Who we are

Ballantyne Framing & Art, located at 220 Craven Street in downtown New Bern, was first started in the mid-1980s by Mr. John Ballantyne and his wife Robbie after an interest in painting led to the idea of making their own frames. In 1998, long-time Ballantyne employees Marianne Ruiz and Mary Kay Bills purchased the shop, moving into the current location in 2013.

After a period of apprenticeship with the owners, Rachel Burger purchased the business and Marianne and Mary Kay took their much deserved retirement in early 2023.

Rachel, a graduate of Appalachian State University who majored in history and minored in art, took over with a love of conservation and working with her hands. A leatherworker for over ten years and having dabbled in quite a few other crafts, she developed a quick love for the framing process and all that goes into it. She hopes to continue in the tradition of over 40 years of expertise, quality, and service in the custom framing industry.