Our staff is what separates us from other frame shops in the Twin Cities! All of our designers/framers have many years of picture framing experience! You won’t get this kind of design help and quality craftsmanship just anywhere!
Tim Smith
At Carter Ave. Frame Shop Tim Smith holds the distinction of being the only Master of Divinity on staff. While studying at seminary, Tim worked part-time at a frame shop to help make ends meet. Impressed by his work, his employer asked him if he would be interested in purchasing Carter Ave. Frame Shop with him. During his final year at seminary, Tim became the co-owner of Carter Ave. Frame Shop back in its tiny, original location off the parking lot of Milton Square. Eventually Tim bought out his partner and became the sole owner. Tim became one of the first Certified Picture Framers in Minnesota way back in 1986.
Tim has been taking guitar lessons and practicing a lot. He enjoys listening to records in his new music room. He remains involved with his church, St. Michael’s, where he plays his guitar for worship services. He and his wife Karen enjoy cooking, entertaining, traveling, and gardening. They recently bought a 1916 bungalow in St. Anthony Park and are busy sharing it with friends and keeping the garden beautiful. Tim is a proud father with two adult sons, Andy and Michael. Tim has taken to riding his road bike often and completed his first century ride (100 miles). You’ll also find him sitting in the front row of his favorite jazz club listening to some hot tunes.
Pam Johnson
The picture framing saga of Pam Johnson began over ten years ago when she opened the Afton Art Gallery in 1993. Like many gallery owners, she started with little experience, but developed her picture framing skills quickly. Unfortunately, Afton Art Gallery met with a premature demise a few years later. Faulty wiring caused a devastating fire that burned down the historic Afton building that contained the gallery and several other businesses.
She was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She grew up in Cottage Grove and moved to Afton for her high school years. She owns a lovely house hidden away in a wooded lot that she enjoys year-round. Pam has two children - Kayla and Nick. Kayla is a student at Century College and Nick is a student at St. Cloud State. In her spare time, Pam is a practicing Anglophile and enjoys watching British programs on PBS – especially BBC comedies and movies set in Victorian times. She loves reading mysteries. Pam also enjoys riding horses. Nick suggested getting a horse for the back yard, but Pam says the neighbors might have something to say about that. Of picture framing, Pam says, “The best part is seeing a finished product that’s designed well.” She adds that, “It’s a whole lot more interesting than selling shoes,” her first job during high school.
Rachel Nelson
Rachel is the newest member of our staff, and we’re glad we snagged her. Rachel’s double major in art history and studio arts from Augsburg College, along with her amazing eye for color made her the standout when we were interviewing designer/framers.
Rachel grew up in Albert Lea, but has lived some in Bolton, England, as well. Her mother’s family is from Great Britain. Rachel is an artist, working mostly in watercolor. While studying at Augsburg, she worked at the school’s three art galleries. She hopes some day to have a career in a major museum. She completed her master’s degree in Art History at the University of St. Thomas. Besides keeping us up to date on celebrity news, Rachel is a big fan of the Rolling Stones and has admitted a crush on Mick Jagger. Her favorite satellite radio station is “The Big 80’s”. When she’s not working, Rachel loves to hang out with her friends, and has perfected the art of grilling at her Minneapolis apartment. She recently made a birthday resolution to run a half marathon and to learn to play the guitar. We are pleased to have Rachel join our staff, and hope you will enjoy her bubbly personality and design skills as much as we have.
Hours
Contact Info
(651) 645-7862
2186 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
In St. Anthony Park two blocks east of Bibelot and Muffuletta
