A Dream Takes Root
In 2003, Ana Maria Bars opened a small shop with a dream: to create beautiful, handcrafted furniture and home décor. Inspired by the generations of artisans in her family in Peru, Ana Maria sought to bring her vision to life in the United States. Like many immigrants, she arrived with a wealth of skills and dreams but often found herself overlooked. Undeterred, Ana Maria began her career in art and craft stores, quickly rising through the ranks due to her hard work and dedication. Her growing experience in restoration and art led her to realize that her talents would be best showcased in a unique and artistic setting—her own shop.
At that time, Ana Maria met Alain, who would later become her husband and business partner. An immigrant from France, Alain shared her dream of owning a business. Together, they combined their expertise to create a shop that seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary design. Their store quickly became a haven for lovers of fine craftsmanship, showcasing unique antique furniture, handcrafted jewelry, artisanal gifts, local artwork, and expert custom restoration services. “We poured our skills into every piece,” Ana Maria explained, reflecting her deep passion for the work they created.
A Shift in Focus
In its early years, the shop showcased works from local artists alongside carefully curated pieces imported from Peru. some even designed by Ana Maria’s father. However, when the financial crisis of 2008 hit, importing from Peru became unsustainable. This challenge led Ana Maria to expand her business focus into restoration and high-end custom framing. Her expertise in these areas attracted a growing clientele. Over time, the shop’s reputation flourished, attracting loyal customers, art collectors, and prestigious clients, including WWE, the Palace Theater, and many other local organizations.
A New Business Endeavor
By 2015, Ana Maria and Alain embarked on another bold venture—opening a French restaurant. Alain took the lead in launching the restaurant, while Ana Maria continued managing the shop. Together, they designed the layout, painted murals, refinished walls, and even crafted the furniture for the new restaurant, “Chez Vous Bistro.” It was a family effort, with Ana Maria’s father and sister working alongside them. By 2022, Alain had successfully built the restaurant, but eventually sold it to focus entirely on U & I Deco Fine Arts & Framing.
“Our shop became a cornerstone of the community,” Ana Maria reflected. “We worked with high-profile clients, art collectors, and families, preserving priceless heirlooms. Our work wasn’t just about framing; it was about preserving history. Some of the pieces we restored carried immense sentimental and financial value.”
With Alain now fully dedicated to the framing shop, he spearheaded a renovation to prepare for new growth and offerings. Just as their vision was coming to fruition, an unexpected tragedy struck.
A Devastating Setback
On the morning of March 7th, at 5:00 AM, Ana Maria received a phone call that changed everything—the restaurant, connected to the shop, was on fire. The damages were irreparable, and while the financial loss was significant, Ana Maria’s primary concern was for her clients and the sentimental value of the pieces affected by the fire. Despite the devastation, the support from their clients was overwhelming. Many reached out, offering to pay for completed work and extending deadlines indefinitely, expressing their desire for Ana Maria to take the time needed to recover and rebuild.
Looking Ahead
The community’s support has been nothing short of remarkable. Friends even set up a GoFundMe page to assist in rebuilding efforts. Initially hesitant to accept help, Ana Maria came to realize that their journey had always been about more than just business—it was about the people who believed in their craft and dedication.
As Ana Maria, Alain, and I sat together in a local restaurant discussing the tragedy, the weight of the situation was palpable. Just when hope seemed to be fading, Alain received a call that brought a glimmer of optimism—their landlord had another location available.
On March 29th, I had the privilege of visiting their new location at 96 Bedford St. The space was more spacious, though much work remained before the shop could fully reopen. Despite the challenges, Ana Maria and Alain were smiling once again, their determination to rebuild stronger than ever evident. With renewed energy and unwavering commitment, they planned to reopen in April, ready to face the future. Their passion for their craft remained steadfast, ensuring that the business would continue to thrive as a cherished part of the community.
“Our work goes beyond framing—it’s about creating, restoring, and preserving art that tells a story,” Ana Maria said with conviction.
Their journey, and the new beginning that emerged after the tragic fire, stands as a powerful testament to resilience, artistry, and the unwavering strength of community support. As they begin this new chapter, they warmly invite both loyal and new customers to rediscover their hidden gem—now reborn in a vibrant new home.
As a loyal customer and friend, I wish them nothing but the best in their reopening and encourage the community to visit the new home of U & I Deco Fine Arts & Framing. Their story is one of perseverance, and their work remains a shining example of dedication to preserving art and history.