personalized option where customers can select art

images to be printed on canvas or paper and create the desired size to fit their wall space.

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.

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, pre-cut 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.

Three fourths of the main floor at Gallery & Frame Shop is dedicated to the retail art gallery and custom picture-framing design area. The remaining space is for custom framing and finishing. The basement level houses space for frame assembly, stretching of canvases and cutting mats.

Community involvement with art is evident at Gallery & Frame Shop. Twice a year Balson displays student art.

“March is Youth Art Month, and every year we display artwork from the middle and high school art classes,” Balson said.

From the end of July through August, Balson will display 4-H gallery award winners.

“We started this award last year,” Balson said, noting she judges the student art projects at the Fond du Lac County

Fair in July.

The final night of the Fair she brings back the winning pieces to be put in her display windows for a month-long exhibit.

“Last year’s response was wonderful. The kids were so excited,” she said.

An organizer by nature, Balson has been instrumental in a new art venture coming to the downtown — an effort she hopes will attract people to Main Street.

“A group of us are organizing Fond du Lac’s own art walk called Tour the Town,” Balson said. “It will premiere Friday night, September 16.”

“I want to continue striving to make our downtown a destination,” Balson added.

Summer hours at the Gallery & Frame Shop are 9:30 to 5 Monday through Friday; 9:30 to 4 Saturday; and Wednesday nights until 7.

To learn more go to www.galleryframe.net or call (920) 921-1144. The shop also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

E1E1

July 2011 | www.fdlreporter.com2

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.

General Manager/Executive Editor: richarD roEsgEn Managing Editor: MichaEl MEntzEr | Contributing Writer: Dorothy BliskEy Photography: patrick FlooD | Graphic Artist: MariE rayoME-gillAdvertising Director: lisa o’halloran | Advertising Manager: JEn MEMMEl Circulation Manager: grEg FyviE | Wisconsin Production Center Manager: tina twEEDalE

If you would like to be a part of, or receive information on advertising rates for this monthly section, please call Liz Engh at 920-907-7904 or email her at, lengh@gannett.com.

kaye photographytakes journalistic

To learn more about Kaye Photography call (920) 904-0480, email Stephanie at stephanie@kayephotography.com or visit her website www.kayephotography.com.

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)

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 on-location 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

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.”

Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter

approach

E2E2

3

1 - Ahern Gross, Inc.

2 - Beadalotta

3 - Cujaks Wine Market

4 - Flohrs Photgraphy

5 - Focus Inc.

6 - Fox Valley Savings Bank

7 - Gallery and Frame Shop

8 - JJC Flooring and Design Center

9 - Kaye Photography

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 18Creative Dynamics - Summer Acting WorkshopsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 8-10Goodrich Little TheatreThis 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 - AuditionChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac10:00am - noon (only for those cast) $30 for members / $75 for non-members; Ages 6-18 | Goodrich Little TheatreThe Missoula Children’s Theatre provides a week-long residency “starring” 50 - 60 students 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 - PracticesChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac10:00am - 2:30pm | (only for those cast) $30 for members / $75 for non-members | Goodrich Little Theatre

July 19Chameleon Improv - Summer Acting WorkshopsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 8-18Goodrich Little TheatreParticipation 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.

July 20Cermamics Around the World (Session A) EndsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac10:30-noon | $40 for members / $60 for non-members; Ages 6-1051 Sheboygan St.Young artists will enjoy exploring ceramics from around the world as they are inspired by literature, history and traditions. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.

Let’s Make-Up - Summer Acting WorkshopsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac3:00 - 4:00pm; $5; Ages 5-12Goodrich Little TheatreThis workshop teaches students of all ages corrective, old-age and fantasy make-up techniques. Visit www.cmfdl.org for more information.

Painting ClassJennabee Art Gallery & Studio7:00-8:00pm | $10 per classOil, 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 23The Tortoise Versus the Hare - PerformanceChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac6:00pm | Goodrich Little Theatre

July 24Sunday StoriesChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac11:30-12pm | $4.25 per guest, infants under 1 are free | 51 Sheboygan StreetMuseum 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 26Dino Days 1 (Session A) BeginsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac9:30 - 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) BeginsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac2:30 - 3:00pmFREE for members / $24 for non-members; Ages 3-5 | 51 Sheboygan St.Dino Days 2 (Session C) BeginsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac1:00 - 1:30pmFREE for members / $24 for non-members; Ages 6-9 | 51 Sheboygan St.

July 27Art Around Town EndsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac9:15 - 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) EndsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac10:00 - 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) EndsChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac10:00am - 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 ClassJennabee Art Gallery & Studio7:00-8:00pm | $10 per classOil, 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 29Songs Around the CampfireChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac | 12:00 - 12:30pm$4.25 per guest, infants under 1 are free51 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 31Sunday StoriesChildrens Museum of Fond du Lac11:30-12pm | $4.25 per guest, infants under 1 are free | 51 Sheboygan StreetMuseum 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.

For more information on what’s happening in downtown Fond du Lac, call 920.921.9500 or log on to www.downtownfdl.com

Calendar of EventsFondue Fest — Saturday, Sept. 10Monster March — Saturday, Oct. 29Holiday Open House Weekend — November 11-13Home for the Holidays — Saturday, December 3

E3E3

July 2011 | www.fdlreporter.com4

Flohr’s photography in downtown for 14 yearsGary 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

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.

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

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.

Dorothy Bliskey | Special to The Reporter

To learn more about Flohr’s Photography call (920) 922-1866, or online at website 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)

Gary Flohr of Flohr’s Photography poses for a shot in his studio at 17 E. First St.

E4E4