When it comes to custom framing of portraits, artwork, or keepsakes, Barbara Latzel knows what looks good with what frame.

In the professional framing business for close to 30 years, she has taken a love for photography and art and turned it into her own business.

Latzel is the owner of Framemakers, where she offers more than 3,000 different options for framing.

Throughout the years, she has framed may unique items along with portraits, posters and paintings. Some items she has worked on include a light switch, a Civil War sword, an original Jackson Pollock painting, a painted piece of candy, and others.

She also served as the chairwoman of the upcoming Celebrate Downtown Westmont, a festival to promote and showcase the downtown business district that will be held July 24 and 25 along Cass Avenue. The event will feature about 35 local businesses with a sidewalk sale, musical entertainment, a car show, a big-screen movie and many businesses offering special deals during the event.

“We decided to go with the ’60s theme of peace, love and flower power that will also be incorporated into this year’s Taste of Westmont,” said Latzel. “It seemed like a good way to promote the event.”

In fact, promotion is important for the event. Celebrate Downtown Westmont last year was held in May, and was postponed this year to allow more time to promote the event, she said.

“It was done because of the economy,” Latzel said. “This way, we can use the Taste to promote the event.”
 
Notable
Framemakers, in downtown Westmont, has been owned by Latzel since 1995. It moved to its current location, 10 N. Cass Ave., in 2002 from Hinsdale. The business won the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau’s Dick Busse Westmont Business of the Year award earlier this year.
 
& quotable
“When someone comes in and wants something framed, the first thing we ask is where it will be displayed. That is very important in picking out the right frame,” Latzel said

Philosophy
n “That the customer has a good experience, and leaves with an item they will always treasure .”

Favorites
BOOKS “Stripping Gypsy: The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee”
MOVIES Only enjoys the classics
FOOD  Really any of the restaurants along Cass Avenue in Westmont
INTERESTS  Photography, reading and antique hunting