Gary Blitsch, Owner

Gary Blitsch, has lived in Topeka since 1962. After serving in the U. S Navy, he began a 30-year career in banking. In 1992, Gary purchased Framewoods of Topeka, a custom picture framing business.

Framewoods has grown to be an innovative leader in the custom framing industry, and in 1997 expanded it’s floor space to create the SouthWind Gallery. The gallery has earned the reputation of being one of the best galleries in the Midwest. Gary’s business background and sales skills, plus what he calls his “street smarts”, have served him well. He enjoys promoting the arts in Kansas and is involved in many national and local arts and civic organizations in Topeka.

“I’m one of the lucky ones who loves to go to work everyday! I have a great team of very creative people who take pride in their work. We try to stay ahead on new technology and the ever-changing trends in our field. We have fun and try to make it an enjoyable experience for our clients, too. This is not a stuffy gallery—in fact, it’s a very relaxed atmosphere. I think one of the best-kept secrets in the world is how much talent there is in the Midwest. People are usually “wowed” when they step into our gallery and see the level of artistic talent we attract. Topeka isn’t an Art Mecca—yet. But, it is a great arts town, and we’re working on getting the word out to the rest of the world!” Gary Blitsch

Sharon Hotchkiss, Marketing Consultant

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washburn University, Sharon has worked as a writer and editor of publications for various organizations throughout her 30-year career.

She was editor-in-chief of marketing communications for a Fortune 500 company for 10 years and later directed marketing and public relations for a Topeka hospital and several statewide organizations in Kansas. In 2001, Sharon joined husband, Gary Blitsch, at SouthWind Gallery, as a marketing consultant.

Sharon is co-author of A Spring Day on the Hill, an art book featuring paintings inspired by the University of Kansas campus. (Published by the KU Alumni Association, 2008).

“In the last decade, we’ve seen some significant changes in the art scene in Topeka. It’s inspiring to see so many people, from all walks of life, who have joined forces with the arts community and are dedicated to positioning Topeka as one of the best cultural destinations in the country. Topeka’s reputation as a great arts town is steadily growing and SouthWind Gallery has been a key player in this effort. SouthWind Gallery continues to maintain its objectives by hosting community and regional art events, participating in charity organizations, being an active proponent of art education and granting the people of Topeka and Northeast Kansas access to the finest in local, regional and international art.” - Sharon Hotchkiss

Apollonia Jamison, Design Studio Director

Apollonia Jamison joined Framewoods in August 2003 as a professional picture framer. Since that time, she has built a solid reputation as one of the leading designers in the field. A native of Hungary, Apollonia studied art and music from a very early age.  Her creativity is expressed through the distinctive designs she creates for framing clients and through her own paintings, which are frequently on display at SouthWind Gallery. She is an artist with an in-depth knowledge of color, and a skilled craftswoman who enjoys working with her hands to create exceptional framing designs.  She especially enjoys the challenge of finding solutions for clients with unusual framing needs such those involved in designing shadow boxes.

Apollonia is married with three grown children and two grandchildren.  She also is  “momma” to two large dogs and a kitty. Her husband, Michael, is the Minister of the Unity Church of Christianity in Topeka, where Apollonia relishes singing in the choir and shines as a soloist. As her co-workers can testify, she is a doer of “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.”  She also volunteers for various organizations in Topeka, including the local food co-op. All these activities keep her very busy outside of Framewoods. 

Clay Davis, Design Studio Assistant

Clay Davis, joined Framewoods in November 2007. He says he finds it fun and satisfying being surrounded by artwork at Framewoods design studio and SouthWind Gallery, and is inspired by meeting fellow artists. He also admits that a favorite part of his job is seeing the clients’ faces light up when we show them the completed project and they see their framed artwork for the first time.

Not only is Clay the newest staff member, he is also the tallest—and, at six feet, three inches, says he likes the challenge of “wrastling a big honking frame,” as well as being available to help clients with their in-home picture hanging needs. His arts background and framing skills make him a highly valued member of our team. His quick wit, positive attitude and attention to detail endear him to Framewoods clients and co-workers alike.

Clay has attended the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Art Institute in pursuit of his arts education. He and his wife, Katie, had their first child Adelaide (aka "Klaty"). Among his activities outside work, Clay is an accomplished gardener and a youth sponsor for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Topeka.

Dylan Clemmons, Student Intern

Dylan, who joined our team as a student intern in 2008, is a high school senior, and is planning to attend Washburn Univeristy in the fall with an art department scholarship for her photography. This is Dylan’s first job and she describes it as, “the best first job she could dream of having.” Dylan is a quick learner who’s not afraid of taking on new challenges in her job, and she brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to her work that is contagious.

Kayla DuBois, Student Intern

High school Junior, Kayla joined our team as a student intern in 2009. Very active in her high school art department, she endeavors to become a working artist. She has displayed her work in the gallery and you can find her among our artists featured online. Always a ray of sunshine, Kayla’s brings to the job a refreshing, inquisitive and dedicated nature. Never afraid of failure, she is eager to make sure her work meets Apollonia’s high standards.

Michelle Leivan, Assistant Gallery Director/Media Designer

Michelle Leivan has worked with both Framewoods Design Studio and SouthWind Gallery since September 2006, and is a true “Renaissance Woman” who can do it all. Skilled as a professional picture framer, talented artist, graphic designer, and media specialist, Michelle has recently branched out to provide valuable assistance with our social marketing endeavors. 

She’s also a great P.R. person who loves to tell people about our crew and services. Commenting on Framewoods, Michelle says,   “There isn’t another framing shop with employees who care more about making sure the project is done right--and our designs are definitely ‘killa’ not vanilla!’”  Michelle says she also enjoys working with other artists, coordinating our art exhibits and keeping up to date with social media to promote the gallery and design studio.

Michelle has a BFA in painting from Fort Hays State University. As a wife, mother, and working artist, Michelle stays extremely busy, but still finds time to volunteer for other community projects. She currently is a member of the Topeka Art Guild and The Art Collective of Topeka.