09/11/2026
At 10am on 12 September 1978, I opened the doors to our business, for the first time! Today, we are still on Northland Ave in Appleton, 48 years later serving folks in the Fox Valley.
In the beginning, it was just a DIY & Custom Framing shop, along with a few prints and note cards. We had little idea of the road ahead but have evolved to become the Nation’s Most Award Winning Frame Shop and great purveyors of unique Home Décor, Gifts and Christmas Collectibles.
Thanks to many dedicated employees, loyal customers, long hours and many changes to our business model, we are here today, celebrating our 48th Business Anniversary! Thank you!
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Ten things you may not have known about The Frame Workshop in Appleton….
1) Located on W Northland Ave for the first 31 years, our business neighbors in Camelot Village included Pepe’s Pizza, The Ark of Crafts, Joseph’s Home Decorating and Steiger Nutrition Center.
2) Our first customer walked in on 12 September with arms full of art and prints, and shared, “I wanted to make sure you had a customer on your first day.” - Thanks, Bev Kreiss for driving from Ripon on that day.
3) We were initially closed on Mondays, as our weekday hours were 10am to 9pm Tues-Friday and Saturdays until 5:30pm… LONG DAYS.
4) Our first two employees were Jane (Bingen) Issac and Grace (Garriott) Flunker.
5) Winning our first framing competition ribbon in 1981, TFW has gone onto accumulating over 100+ framing awards in competition, on the National and International level.
6) When we opened in 1978, the existing custom framers in town were Landmark Gallery (Superior St), Helen’s Art Shop and Renetta’s Art Supply (Lawe St), all in Appleton.
7) When we opened in 1978, the major gift shop retailers were the Treasure Box and Donald's, both downtown on College Ave.
8) We hosted our first artist appearance in 1979 showcasing an exhibit of Children’s illustrations by Andee Most (of Milwaukee).
9) All of the original store fixtures, tables etc. were built on site by John, Jane Bingen and landlord, Vic Timm. They are still being used today.
10) Manager, Candy (Peeters) Wiater, had been an employee with the most longevity here, starting in 1992… 34 years!
Andersen, Laurie Van Asten Carol Andrews Pingel, Candy Wiater Kimberly Forbes Stephanie Grall Bitzan Linda Reinemann Minkebige Stark-Hale 'Wandke' Radtke Hennessey Oliver Velasco and many others...
