Muncie Art Dealer Under New Ownership
(pictured left to right) Brian Gordy
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe owners of Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company have sold their downtown Muncie business after 26 years. The business will retain the Gordy name after being bought by Carl and Barbara Schafer.
Brian and Genny Gordy founded the business in 1989 and have brought in many clients including various art museums. The business specializes in antique frame restoration and reproduction. Genny Gordy also began the First Thursday gallery openings about 15 years ago.
"The Schafers have a lot of experience and knowledge. They realize that working personally with clients and being visible in the community makes a big difference for a downtown shop like this," said Brian Gordy. "Carl and I have worked together on appropriate restoration solutions for frames that are centuries old. He knows what it takes to do this kind of work."
Brian Gordy will remain with the business for two years to oversee hand-carving and gilding projects. During that time, he will work to transfer his specialized skills to the rest of the team.
Carl Schafer previously served as associate director of the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State University. He will be adding new services to the business including fabrication of furniture and mounts for displaying art and crates for traveling art. Barbara Schafer will add an art appraisal service.
"This is a great time to invest in Muncie," Schafer said. "There has been considerable investment in the downtown core in the past several years to develop commercial and residential space. This is encouraging much more arts related activities that attract people to the unique offerings here. Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company will continue to be a leader in developing the city’s identity as a center for arts and culture."
