Photos & Story by Joseph Boyle
I have been driving by this well known, respected, cozy art and frame shop for more than 41 years. The shop, formerly located at 11004 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, is now an empty building with no art in sight.
Have you been wondering what happened? My friend, Jean Jensen, told me she saw the empty building and was so disappointed to learn her favorite frame and art shop had gone out business. Having a curious mind, I wanted to find out more and here is what I learned.
The independent frame and gallery shop has been in that same location since 1952.
Herb Volz founded the shop, first called The Lakewood Frame Shop.
During the late 1960s or early 1970s the business expanded into the art market and changed it’s name to The Lakewood Gallery.
In about 2002 the current owners, Jan Giroux and Holly Brown, combined the two old names to make the new name, The Lakewood Gallery and Framing, Inc.
I asked Jan Giroux why she thought her business had continued to be successful for 52 years. Jan and Holly attribute the success of their shop to the following elements: 1) Customer loyalty built from quality, creative and ethical service. 2) A can-do spirit. If a customer can drag an item through the door, Jan and Holly can frame it. 3) Both owners have considerable design skills. 4) Jan and Holly stay current with framing trends, design and technology. 5) Their store offers artwork that appeals to all audiences including limited prints, original artwork, blown glass and metalwork art. 6) Because Lakewood has been good to The Lakewood Gallery and Framing, they enjoy giving back to our community, by donating thousands of dollars of their products and supplies to local schools and charity auctions each year. 7) Local service clubs and universities consider them to be their framer of choice since the business is now a local institution and is well connected to our community in a positive way. 8) They make house calls to your home or business to help you with your art needs.
Jean Jensen, I have good news. The Lakewood Gallery and Frame Shop is still in business in an all new nearby location just down the street from their old location.
So where are they now? Drive over to 9514-D Gravelly Lake Dr SW and you will find the new shop in our Lakewood 1937 vintage Colonial Center Building.
Their new shop is gorgeous. Check it out. Even the concrete floor exudes an artistic feeling. Yes, if you visit their shop, you will be able to walk on art.
There are lots of ways for you to find out more. Visit the shop in person. Call Jan and Holly at 253-584-1774. Check out their two web sites: www.lakewoodgallery.com and www.lakewoodgals.blogspot.com.
The Lakewood Gallery and Frame Shop is a fun place to visit.
Thanks Joseph – I too was curious about it and what was their story. Great to know! Another icon was the Columbia Optical at 59th Ave and 100th Street, what was the story on them.