Hudson Fine Art & Framing transitions to new – but familiar – owner

by Judy Srringer

After 21 years of preserving memories and showcasing local creativity, Hudson Fine Art & Framing Co. is officially changing hands. Owner Kathy Johnson announced her retirement, passing the torch of her Main Street shop to staff member and custom framer Katie Thomson.

Johnson said she bought the business in 2005 from Doug McCormick, when it was known as McCormick Place and located in the southern portion of the former Saywell’s Drug Store storefront. Last summer, the shop relocated a few doors down to 134 North Main St.

For Johnson, stepping away is a bittersweet milestone. Over two decades, she built the business into a reliable home for custom framing and a welcoming space for area artists.

“This has been much more than a business to me,” Johnson said. “It has been a meaningful part of my life, a place where I had the privilege of working with wonderful clients, artists and friends.”

While the framing workroom keeps the operations running, Johnson admits the front showcase holds a special place in her heart.

“The frames are the money maker,” she noted. “The art is the passion and joy.”

Thomson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in art education, brings deep roots in both the craft and the community. She first fell in love with Hudson while working as a nanny in 2001, later gaining framing experience at FastFrame before joining Hudson Fine Art nearly four years ago.

“I really enjoy framing, and I enjoy the business,” Thomson said. “Being able to work around it all the time and frame people’s beautiful pieces … it’s just really fun.”

When Johnson offered her the opportunity to take over the shop, Thomson didn’t hesitate. “I jumped on it and felt like it was a really great opportunity to have a business here in Hudson,” she said.

Johnson noted that regular clients can expect a smooth transition when Thomson officially takes over on Oct. 1. The shop’s core identity – combining custom framing with a curated local gallery – will remain intact, although Thomson plans to expand the shop’s social media presence and periodically bring in new talent alongside the established artists.

As for Johnson, she plans to remain local while trading shop hours for a well-earned change of pace.

“We’ll be in Hudson,” she said. “We’ll just be doing a little bit more traveling. I will be doing a lot more gardening and a lot more whatever I want.”

Knowing the business is in capable hands, Johnson added, makes stepping away simple.

“I trust her,” Johnson said. “She’s a good framer.”

Photo caption: Hudson Fine Art & Framing Co. owner Kathy Johnson (left) is retiring after 21 years and passing ownership of the 134 N. Main St. business to longtime framer Katie Thomson on Oct. 1.