Classic Springfield framing and gallery business leaves longtime home for new downtown digs

After more than 40 years in business, one might think that it would be difficult to just pick up and move locations.

Not so for Don and Audrey McKanna, co-owners of Frame Haven Gallery, the framing shop and art gallery that has called Springfield home since 1979.

Located on Goodwin Avenue, Frame Haven was faced with a changing business model, no longer needing the 2,300 square feet it’s long occupied. They thought about renting excess space to artists and other businesses, but ultimately it was a move to downtown Springfield that turned things around.

At 1,200 square feet, their new space is smaller, yes, but the downtown location has proven to be a more high-profile, and more profitable, place to do business.

"I don’t even know how many cars go in front of our store every day now — it feels like 80,000. People are walking the sidewalks. There are restaurants around. The First Friday night events are so popular. And the neighboring businesses are busy and we all want to create community," Audrey says.

"It’s so active and fun here with the lights at night and people out and about. So far it’s been great and I’m sure it’s only going to get better."

For all the excitement around the new space, the original location on Goodwin had served the McKannas well for 40 years. But recent trends of less people buying art meant that they needed less space.

It’s a change, but one that they’ve fully embraced. A more affordable, more visible location certainly helps.

"It wasn’t that terribly difficult to change — we’re just thankful to keep going. We love what we do, love helping people put the things that they love on their walls," Audrey says.

"We didn’t want to quit."

Frame Haven Gallery is celebrating their new location with a grand opening event this Saturday, March 6, from noon to 8 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature giveaways and light refreshments.

Frame Haven Gallery is located at 126 E. Main St. in downtown Springfield.

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