Carl Schafer, Co-Owner and Designer
Carl is an art historian whose 25+ years in the museum profession has focused on caring for works of art in virtually all materials from world civilizations across time. He understands the value of a customer’s objects whether they are culturally significant or important as family treasures. This informs his work as a designer often suggesting framing appropriate to the history of what is being framed. It also informs his craftsmanship when restoring antique frames and designing replica frames. His expertise includes water gilding, oil gilding, hand-carving, and custom toning, as well as restoration of damaged ornaments and gilded surfaces. Carl works with museum clients and particularly enjoys working with individuals to rescue and preserve family treasures. Carl began his career as a photographer which makes him well suited for printing photographs for several professional photographers. He has also worked as a community leader as the founding president of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council, promoting the activities of arts organizations in Muncie. Carl currently chairs the Muncie Mayor’s Arts Awards Steering Committee and on the board of Muncie Arts.
To contact Carl, please call (765) 284-8422 or Email
Barbara Schafer, Owner/Director of Appraisals & Business Operations
Barbara has a degrees in history and museum studies along with a 25+ year museum experience focused on exhibit development, historic preservation, and object research. She has provided consulting services researching, publishing, and organizing museum collections to increase the public’s access to artistic, ethnographic, and historical objects. Her experience helps her design framing options for clients that are both visually pleasing and sensitize to the long-term care of that object. Barbara has accepted leadership roles in organizations providing training opportunities for museum professionals such as the American Alliance of Museums, Regional Council of Historical Agencies (in New York State), Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, and Association of Indiana Museums. Barbara has received training in appraisal services at New York University in partnership with the Appraisers Association of America and is compliant with the Uniformed Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Barbara is currently vice chair of the board of Cornerstone Center of the Arts.
To contact Barbara, please call (765) 284-8422 or Email
Jeff Brackett, Designer
Jeff is a visual artist, and a retired professor of religious studies from Ball State University. His ink drawings create intricate patterns that meander between chaos and calm. Jeff’s first solo show was at Gordy in 2021, and he continues to show his work in local, national and international shows. His years of architectural drawing and art courses give him a keen eye for design, color and materials that blend well with the expectations of the client. In his free time, Jeff enjoys playing disc golf, cycling, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Hannah Schafer, Shop Assistant
Hannah is an Early College student at Muncie Central High School. Hannah likes hanging out with her friends, writing fiction based around real life experiences, and catching up on the marvel universe. She enjoys drawing, painting, and needle arts. At Gordy she helps with social media, manages the online store, and keeps the design area organized. She is also the baker extraordinaire for First Thursday.