AMERICUS—Michael Dalton wanted to open his own studio and art gallery. A photographer by trade, Dalton approached the former owner of Art Ecetera on Jackson St. and inquired about renting the building. “I talked to the previous owner Jackie about renting it out, as far as a photography studio,” said Daulton. “As I kept talking to her though she brought up that they were moving to St. Simons and if I was interested in taking over the framing business than I could. I just saw that as a perfect arm to what I am already doing, so it was a real win-win situation for the both of us.”

Dalton has recently opened Focus on the Art, which combines not only framing services, and eventually a photography studio, but also a gallery for artists to show their work. “The business was already a custom frame shop, so I’m maintaining that part of the business, but I’m adding a photography studio as well as an art gallery,” said Dalton. “I’m just expanding on what already was going on here.”

With the framing part of the business in full swing, and the photography studio upcoming, Daulton is setting his sights on the kind of art he will display in his shop. “I am going to keep it to about three or four different artists., because its not really that big of a shop,” Dalton said. “One of my friends is a painter and was recently the official painter for the 2009 Kentucky Derby, so I’m going to put some of his stuff in. I would like to bring in a mixture of different art, not just photography and painting, just to give people a different variety of art.”

“In art, its all about your focus, said Dalton, and that’s why I named the store focus on the art. When you find your focus, that’s where you will find your treasure.”

Focus on the Art is located at 108 North Jackson Street in Americus. If you would like more information on the store call 924-0000, or on the web at www.focusontheart.com