Our Team
Proprietor
I love color + texture, lighting + music, design + space, time + place. I like to build and make things and appreciate built and made things. I have always been a rock and tree lover, animal lover and the tallest girl in my class.
I have my Bachelors in Interior Design and have been working in framing design and production since 1990. I opened Mitrebox in 1998.
On the weekends I like to: go to the cabin, hit farmer's markets, comb junk shops, have Sunday breakfast out with pals, visit the dog park with Henry, landscape, work on house projects, or watch a good film.
Sara Nachreiner
Little known facts about Sara
Color: I love hot orangey reds, acid yellows and cool deep blues
Food: Colorful, spicy dishes
Talent: I can whistle with every finger and a blade of grass
Designer
I’ve worked in custom framing for over 6 years. I started as a designer at a shop in Minneapolis. Then, I moved to NYC and worked in the production department of a high-end framing company, where I primarily hinged artwork and also fit it into frames.
I’m an artist, and attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and earned my BFA in painting and drawing. I like seeing a piece transform. Proper framing can enhance an artwork—and even become an extension of it.
Megan Russell
Little known facts about MegaN
Color: I’ve always liked blue. Payne’s Grey is one of my favorite colors to use.
Talent: I paint, primarily in watercolor—and draw.
Artists: Margaret Kilgallen, Veja Celmins, Matthew Wong, and Bas Jan Ader
Designer
My framing venture started when my high school art teacher mentioned a local frame shop was hiring, I jumped at the opportunity. I love the creative process of design work. There is great satisfaction when a client thoroughly enjoys selecting and enjoying their framing.
I am an artist specializing in oil painting portraits & fantasy art. I studied classical realism at Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts in Minneapolis.
In my free time I like to paint, practice martial arts, bike, seek outdoor adventures and spend time with my spouse, Shaun, and our adopted furry friends.
Charlene Perkey
Little known facts about Charlene
Talent: Dancing with swords. Semi-retired dancer and choreographer (belly & modern dance)
Food: Moroccan, Chinese, Mexican, things from our garden, and craft beer
Artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh
Designer
Before starting at Mitrebox, I worked for nearly 30 years as the manager at The FrameWorks Custom Picture Framing and Gallery in St. Paul.
On the weekends I like to curl up with the newspaper, my kindle and some magazines. I eventually emerge to grocery shop and make a nice meal using a new recipe.
As a little girl, I loved paper dolls, paint by number, string art, and spending all of my allowance at Don’s Hobby Shop.
Pam Fechter
Little known facts about Pam
Color: Olive green and turquoise
Food: Garlic and spice!
Talent: Extreme Sudoku
Custom Framer
I enjoy troubleshooting, precision, and working with color and composition. I always drew and learned to sew at an early age. During the “Star Wars” years, I would design and build space crafts. I studied Fashion Design at MCTC and got into framing in the mid-80s when I was managing a fabric store.
I also run Russell Bourienne, a Custom Menswear Studio. In my free time, I enjoy designing and sewing clothing, upholstery, and bags. I also restore vintage bicycles and enjoy long, relaxing bike rides along the greenway and lakes.
Russell Sheetz
Little known facts about Russell
Color: Red, yellow, and turquoise
Food: Indian or Thai
Talent: I have double-jointed shoulders
Custom Framer
I graduated in 1984 with a BFA in Art and spent 26 years at Nash Frame Design before coming to Mitrebox.
I love the entire framing process, from design to matting and mounting. to the finished frame and perfect fit. I love making the impossible possible.
I also work at Road Runner Records. In my free time, I enjoy brewing beer, cooking, collecting records, playing my Jukebox, going to concerts, traveling, and horse racing. My wife Linda and I have three wonderful children and a puggle named Stella.
Tim McFadden
Little known facts about Tim
Food: Pizza, stir-fry, ice cream
Talent: Punk drummer from back in the day
Project: I just completed an outdoor bar built from packing pallets
Custom Framer
I love to work with my hands and learned to apply my handwork to custom framing 16 years ago and have been framing ever since.
During college, I mostly studied women’s literature. Writing classes were my favorite. I can still
sometimes be found writing poetry.
I love to relax, even to the point of stillness. I practice, study and teach yoga. I also enjoy time with friends, biking and baking. My garden is one of my very favorite places to be.
Laurie LoPesio
Little known facts about Laurie
Color: Spring green, Meyer lemon yellow, California poppy orange
Food: Homemade ice cream and fresh fruit
Talent: I can send a beer bottle cap soaring great lengths with one flick
Framer
Savannah Horn
Art Installer
Michael has 20 + years of experience in art installation, art handling, custom framing & frame design. He excels identifying structural needs and organizing complex art installation projects in corporate, commercial and residential settings.
Michael Christoph
Henry
Henry is our greeter and our doorman. He’s on squirrel patrol in the back courtyard and skateboard patrol in the front window.
He’s the most shiny and elegant looking boy. He crosses his paws and sits with thoughtful aplomb. When he's not on patrol or looking regal—he’s the World's Best Napper.
Little known facts about Henry
Leaps up the back steps with a single 11' stride
Leans on dog-friendly clientele to show affection
Plays tug or fetch with anyone willing