By Barbara Schafer—
MUNCIE, IN—This First Thursday, November 6th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. stop by Gordy Fine Art & Framing to celebrate with Carl and Barbara their first decade of ownership. Greg Pyle will be sharing his musical talents with artworks by various artists that have called Muncie home. Barbara and Carl will be speaking at 6:15 pm. Refreshments will be served.
“Our success over these ten years is because we live in a community where people want to support a small family owned business. They want personalized service with individuals who stand by their work. We learn our customers’ names and why the piece we are framing is important to them. Word of mouth has been an important driver to the Gordy success. We also live in a community that has watched out for us. During COVID, people checked in with us and made sure we had the resources to not only continue but grow,” says Barbara. The Schafers truly understand that without community support small businesses can’t survive.
Founded in 1989 in their current location at 224 E. Main Street by artists Brian and Genny Gordy as Gordy Art Mart, a custom framing and art supply store. In the 2000s, the arts supply portion of the business moved closer to BSU’s campus and Gordy Fine Art & Framing was formed to continue quality framing but also showcase artworks from local artists. The gallery became a key driver in establishing First Thursdays, bringing the local university and wider community together monthly in an effort to help revitalize downtown.
In 2015, ownership transitioned to Carl and Barbara Schafer, both museum professionals with more than fifteen years of experience working with both art and historic objects in upstate New York and eastern Pennsylvania. Both grew up in Indiana and returned in 2006 when Carl accepted the position of Associate Director of the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State University. Barbara would become Grants Administrator for the Muncie Children’s Museum.
Carl would get to know Brian Gordy as he would repair frames for the Museum of Art. A collegial friendship formed, and Brian shared his efforts to start looking for a buyer for the business so he and Genny could retire. This ignited an idea in the Schafers who were looking to make a professional change. After a year of research and much discussion with family, local business leaders, banks, accountants, and lawyers as well as the full support of the Gordys, Carl and Barbara decided to take a leap and buy this well established and trusted arts business.
The Schafers expanded the company’s services to include digital photo printing and art & antique appraisals. According to Carl, “The business continues to focus on local craftsmanship and its role in preserving art and family treasures. We offer personalized quality framing options for all seeking those services. We also offer museum-quality framing, including hand-carved and gilded frames, and antique frame restoration.” Their commitment to craftsmanship, paired with monthly gallery exhibitions, position the business as both a retail and cultural anchor in the city’s strengthening arts corridor.
Barbara and Carl are committed to making the Muncie community the best place to live. They are proud parents of two Muncie Central graduates. Carl is on the board of Muncie Arts and has chaired the Mayor’s Arts Award for several years. Barbara is on the board for Cornerstone Center for the Arts as well as having a contract grant writing business that regularly works with the Muncie Children’s Museum, ecoREHAB, and the 8twelve Coalition.
About Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company
Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company promotes talented artists and offers expert design and craftsmanship for framing and displaying treasured family possessions and works of art. Business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm. Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre. For more information, visit www.gordyframing.com or call 765-284-8422.