Mimzi Art & Frame celebrates Addison opening

ADDISON – Mimzi Art & Frame has been in business for more than 30 years, but this month, Mimzi opened in Addison.

George F. Elliott IV, who owns the company with his wife, Mimzi Haut, said Addison is the first location for the business outside of the Quad Cities. While Elliott and Haut, an artist herself, are in the process of opening an Arlington Heights store, the couple has 16 Chicago-area locations planned for next year.

The business owners chose their new Addison location at 1576 W. Lake St. primarily because Addison is underserved by framing shops and the surrounding restaurants and stores provide plenty of foot traffic, Elliott said. Also, the easy interstate access from the store is important because all framing is done at their Moline facility.

Elliott understands the pieces people drop off at their store are meaningful – and sometimes priceless – to those looking to frame them.

Mimzi has transported art for museums and collectors, Elliott explained. The company also boasts next-day service provided by designers.

"Our people, if they haven't seen it, it probably hasn't been done," Elliott said.

Nick Shah, president of Bearings & Industrial Supply in Addison, brought a piece of art he had received as a gift to get framed at Mimzi Art & Frame's ribbon cutting July 10.

Haut went to work right away picking complementary mattes and a frame for the gold Buddhist design Shah's son-in-law brought back from a trip to Nepal.

Addison Mayor Rich Veenstra and Addison Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Patty Zachacki congratulated Elliot and Haut, welcoming Mimzi to the village with a proper ribbon cutting.

Elliott tried to retire two years ago, but he just can't stay away from framing. He said he enjoys working with his hands, but the gratitude he sees from customers also makes the job well worth delaying retirement.

"People say thank you," Elliott said.

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Mimzi Art & Frame

Address: 1576 W. Lake St. #103, Addison
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Now hiring: Designers who like art
More info: 630-875-0000 or www.mimziartandframe.com