Whitney Aldrich, Owner
Whitney is a graduate of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati's Design, Art, Architecture, & Planning (DAAP) program. Her personal work is a mix of ceramics and assemblage. In 2013, she purchased Axel's Frame Shop & Gallery as a way to bring an art gallery to Waterbury while still supporting the custom framing service. Before this, Whitney spent the previous 10 years as a graphic designer (freelance and in-house) with an interest in marketing. This solid foundation of fine art, color, composition, and more, creates a uniquely qualified partner in your quest to custom picture framing! Whitney's favorite framing projects are complex and usually involve objects.
Leigh-Ann Ravelin, Framer
Leigh-Ann swears that in her next life, she’ll be an artist. While she didn’t study Art History or Studio Arts in college, she certainly appreciates being around the art within Axel’s. Leigh-Ann builds your custom frames and lovingly fits your precious piece within it. Her resourceful thinking and strong compassion makes her a hard working and valuable member of our team. Leigh-Ann joined Axel’s in October 2018.
Kate Montross, Framer
She is an avid hiker who has climbed all of the high peaks of the Adirondacks, White Mountains and the Greens. When she’s not hiking, she’ll be curled up with a good book and a cup of tea. And maybe she’ll whip up a knitted scarf or two in between. Kate has a deep history with making, especially with fabrics which makes her our resident expert in all things fabric.
She is our diplomat. Patient. Detailed. Thorough. Making her an amazing steward of your cherished possessions. Kate is a local, through and through. She was born here, went to UVM and is now helping to prop up a tiny art gallery and frame shop in your neighborhood.
Axel Stohlberg, Namesake
Axel Stohlberg started Axel's Frame Shop & Gallery in 1983. While he may have retired in 2013 to focus on his own artwork and to live life to it's fullest, you will occasionally see him at events and helping out in a pinch. Axel is one of our biggest supporters and we couldn't do all this without him. His legacy and spirit will long live and we are proud to carry his name for years to come. See his recent work and stay in touch by contacting him through his website.