The Gallery In Palmer closing its doors after 40 years

The Gallery in Palmer will be closing its doors after 40 years this coming March. Owner Jo Ann Franks has operated her artwork and custom framing business from the same location since 1985. She plans to close up shop and have all paperwork and sales finalized by March 27.

“It’ll all be gone, and then I'll be on to my new life,” Franks said. “I've worked all my life, so maybe I want to sleep a week. Maybe I'll plant a flower.”

Franks plans to explore and experience Alaska once her business is closed. She noted how much Palmer and the borough has grown since she moved to the Valley with her husband in 1978. They built a house in the one subdivision in town and raised a family where she still lives to this day.

“We're right there,” Franks said as she pointed towards her home. “We'll probably always be there.”

When Franks started her business, she was one of the few shops in Palmer. The bars were open 24/7 according to Franks and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) was just about finished, keeping the town busy. Franks had to work to get settled. She grew to enjoy conducting business in the Mat-Su Borough and the people that brought the art scene to the Valley.

Now, more businesses have moved in. Large stores have slowly pushed into Palmer and their influence is felt from Wasilla. Online shopping with its ease and cheaper prices have affected local businesses. Franks explained how not many retail stores that were started 40 years ago are still around today. She believes she is closing her doors at a good time to end on a good note with her community and her business.

“We've grown a lot since I've been in business,” Franks said. “You know everybody pretty much. I may not know their names, but I sure know who they are. I know what they bought. I'm pretty sure we've put art on everybody's walls.”

The Gallery will remain open until the end of March. Franks will be operating most days until the end of the year, including Christmas. She will host sales up to 50% off on almost everything in the store. She regularly restocks the walls with art in an attempt to sell off all of her inventory. The business will continue framing until they close.

“I want everything up pretty, all this paperwork and everything,” Franks said as she motioned to a stack of paper on her desk. “I want it reduced to where it’s nothing. We're free and clear. That's what I plan on.”

Customers and friends old and new continue to file in and out of the store. Many check in with Franks as she shares a laugh and neatly packs up their purchase. They tell her how much they will miss walking through the store and admiring the art.

“We love to come in here. It's just food for the soul when you get to look at beauty,” one customer stated as she passed by.

Franks is part of her community and will always have a deep connection to Palmer. Visitors to the store in the coming months will be met with a welcoming smile and a wave.

“I've made a lot of friends. I know a lot of people, and this is my home,” Franks said. “I've lived here longer than I've ever lived anyplace else. So why would I want to move? Never.”