I am a native Louisvillian, who loves horses, and am always looking for "different" things to give as gifts. Finding representative items from Louisville can sometimes be quite difficult especially if trying to buy gifts for the same people year after year. I am always looking for special items and found this particular store purely by accident.
This week while having my monthly trip to the beauty salon in St Matthews, I happened to find the recent issue of Kentucky Homes and Gardens, I came across an article about Trace Meyer's Museum Bees. Seems Meyer has developed a wonderful way of making remembrances from "lost objects". He began using the left-over wood from frames and objects he came upon. From this beginning, it became obvious to him that this was something people wanted and would buy as he sold them, often all of his objects, at fairs.
These unique frames may be old frames, or as the case of the one I purchased, part of a whiskey barrel. Using these for frames, he next adds objects, particularly bees and horses. People may bring in objects and he will work with them to create one of a kind frames for their possessions. I am considering taking an old broken Scottish Terrier pin to be mounted as I am a huge Scottie and horse collector.
On the backs of each frame, Meyer places his insignia and the initials of the recent winner of the Kentucky Derby.
Upon entering his store located on Lexington Avenue in St. Matthews, one is immediately welcomed by hospitable workers who are among the friendliest, most helpful people I have ever encountered in an antique shop.
The choices are mounted everywhere on walls, placed on tables, and others in the process of being made. The hardest part is deciding which to buy.
At fifty-five dollars, this is very reasonable for one of a kind Kentucky objects. It does not matter what size you select; all are fifty-five. And Meyer has an agreement with his customers I have never experienced before in my many purchases. At ANY time, anyone may bring his or her frame back and trade for another. I can't see myself doing this as I absolutely love my first purchase.
There are also other reasonable priced items for sale. So, if you like seeing different things, and like bees and horses, give this antique store a visit when you are in Louisville. I guarantee you will be pleased and find it difficult not to purchase something. Enjoy!