Crystal Clark has always had an eye for art. When she began apprenticing at a frame shop ten years ago, her background in art and her passion for building and creating were a perfect fit for the work. The owner of the shop where Crystal worked was looking to pass the trade along to someone else, and retired roughly five years later. It was then, in 2018, that Crystal took over and moved into their current location in College Corner. The Clarks had lived in the area and raised their children here, and the location in the town square seemed like the right move. Now celebrating her fifth year in business at FrameMakers, Crystal continues to invest in the community. Hers is a shop with a lot of flair and personality, hosting much more than just frame selections. Original art, posters and prints, trinkets and gifts, incense and lip gloss…the store is more than a frame shop. In summers, Crystal works with local 4H photography students, and sponsors a Tee ball team in College Corner called the Framemaker Hammers. But it is always the art coming in that brings Crystal the most joy. When asked about her favorite part of the job, she said, “Since the pandemic I have been seeing lots of family photos and heirlooms come in: art a loved one has made, or something special they owned, even textiles. Those are my favorite to frame because they mean the most to people. We like happy tears here!” Stop by Framemakers Gallery at 15 Junction Street in West College Corner Tuesday - Friday from 11:00-1:00 and Saturday 10:00-1:00, or call to make an appointment 513-523-3111.
