My Personal Framer Closes After 28 Years

NEWBERG, Ore.—Sally Dallas, owner of My Personal Framer, a custom picture framing business in Newberg, closed her shop on Sept. 30, 2024, after 28 years. The decision was driven by a combination of retirement plans and supplier challenges, despite recent strong sales.

Dallas said she’s “a little tired” and ready for a change. The closure followed a shift in her supplier’s delivery policy after Cusick Picture Frame, another local framing shop, closed following the passing of owner Phil Cusick on June 18, 2024.

“I was the only frame shop in town, and I didn’t order steadily enough—over $150 a week—for delivery, so they had to cut the route,” Dallas said.

This change required her to drive 50 miles to Portland and back for supplies, which she found unsustainable.

With the closure, Newberg now has no frame shops, marking the end of an era for the town’s framing industry.

“This last month was incredible for business,” Dallas said. “I did more this month than I’ve done in a few months. But it’s just time.”

Located in a downtown Newberg building dating back to the 1890s, Dallas’ shop had been a fixture for nearly three decades. She purchased the building in 1996 and renovated it over the years, estimating she’s invested nearly $200,000 in the property.

The building is currently in the process of being sold. The new owner plans to make some necessary updates before opening a new business. Dallas said she will continue working part-time at Home Depot and focus on her photography business, SL Dallas Photography, following the shop’s closure.

“That’s what I hope to work on and develop,” she said. “I want to see if I can actually make it financially feasible.”

Reflecting on her 41-year career in framing and 28 years owning the shop, Dallas noted a shift in Newberg’s cultural landscape, which is now fostering a more vibrant art community.

“There are a lot of young artists coming up, which is nice,” Dallas said. “We have the big hubs like the Chehalem Cultural Center and ART Elements Gallery—they’re doing great and are very supportive. But some of the younger artists are doing amazing things. I’m excited to see what’s next from them.”

For those considering entering the framing business, Dallas offers a word of caution.

“It’s not a cheap business,” she said, emphasizing the importance of understanding pricing and business management. She recommends gaining experience in the industry first to learn the nuances.

As she prepares to close this chapter of her career, Dallas remains passionate about framing and its role in art.

“I don’t know many framers who do it for just a few years and quit,” she said. “We love doing it. It’s never the same, and every piece is a new and exciting challenge.”

Dallas is selling her remaining inventory and framing equipment during the shop’s final days of operation—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Oct. 15-17.

The business’s website, mypersonalframer-newberg.com, will remain active, allowing former customers and interested parties access to the wealth of framing information on the site’s blog.

Dallas also recommends two framing shops for local services: Pacific Frame & Gallery in McMinnville and A Framer’s Touch in Forest Grove.

Follow her photography journey at SL Dallas Photography’s website.