First-time Downtown Street Market vendors share their love of art

by CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 4/6/09

For Jim and Abe Schantz, owners of local father-son framing company "Florida Framing," Saturday marked their first time at the ever-popular Downtown Street Market on Southeast 47th Terrace, though the two have been framing and enjoying nautical art for a number of years.

The two had set up their booth in the morning sun from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., displaying various framed and matted pieces of nautical and various other kinds of artwork as Abe told passers-by, "Your price is our price." In some instances that meant free.

"It's kind of my feeling that everybody should have art that they enjoy," Jim said. "Rich people can afford art, but the everyday man should be able to have art also."

Being of Native-American heritage, Jim said giving back is a big part of his philosophy on life.

So is being kind to the environment; Jim prides Florida Framing as being a "green" and "Eco-friendly" framing company.

"I recycle as much as I can so the price is affordable," he said.

Jim's interest in nautical art started with a serious boating injury, when the boom of a sailboat caused him to break his neck about ten years ago. The injury left him unable to get back on the water as he recovered.

"A friend suggested I start collecting nautical art," he said.

Jim and Abe also own "Nautical Art," a company in their hometown of Glenview, Ill., where they stay seasonally.

The Schantzes displayed and sold their work Saturday among over 80 vendors of antiques, artwork, gifts and collectables, but that didn't keep them from selling or giving away 50 framed pieces of art by about 12 p.m.

"I'm amazed that more art has been sold of non-nautical (art)," Abe said.

He said most of what was selling seemed to be floral or classical art, but that they also had Hawaiian and Buddhist works for sale.

Jim said he hoped to sell his home in Glenview and move permanently to the Sunshine State in the future.

"What's not to like?" he said. "It's paradise."

Florida Framing, which is based out of the den of Jim's Cape Coral home, is also involved in a framing project with Unity Church in Fort Myers.

Though Saturday's street market event marked the the last of this season, "We'll do it next year for sure," Jim said.

For more information on Florida Framing call (874)471-8152 or emial to jshandyman@sbcglobal.net.