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Jerry and Diane Breed opened Turning Leaf Gallery in Westgate Center in west Windsor just off the Interstate 25/Windsor exit in 2002 and occupied a small 925-square-foot space for Diane to showcase and sell her artwork. After one short year, the frame shop was introduced, framing not only Diane’s works but pieces for clients looking for a local custom framer.
In 2004, the Breeds took Turning Leaf Gallery and their frame shop and moved into a 1,500-square-foot space two doors south, so they would have room to add a coffee shop, Cappuccino Corner, 4630 Royal Vista Circle, Suite 8, Windsor.
In 2008, and in a nose-diving economy, the Breeds held tight to the notion that a failing business was not an option. Diane said she looked for opportunities within their business and expanded on those elements that were working. As a result, painting instruction was born.
Turning Leaf Gallery went from surviving to a thriving business. From four art students in the spring of 2009 to as many as 30 students per session, Diane said the participants find the experience of creating their own professionally instructed paintings to be an addicting pastime.
Diane’s classes now include adult, youth, long programs, short programs, SKYPE and Plein-Air classes, which will include a five-day Boston experience in October 2012. Diane also expanded her custom framing services to meet with client’s off-premise that were unable to come to the gallery or found it hard to get out.
Diane said the demand for her commission paintings continued to grow as well. From portrait work, custom designed paintings and wall murals, all day and every day could be spent on nothing but art and framing, Diane said.
Finding the way to hold tight during difficult times has paid off, she said.
Diane said a greater amount of flexibility has become necessary as the demand has spread far beyond the doors of a fixed location. The Breeds have determined that it is time for Diane to take the business on the move. “To you” services from art instruction, to custom framing, custom murals and commissions, Diane will meet with her clients at their homes or places of business rather than them coming to the Gallery. She also has a newly completed full art studio and frame shop at her private residence..
With the Breeds’ focus on art and the custom framing side of the business, they are looking for someone to take Cappuccino Corner to its next level as well.
Diane said: “The coffee shop has become a bit like ‘Cheers’ where friends, colleague, and their four-legged friends have come to gather for all these years. We want to take a non-traditional approach to offering and introducing the coffee shop to its new owner(s). Among our family of friends, there may just be that person or persons that are ready to expand Cappuccino Corner. It, too, is ready for its next great move, whether in this space or in a different location.”
Diane said she is going to help with every aspect of the transition, and the Breeds are hopeful that the existing staff will stay as part of that transition.
“We want to provide whatever is necessary to the owner to see that Cappuccino Corner continues to thrive,” Diane said. “We’re going to miss what this has become, but we know it’s time to move with the demand. I’m excited, too, for Cappuccino Corner as there are so many untapped opportunities for additional growth. It deserves far more attention. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I am so grateful that I can honestly say I get to do what I love to do each day.”
As an internationally recognized artist, Diane’s work maintains a strong investment value. Her original work, as well as limited edition giclee’ reproductions, are offered for sale. Diane also meets with collectors to design and complete paintings created exclusively for their desires.
“There hasn’t been one single day that this has seemed like work. You know that you are doing the right thing when you can say that,” said Diane, who is one of only 480 professional painters worldwide to be recognized with signature distinction for excellence (National Acrylic Painters Association) in the medium of acrylic. “I thank God each day for all my blessings including each and every person and dog that have made this an amazing place.”
Diane said the change will take place at the end of April.
For more information, contact Diane at (970) 206-0330 or at www.turningleaflimited.net.
In 2004, the Breeds took Turning Leaf Gallery and their frame shop and moved into a 1,500-square-foot space two doors south, so they would have room to add a coffee shop, Cappuccino Corner, 4630 Royal Vista Circle, Suite 8, Windsor.
In 2008, and in a nose-diving economy, the Breeds held tight to the notion that a failing business was not an option. Diane said she looked for opportunities within their business and expanded on those elements that were working. As a result, painting instruction was born.
Turning Leaf Gallery went from surviving to a thriving business. From four art students in the spring of 2009 to as many as 30 students per session, Diane said the participants find the experience of creating their own professionally instructed paintings to be an addicting pastime.
Diane’s classes now include adult, youth, long programs, short programs, SKYPE and Plein-Air classes, which will include a five-day Boston experience in October 2012. Diane also expanded her custom framing services to meet with client’s off-premise that were unable to come to the gallery or found it hard to get out.
Diane said the demand for her commission paintings continued to grow as well. From portrait work, custom designed paintings and wall murals, all day and every day could be spent on nothing but art and framing, Diane said.
Finding the way to hold tight during difficult times has paid off, she said.
Diane said a greater amount of flexibility has become necessary as the demand has spread far beyond the doors of a fixed location. The Breeds have determined that it is time for Diane to take the business on the move. “To you” services from art instruction, to custom framing, custom murals and commissions, Diane will meet with her clients at their homes or places of business rather than them coming to the Gallery. She also has a newly completed full art studio and frame shop at her private residence..
With the Breeds’ focus on art and the custom framing side of the business, they are looking for someone to take Cappuccino Corner to its next level as well.
Diane said: “The coffee shop has become a bit like ‘Cheers’ where friends, colleague, and their four-legged friends have come to gather for all these years. We want to take a non-traditional approach to offering and introducing the coffee shop to its new owner(s). Among our family of friends, there may just be that person or persons that are ready to expand Cappuccino Corner. It, too, is ready for its next great move, whether in this space or in a different location.”
Diane said she is going to help with every aspect of the transition, and the Breeds are hopeful that the existing staff will stay as part of that transition.
“We want to provide whatever is necessary to the owner to see that Cappuccino Corner continues to thrive,” Diane said. “We’re going to miss what this has become, but we know it’s time to move with the demand. I’m excited, too, for Cappuccino Corner as there are so many untapped opportunities for additional growth. It deserves far more attention. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I am so grateful that I can honestly say I get to do what I love to do each day.”
As an internationally recognized artist, Diane’s work maintains a strong investment value. Her original work, as well as limited edition giclee’ reproductions, are offered for sale. Diane also meets with collectors to design and complete paintings created exclusively for their desires.
“There hasn’t been one single day that this has seemed like work. You know that you are doing the right thing when you can say that,” said Diane, who is one of only 480 professional painters worldwide to be recognized with signature distinction for excellence (National Acrylic Painters Association) in the medium of acrylic. “I thank God each day for all my blessings including each and every person and dog that have made this an amazing place.”
Diane said the change will take place at the end of April.
For more information, contact Diane at (970) 206-0330 or at www.turningleaflimited.net.
