New shop features local arts and crafts

Art has been a lifelong interest for Margie Koger. Last month she and her husband, Tim Koger, opened Easel and Frame Gallery.

The new shop at 119 S. Main St., on the square, features the creations of local artists and craftspeople, and the owners say it will soon evolve into much more.

A love of art: Margie Koger said her interest in art started when her mother, a seamstress, would ask her what kind of clothes she wanted to wear.

“I would draw pictures and she would make me clothes,” she said.

Margie has been doing ceramics since she was a child and more recently has taken classes in jewelry making, lampworking (making beads and other creations with glass) and “more ceramics.” Tim also took jewelry making and ceramics classes. Margie describes him as a “budding artist.”

Art fills the bill: Margie has worked as a hairstylist and a sign language interpreter, and she owned a daycare center. Tim’s background is in restaurants — cooking and management.

“We wanted to open a restaurant. Tim’s an excellent cook. But we decided art would be better for us,” Margie said.

The couple moved to Portales from California four years ago. Margie said she has family here.

Future plans: “We’re buying equipment to be a frame shop,” Margie said.

The Kogers will be able to frame artwork and photographs. And they hope to have live music and offer people a place to take classes.

They’ll bring in guest artists to teach whatever people are interested in, Margie said. Ideas so far include framing and painting.

“We’d like to create a real art space where people can just come in and create,” Margie said.

“It’s turning into a great thing,” she said. “I’ve gotten a better response than I thought I would.”

On consignment: The shop features jewelry, mosaic crosses, photography, artwork, ceramics and various crafts by local artists and craftspeople.

Artwork and crafts are sold on consignment, and local artists are welcome to display their work.

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, but soon will be open more hours.

Information: 575-607-7322.