Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing

Specialties

Owner JoAnn Martin is a professional custom picture framer, a trained graduate of the American Picture Framing Academy in Chicago, IL. Not a self-​taught, basement framer, JoAnn specializes in conservation (archival) framing, which means your artwork and mementos are handled with utmost care at all times. All items get the «white glove treament” – I don’t touch anything until I’m wearing white, cotton gloves.

At Black Iris I also provide frame and art restoration services as well as corporate framing for restaurants, hospitals, clinics, resorts, hotels, offices, real estate & contractor staging, and more. We will deliver and professionally hang your artwork using security hardware, and we guarantee our designs. If you don’t like how your artwork looks once you have it on the wall, let us know. We’ll make it right.

We take appointments on Mondays in the winter and Sundays year-​round. Please call us – we will happily accommodate your scheduling needs.

History

Established in 1990.

Originally named Art ala Mode and owned by local artist Patti Solveson, Black Iris was first located on Walnut Street. In 2000 Patti sold Art Ala Mode to Katherine Speare, who renamed it Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing. In 2006, Black Iris was sold to current owners JoAnn Martin & Andrew Licata, who moved it to a more visible location on River Street (Hwy 63) in Spooner, WI. Located in the lower level of Kegler’s Pub & Pin (also owned by JoAnn and Andrew), Black Iris is completely wheelchair and stroller friendly. You’ll enjoy art by local artists as soon as you enter the building, and a gently sloping ramp takes you to the lower level. You’ll find the hallway and gallery full of beautiful, framed local artwork as well as locally made greeting cards, jewelry, and pottery. Enjoy!

Meet the Business Owner

JoAnn M.

Business Owner

Andrew and I bought the Black Iris Gallery when I was looking for a career change. I was burned out as an English teacher, so doing something new was definitely in order. I couldn’t have made a better choice.

I love the math side of framing (fractions and measuring tapes – I really do love them) while the creative side keeps the «girly-​girl» in me happy. I love choosing mat and frame combinations, and seeing customers light up and hearing them say, «Wow, that looks so much better now that it’s framed!» makes me just glow inside. Okay, I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. Making other people happy… well, it just makes me happy.

Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing also recommends

Dana’s River Street Family Restaurant

6

reviews

Restaurants

JoAnn M. says,

«See my review for full details. Suffice it to say – we eat breakfast here almost every day. Love the staff AND the eggs Benedict.»

Hank & Jon’s Oak St Auto

Auto Repair

JoAnn M. says,

«We get our truck and car fixed at Hank & Jon’s. They always fit us in if we don’t have an appointment but really need something looked at – no problem.»

Northern Portraits

Session Photography

JoAnn M. says,

«Northern Portraits is owned by Jean McShane, who took our wedding photos & made us look young and beautiful. Now located in Spooner, so. of Economart.»

Kegler’s Pub & Pin — CLOSED

Bowling

,

Sports Bars

JoAnn M. says,

«I own this business, too, with my husband. So of course I recommend it. Visit our profile page for more info. Thanks!»

Spooner Market & Grill

15

reviews

American (New)

JoAnn M. says,

«Fresh food prepared by a trained, gourmet chef. Local ingredients. Organic whenever possible. Scratch kitchen. Need I say more? Go and eat there!»