Tyler is a remarkably beautiful place to live. It only makes sense that the interiors of the homes and businesses of its residents be just as beautiful … this pursuit is where Gold Leaf Gallery excels. Gold Leaf Gallery is a haven for the finest in custom framing, original paintings (the work of local, national and international artists can be found year-round), limited-edition prints, sculpture and works by Western Masters. They offer in-home or business design and consulting for art and framing. Gold Leaf Gallery is known for their custom TV frames, with concealment options like mirrors or motorized art. At Gold Leaf Gallery, Owners and sisters Debbie Shores and Traci Brevard care for every piece of art as if it were their own.
Shores has been a custom framer since 1988. She attended Arts Magnet High School and Art Institute of Dallas where she realized her love and talent in framing pictures. After getting a job at MJ Designs Corporate Headquarters, Michael James Dupey, of the eponymous Michaels stores, saw Shores’ skill and trained her for more difficult specialty projects. Shores never stopped framing. In 2007, Shores walked into the Gold Leaf Gallery where Buster Barlow, who founded the gallery in 1974, hired her on the spot. Barlow was so impressed with her integrity and passion for framing, he told her he would one day like to sell her the shop. Two years later, Barlow sold the gallery to the sisters.
Brevard, also a respected artist, was awarded the Nordan Fine Arts Scholarship to Texas Christian University in 1985, after graduating from Arts Magnet High School in Dallas. She has been in sales and management since graduating with a BBA from the University of North Texas. Now at Gold Leaf Gallery, Brevard enjoys combining her love for art and design with her love of sales.
“As artists ourselves, we take the time to explore framing designs to create the best possible framing ensemble for each piece, while remaining sensitive to each customer’s budget. As picture framers, we look at art through our clients’ eyes to interpret, extend and enhance their treasured art forms.” Said Brevard. When Debbie and Traci bought the gallery in 2009, they decided to attribute their mission statement to their Grandmother’s favorite saying, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ and their customers have become their friends.
“Debbie and I come from a family of artists. Our mother, Barbara Holmes, greatly influenced us in design as an interior decorator in Dallas for many years before moving to Tyler. Our father, Worth Holmes, enjoys his retirement creating beautiful wood turnings and musical instruments. It runs in our blood,” says Brevard. “We thank God for our wonderful life here in Tyler. People bring us cherished pieces of art and we get to make them even more beautiful!”