Meet the Staff

Come meet our staff, with over 170 years combined experience!

Mable: The Store Kitty.
Meow

Chuck Brei, Owner.

Karen: Twenty five years ago she began to learn the art of picture framing. Today she still learns every day. Also an artist since her teens years, she is currently trying to master the technique of watercolour. Karen believes that, "if you do those little extra things for the customers, they almost always come back." Her favorite part about Meuer's is that the gallery stands behind all the work and sales. Any problems that arise are always corrected immediately and with no charge to the customer. "Working for a business like that makes it easier to be confident in your work and sales."

Nicole: She has worked in the industry for fifteen years, having managed galleries in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nicole has always had a passion for art, having study art in Europe and other places. She loves the feel of the store and the diverse artwork that we offer and work with. "The gallery is a true small business community, recognizing repeat customers, being active in the community and supporting the arts." Nicole's favorite part of Meuer's is the experienced staff, offering new perspectives on the industry.

Paul has been at Meuer’s for more than 40 years. Even so, he was already an experience framer when he came to work for Bob Meuer in '63, having worked for Bresler’s, Phil Picone and the Print & Frame Shop in the old Kohl’s Shopping Center on University. Through the years and the few Meuer’s moves, he has experienced virtually all matting and framing material and lived the transition from hand stained and varnished frames, to the wide variety of metal, prefinished wood and leafed frames that are common today. He taught framing at MATC, and has framed everything from original Picassos to kindergarten pictures. Although Paul works only part-time now, he is still the historical expert and retains his keen ability to achieve the look that his customers want for their art. He sees the nuances of each frame and mat and matches them with quiet artistry. “People bring in art from all over. There is a story with each piece, and you learn a lot about the world."

Becky: One of the comedians and orators of the store, she works part time, but her aura always remains. A full time Vet Tech for the last five years, she has been in the art sales business since 1990. Becky brings a newer and more modern view to the gallery. While she loves working with the rest of the staff, she Becky says that her favorite part of the job is the challenge of matching the frame and matting to the artwork. Her love of people and outgoing nature allow her to be great at customer service and matching your needs.

JK: One of our master craftsmen, he does most of the piecing together of the wood frames. A true man of nature, he is also an artist who enjoys painting animals and whose works can be seen in our gallery. Also working part time as a ferrier, JK brings an immense amount of experience having worked with fames for over fifteen years. An innovative craftsmen, there is no problem too large that JK cannot tackle.

Ellen: A new member to the Meuer team, this is her first job working with frames and art. She has done a good job learning on the fly, quickly mastering many of the tasks she is assigned. Ellen can be counted on to think "outside the box" and bring a new view to the job.

Marsh: A long time friend of the Brei family, he has been involved in the art business for about twenty years now. While just a volunteer, he is the glue that keeps everyone together and on the same page. His years of experience in the retail business has provided all other employees and opportunity to learn from one of Madison's best.