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Meet the Team

Laura Eavenson
Owner

Hey y'all! I joined the 2015 after graduating from Piedmont University with my BFA. I started out in the production area learning everything about cutting mats, sewing down jerseys, stretching canvases and generally making your designs a reality! Getting to be around art every day is such a treat; I love coming up with the best way to display and preserve unusual art objects. Working with my hands and seeing projects through from start to finish is so satisfying - especially when a customer really loves the final product. After several years here at the shop I decided to further my small-business knowledge with a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Piedmont in 2022. In January of 2023 my wife Nikki and I purchased Athens Art & Frame from the Barkers. I am thrilled to use everything I have learned to continue their legacy!
When I'm not at work, you can usually find me drawing or outside gardening, biking or hanging out with my dogs, Harper, Roxie and Scout the Shop Dog. I love art, animals and the outdoors! Stop by the shop and say hi; I would love to frame something up for you!

Jeff Ballance
Front End Manager

I started at AA&F in 2016, and I love building relationships with customers here in Athens. Though not an artist myself, I come from generations of antique furniture dealers and started my career in the family business. My wife and I met as students at UGA and became certified Wintervillains™ just down the road. Typically I am your first point of contact for custom framing orders, and I spend most of my time on the counter or communicating with customers. What’s most fulfilling to me  is the friendship and trust I have with customers while I work with their treasured artwork and family heirlooms. I also love the great variety of art and objects that come in to be framed.

Outside of work I take pictures of our cats, Humphrey and Thomas, my flock of barred-rock hens, and my precious Copland, a retired racing greyhound.

When you come in, I’ll be the framer that most excitedly scurries to the front after calling “Hello!” around the corner. See you soon!

Kate Bremner
Head Photo Editor

I am your go to source for all your printing needs at Athens Art & Frame. I've been with the company since 2015 and have done a little bit of everything, but found my niche in photo restoration and printing. With my background in graphic design and bachelors in fine art printmaking it was just a natural fit. To me, it is super satisfying to bring old photos back to life or help turn a phone snapshot into a framed artwork. I love seeing everyone's old photos and helping customers preserve their family story.

When I'm not printing away in the photo center you can find me working in the garden with my kitties and my boyfriend. I love anything to do with plants and the moon and the smell of patchouli and lavender.

If you've got old photos lying around or pics you need printed, give me a ring! I would love to help bring your next project to life.

Lewis Stowe
Production Specialist

I'm Lewis. I've been with Athens Art & Frame for too long to remember. I do a little bit of everything around the shop but mainly I build all the frames and I keep production moving to make sure orders are done right and done on time. I like working on a different project every day; there's always a new problem to solve and I enjoy coming up with creative solutions.

Outside of work you'll find me gardening, metal detecting or trying out a new way to use all of the wisteria vines growing in my backyard. Come by and see us!

Josie Moretti
Production Coordinator

Hi, I’m Josie! I joined Athens Art and Frame in 2022 and am so happy to be part of the creative team here. I come from a background in photo editing with a bachelor's in media arts. These days, you can usually find me here at the framing counter. It’s such a privilege to see all the artwork that comes through the door, hear about what makes each piece special, and see a frame design become a reality!I live here in Athens with my best friend and our two kitties. When I’m not at work, you can often find me working on a creative writing project, rummaging through a thrift store, or spending time in the backyard. Hope to see you around the shop soon!

Scout
Big Boss

Yip Yap! I'm the part time shop dog and I'm the REAL boss around here! I spend my work days in my various cozy supervisory spots where I can make sure everything is going well. I love treats, naps and looking for crumbs in the breakroom. When I'm not here I spend my days dozing in the sunny spots around the house, playing with my sisters Roxie and Harper and avoiding my three kitty house mates. You can stop by and tell me hello, but don't be sad if I don't pay you any attention...I'm simply too busy!

Mackenzie Stewart
Framing Associate

Hey y’all! I’m Mackenzie, the newest member of the team. I graduated from UGA in 2018 and have been in Athens ever since. While my background is in social work, I found a passion for framing as an employee at a local craft store and never looked back. I assist with frame building and production, but my favorite part of the job is designing pieces for customers - the funkier, the better! When I’m not at the shop, I’m usually crocheting, painting, watching reality tv, or eating Taco Bell.