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, Co-Owner/Director of Appraisals & Business Operations
Barbara has degrees in history and museum studies, along with 25+ years of museum experience focused on object curation, 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 sensitive to the long-term care of the object. Barbara has accepted leadership roles in organizations that provide 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 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Barbara served as a board member of Cornerstone Center for the Arts and remains an active volunteer.
To contact Barbara, please call (765) 284-8422 or Email
Hannah Schafer, Shop Assistant
Hannah is a graduate of Muncie Central High School and an Interior Design student at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati. She works with us when she is home. At Gordy, she handles custom framing at all levels, from design to assembly to gilding. She helps with social media, keeps the design area organized, and is the baker extraordinaire for First Thursday gallery parties.