In 2020, Good’s of Evanston entrusted its 117-year legacy to Masterpiece Framing + Imaging. Below is the original letter shared with customers by former owner Shaun Chinsky announcing the transition.

We are honored to continue serving the Evanston and North Shore community from the same historic Main Street location while carrying forward the tradition of craftsmanship, design, and personal service that made Good’s so beloved for generations.

Good’s of Evanston Passes the Baton to Masterpiece Framing + Imaging

September 29, 2020

Dear Friends,

At the end of May, I shared with you the sad news that Good’s would be closing. I could not have foreseen the positive turn of events that would follow. We were absolutely overwhelmed by people reaching out to express kind thoughts and wanting to place a final order with us. This support helped us stay open longer than expected and ultimately led to the good news I’m sharing with you today.

Good’s is passing the baton to Masterpiece Framing + Imaging, who will be moving into our space throughout the month of October. I have known Masterpiece owner, Matt Puchalski, for over ten years and have always respected him as a great framer, artist and store operator. Knowing him as I do, I am certain he will provide you with the best framing solutions. Equally important, you will be happy knowing that most of the Good’s staff will be staying on to serve you.

In my first letter, I shared with you my rationale for reaching the difficult decision to close Good’s. I would now like to explain how we arrived at this unexpected transition, and why I’m confident that Masterpiece, and Matt, are the best successor to Good’s.

When I made the decision to close the business, selling Good’s was never a consideration. Since we own our building, I had the ability to qualify other frame shop owners interested in using our space. As expected, numerous framers reached out with an interest in taking over. My criteria for consideration were simple: I needed to be able to honestly, confidently and enthusiastically introduce them to our customers as the best alternative to Good’s. You have placed your trust in us for 117 years, and deserve no less.

Not only did Matt easily meet my criteria as a successor, he also has a strong vision of what a modern frame shop should be. As I mentioned in my first letter, Good’s needed to evolve into its next iteration, but I could not see a path forward that resolved all of our challenges. Matt and Masterpiece will bring resources, skills and new offerings that Good’s was simply not equipped to deliver, all while providing the quality and service you have come to expect. As we now look to the future, everyone on the Good’s and Masterpiece teams are excited and nervous about the transition. There will inevitably be a few kinks to work out, but we are all committed to working hard, minimizing disruption and ultimately delivering great results to you.

Finally, before I move on to my next adventure, I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of Good’s all these years. The reaction to the closing announcement was truly humbling. I can’t imagine an experience more rewarding than managing this store, serving this community and interacting with so many interesting people.

I am better for my time at Good’s and leave here full of gratitude.

— Shaun Chinsky