Q10: South Shore Gallery & Framing

South Shore Gallery & Framing
2627 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Shelly La Londe
(414) 481-1820
southshoregalleryandframing.com
shellylalonde@email.com

1. What do you frame?

I frame anything that is not alive and will not rot under glass. Some of the more noteworthy things have been a seven-foot, four-panel world map puzzle; an African death club (a collector’s item); a conch shell; and a Halloween-house cookie, which was carefully sealed. I will frame pretty much anything within reason.

2. What is the focus of your gallery?

The focus of my shop is archival custom framing and community-based Gallery Nights to showcase local arts.

3. How often do you show?

I usually show every Galley Night. We always have a great reception.

4. How did you learn to run a business?

I come from a family of self-taught business people, from a family concrete business-my last name is stamped in concrete all over Bay View-to interior design to real estate. In this economy creative marketing helps too.

5. What inspired you to do school shows?

After 12 years of business I decided to dedicate some time to giving back to schools and their art programs. I sponsor local schools and sell the students’ work. Half of the proceeds go to the student and half to the school’s art program. I benefit from the exposure and have a great time doing it. This also teaches students and budding artists the business of art and how to display their work. Some of the best times I have as a businessperson are sharing this love of the creative process with kids and their families. I loved the arts as a child and now realize that schools are cutting funding, especially in the arts. This is my small way of giving back to a community that has helped sustain my business for years. There has been an influx of new families here and this is also a grassroots way to introduce myself to people with children. I want to help support the effort to keep the arts alive, no matter how small a contribution I make. The shows I have with the schools are some of the most successful ever; the attendance is great and everybody leaves very happy-it is a real family affair.

6. What do you like most about your business?

I love the independence that I have and I love the people I work with. I really believe that Bay View is one of the best places to live and work. It challenges most businesses, but it is a place that you will meet the most sincere and real people who care about their community. I know it is my core customer base that keeps me in business-and keeps me wanting to give them the best product I can. My favorite thing is to hear someone is really pleased with their piece and knowing that makes me feel I am doing the right thing. I think people know I will give them what they want and stand behind the work I do. There is something very satisfying about creating something beautiful and functional and making someone happy.

7. What is most challenging about your business?

I would say the most challenging thing about my business is the current economy. I have needed to create a greater online presence and to be creative with marketing my store, like producing a series of south shore prints, offering print services, and sponsoring giveaways. Fortunately, SSG&F is on solid ground, but I have watched numerous stores go out of business in the last few years and now am actually benefiting from the lack of framers in the area. I am a single mom and always have been; that is always challenging since I am sole provider and run an online natural skincare website as well. As much work as all of this has been, my business is ideal for me and I feel very fortunate to still be working at it.

8. What would make Bay View better for business?

I think that Bay View is really on its way to something good. I see a transition that is healthy and gaining momentum. It may take a little longer on this side of town but that is okay. The pedestrian traffic is up, as far as I can see, and there are new faces everywhere. I guess a working business association that can stay in place long enough to help with business promotion and recruitment would be great-and slowing traffic down on KK would be helpful. People fly by my store and there are quite a few accidents at this stretch of KK.

9. Is parking a problem?

Not so much for me since I am at the tail end of the business district in this area. I have parking toward St. Lucas and across the street and around the corner on Potter Avenue. Not many people have complained about the parking.

10. What can people find at your store that they can’t find anywhere else?

I have a great selection of frames from over 40 different vendors and I have a frame and print finding service. I provide quality conservation framing at a reasonable price and offer design services, hanging, and delivery services free of charge. I offer beautiful images of the Milwaukee area produced and sold exclusively at SSG&F. I take time with people and offer a great casual atmosphere to make people feel comfortable when they come in. I also have Theodore and MaxLuv to greet people who want a little puppy love and I have what anyone needs to create a great piece of artwork ready to hang.

See photos of some of the student shows at southshoregalleryandframing.com.