The frames and mattes that are the stock and trade of Petr’s Frame House only fill one corner of Petr Grigorev’s store. The rest of building at 2009 16th St. has been filled with art.
Grigorev’s business has become the latest public venue for area artists, and a kind of haven for them as well. Several, including Ellinwood photographer Aimee Dreiling, have set up studios in the building that Grigorev says is more than a frame shop. “It’s an experience.”
Currently one wall is filled large paintings by Robert Joy of Ellinwood, Heath Duntz of St. John, Gabriel Mittel of Great Bend, and Grigorev, of Ellinwood, who came from Russia to attend Barton Community College, found his passion as an artist and decided to stay in Barton County.
There’s a place reserved for a fifth painting by Rose Dudek of Great Bend, and other artists’ work can be seen elsewhere in the store. Grigorev said he plans to have monthly exhibits, and hopes to show works by students in particular.
“I’m trying to show there’s some art going on — some art life,” he said. “People can bring artwork and hang it. I’m not trying to limit people in whatever they do. I’m trying to promote the local artist, give them a place to display their artwork.”