What Art & Soul is today began in 1982 as a custom framing store known as Frameworks, located at 235 South 70th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.  An employee at the time acquired ownership of the store two years later and from that point on, business grew steadily. In 2008, Jim and Marilyn Slattery were presented with the opportunity to purchase Frameworks and jumped at the chance.

With the change in ownership came the desire for improvement and growth.  After bouncing ideas around, the decision was made to expand services to include art and culinary studios and classes, a fine art gallery, retail, and a mini cafe in addition to the business’ staple of quality custom framing. In 2009, Art & Soul became an idea that would quickly become a dream come true for a family of artists.

Jim and Marilyn Slattery were both born in Grand Island, NE and made the move to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska.  After graduating, they married in 1976 and remained in Lincoln to begin their careers and raise a family. (An accountant and artist – opposites really do attract!) Marilyn began exploring her creative side, beginning with cake decorating and moving on to teaching acrylic painting classes at her kitchen table.  As the demand for art instruction increased, the Slattery’s basement was converted into an art classroom.

Jim and Marilyn have five children, Anthony, Justina, Elisa, Mary and Kathryn.  All five of their children are currently involved in Art & Soul in some fashion.

With the expansion in services came the need for a larger space.  The Slattery’s were attracted to the architectural flair that Village Gardens possesses, as well as its proximity to their family home. Art & Soul is currently located in The Marketplace at Village Gardens on Hidcote Drive, just south of Campbell’s Nursery, and opened for business on May 1, 2011.