Discover Downtown Series - Four Corners Framing Gallery

Discover Downtown Series – Four Corners Framing Gallery

A Beautiful Business Vision: By Kelly Sopp

When Kim Saragoni moved from Florida to Mooresville in 1990, she brought an abundance of sunshine and determination with her. Jumping into the community with both feet upon her arrival, she’s made a big splash ­– especially with local artists and downtown small business owners.

During her first couple of years in town, Kim was focused on her job as a stay-at-home mom to three kids. But soon, her passion for artwork (and her talent for displaying it) fostered the idea to open a business of her very own. Having previously worked in a frame shop, Kim had acquired plenty of training in art restoration, preservation and framing. But she understood there was more to opening a successful business than simply having a dream and being good at what you do. So she spent the better part of her nights and weekends doing her homework. She put together a business plan, searched for used equipment, established relationships with vendors, and she took the time to get to know the other small business owners in town.

The Dream Takes Shape

The community of Downtown Mooresville is a family. I never dreamed they would be as supportive as they are,” said Kim. “Not only do they embrace you personally, they support your business.” Based on her fondness for the tight-knit community, as well as her appreciation for small-town historic architecture, she knew that Downtown Mooresville was the only place she wanted to be. In 2006, a space became available on Broad Street, so Kim took the plunge and was finally able to hang her shingle, calling her shop Four Corners Framing Gallery.

Word spread about Kim’s frame shop and her talent for turning any precious memento, treasure or keepsake into a complete work of art. Clients started bringing in their children’s drawings, christening gowns, family photographs, autographed jerseys, oil paintings, and Super Bowl tickets to trust to her expert care. “We are very excited about the things that come in the door,” says Kim. “At any given moment, there are 10 stories on the counter…stories behind these objects that we have the privilege of framing.”

Turning Trinket into Treasures

As an independent frame shop, Kim’s services can include everything about your project from A-Z. “We have the ability to see the finished product even if the client hasn’t gotten there yet,” she smiles. “We pull out samples of what they might be looking for, show them possibilities which don’t limit them, cost it out, and we let the client decide how they want to invest in their piece and how they want it to look.“ In fact, Kim and her team have gone out of their way to bring all kinds of customer ideas to fruition from traditional wood frames to fabricated steel frames, from birch bark frames to leather wrapped frames. “If I don’t know how to do it, you can bet I’ll be figuring it out,” she smiles.

Creating a Creative Space

Kim and her team spend between eight and fourteen hours a day in the shop. And because of that, she has made it a very comfortable and inspiring place to be. Her two small dogs, Roo and Gracie, lie next to the table where she works. Of course, they are the official “greeters” with tiny tails wagging. You’ll see pictures of Kim’s family artfully framed and on display, as well as other meaningful mementos, her favorite paintings, and even her kids’ achievements. She has an antique bar off to one side in the shop (resourcefully repurposed from the previous merchant) and she often serves clients a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while discussing their project. She has incorporated other fixtures and gifts from business friends into the space too, which gives it a personal feel. On Friday evenings, you’ll find local merchants and loyal Downtownies gathered here to officially start the weekend and say hello before an evening out.

Art for Everyone

Four Corners Framing Gallery doesn’t have a typical customer. Kim works with everyone from art collectors, to farmers, to NASCAR drivers. She believes every person has something special they’d like to hang on the wall. Collaboratively, Kim and her artistic team (Jennifer and Valerie) have forty-five years of experience at handling all types of projects. “I take a lot of pride in offering a range of affordability for people,” said Kim. “I buy closeout materials, as well as high-end and custom fabricated materials. So whether you have a budget of $50 or $5,000, we can deliver something that’s going to fit your budget and make you happy.”

Talent and Tenacity

Like any smart business owner, Kim is always looking for ways to enhance her service for clients. She invested in a state-of-the-art matte cutting machine, and she has moved her business to more accommodating spaces as the demand from her customers has grown. In 2017, a larger Main Street address (one she had always hoped for) finally became available. Once again, she jumped at the chance. She added an impressive art gallery in the front of the shop and she hasn’t looked back. “Part of our dream has always been to have an art gallery in order to support the arts, to grow the arts culture in this community, and to be surrounded by beautiful works all day,” said Kim.

A Little Help from Her Friends

Incorporating an Art Gallery required a lot of planning and little help from her handy friends. They constructed display walls that move and store canvases, they installed lighting which spotlights the artwork, and they configured work counters that slide to create additional space when needed. The result is a completely versatile space that’s just right for hosting private events and art classes, as well as showcasing the works of art for sale by both established and emerging local artists. The genres of art include oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, alcohol ink drawings, fiber art, pottery, ceramics and more.

Sharing the Spotlight

Kim’s face lights up when she talks about her featured artists. She is their friend, their sales rep, and their biggest champion. “On this 10-year journey, I’ve worked with amazing artists from throughout the region,” she said. “And now, I have the chance to give them exposure, and to give something back.” Within the first month of opening the gallery, Kim sold fourteen pieces of original art for her artists. “My clients are happy, my artists are happy,” she smiled. “It’s completely a win win!”

When Kim isn’t in the shop, she is volunteering for numerous organizations. She serves on the MDC (Mooresville Downtown Commission), she provides framing services for the Dove House fundraising events, and she provides space for local high school art shows, to name a few. Stop by her shop and you’ll find her positive energy is infectious. “I can’t imagine myself doing anything else,” said Kim. “I absolutely love what I do.”

Four Corners Framing Gallery is located at 148 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115

Phone: (704) 662-7154

Website: http://www.fcfgframing.com