Palatine's The Frame Corner Is Closing

The Frame Corner, 34 W. Palatine Rd., will close on March 31 after more than 25 years in business.

"We loved working with all of the customers," said Judy Gibbs who has owned the store with her husband, Bruce, for about six years. "We are sad that [it] will not continue. It was a very hard decision to make."

Gibbs said the recession and lackluster recovery were primarily to blame for the businesses demise.

"Custom framing is really destination shopping," Gibbs said, adding that in poor economic times people tend to put off such discretionary spending.

The Frame Corner also included a large art gallery. The store has begun a huge art liquidation sale. Items are being marked down by as much as 90 percent.

"This is a rare opportunity to purchase deeply discounted original paintings and prints from artists such as Edna Hibel, Steve Hanks, Frane Milnar, Mark McMahon, Dave Barnhouse and Tom Lynch," Gibbs said.

Gibbs said the store carries a wide range of art including original pieces, limited edition and signed prints, lithographs, fine art prints, posters and photography.

"We have carried local artists as well as national and international," Gibbs said. "There is a lot to choose from and there is a very broad price range, as well as different types and styles."

Also being sold will be mirrors, store furniture and fixtures.

The last year has been a difficult one for many downtown business. In January, , 43 W. Slade St., closed.

caused problems for several businesses. Gibbs said that the construction "upheaval" downtown did not help her business, but that was not the primary reason The Frame Corner was closing.

"These are discretionary purchases and consumers in our area were especially hit hard by the recession," Gibbs said.