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In May of 2006, Layman Lumber ceased production after 50
years. The management team and several key employees remained.
After retooling the old mill into a woodshop, and retraining
the mill workers, we opened LaKat Gallery on Highway 12 in
Naches, just 12 miles west of Yakima.
LaKat is a photo and crafts gallery featuring the skills
of our talented craftsmen. All photographs are printed at
Layman Lumber studios and all frames are made from wood produced
at the mill before it was closed. With few exceptions, the
handicrafts use Layman Lumber wood.
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Framed Photographs
Every frame is hand crafted and uniquely designed for each
photograph. No two frames are exactly alike as they are made
one at a time by our craftsmen. Each frame is stained, lacquered
or sprayed individually. Each mat is designed and cut in our
studio to best suit the individual photograph.
LaKat Gallery photographs are designed to give you many years
of enjoyment. We use ultraviolet ink to print the pictures
and Tru Vue conservation clear glass for additional protection.
Matboards are made of alpha-cellulose (wood pulp) fibers that
have been chemically treated to eliminate the acids and lignins
that can degrade the matboard and artwork.
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Wood Handicrafts
All handicrafts are produced in our workshop by our staff
with local materials, much from our own mill. The creations
featured include: birdhouses, hanging plaques, wood burning
designs, napkin holders (both wood and horseshoe), book shelves,
display shelves, jewelry boxes, quilt chests, wooden chests,
bookends, log furniture, and even a rocking horse. Our artisans
are constantly creating new items for your enjoyment.
Please come and experience the wonderful atmosphere and original
one of a kind products at LaKat Gallery! |
La Kat Gallery wins award
La Kat Gallery tied for first place in the 2008 Yakima Business Times "Best in the Valley" recognitions ... for Best New Business.
LaKat Gallery
10201 Highway 12
Naches, Washington 98937
Tel. (509) 653-1350, 653-2221
Fax (509) 653-1287
lakatgallery@nwinfo.net
Website www.lakatgallery.com
LaKat Gallery is located just west of the traffic
light on Highway 12, next to the Shell station.
Google Maps link
The Secret Is Out: LaKat Gallery Opening In Naches
Yakima Valley Business Times
March 14, 2008
By Carrie Snider
 Perhaps
you’ve heard the rumor – something is happening at the
old Casper’s restaurant in Naches. Until you step inside and
see what the owners have been up to for the past year, you won’t
believe the transformation.
A year ago, Larry and Kathy Kratzer bought the building and literally
gutted the place. But this isn’t your typical renovation.
Their goal was to open a business in Naches like no other –
an upscale photo gallery. They intentionally kept the details a
secret.
“We were low key. We wanted to go for the ‘wow’
factor,” said Larry.
At the grand opening to be held April 3, 2008 no doubt they will
see a lot of surprised looks and even hear some “wows”
as curious patrons pass through LaKat’s doors and see for
themselves the array of photography adorning the gallery.
From the snow-capped mountains of Greenland to the buildings at
Red Square in Russia, it’s all on display at LaKat Gallery
in Naches. The mix of traditional to modern photography is quite
stunning. And what has been done to the building is a masterpiece
itself.
The old brick building stands in the middle of town at 10201 Highway
12 – home over the years to an auto dealership, the U.S. Forest
Service, and then several restaurants. It’s most recent vacancy
came at the right time. The Kratzers had wanted to open a gallery
and were in the position to start the process.
Utilizing Fickel & Son Construction, they added a step-down
ceiling for a more dramatic lighting effect, a brand new entryway
added onto the side, a unique reception counter with intricate woodwork,
and “bathrooms that rival the Venetian in Las Vegas,”
according to Jim Fickel.
But to truly understand what went into this transformation, you’d
have to know a little about the Kratzers.
 Behind
the Scenes
This couple has a quiet sweetness about them, but they are very
savvy business people. At the core of their beliefs is to never
do anything halfway. LaKat Gallery is no exception.
Kathy’s father owned Layman Lumber in Naches, and eventually
the couple moved to the area to help out. They closed the mill awhile
back, but kept on some craftsmen behind the scenes to develop skills
in preparation for future projects of a very different nature.
“We saw potential,” said Larry. “We retooled
the mill. This project has been a group effort. We have some very
talented people working for us. They are eager to learn new things.”
When you walk in the doors of LaKat Gallery, perhaps even more
amazing than the stunning photos is the fact that the Kratzers employees
have a hand in the details.
They milled and prepared the wood for each one of the frames in
the gallery. From rustic to modern, each frame is custom-built for
the photograph it highlights.
The Kratzers decided to buy a matting machine, and now Kathy and
another employee do the matting work themselves. Each and every
matte is handpicked and custom designed for each photo.
 The
workers also built the freestanding display units where the photos
hang.
The Kratzers also purchased a photo-printing machine and print
the photos themselves.
Photography on Display
So just who took all these photos that the Kratzers have taken
such care in displaying?
Larry himself took most of them. He has been taking photographs
for years, and now he has the perfect place to display them.
Under the bright pendant lights, with images from the local area
to far abroad, he can name the locations and story behind each of
his photos.
Other photographers featured in LaKat are his son-in-law and a
friend in Australia. A few nonphotography art pieces at the gallery
are old saw blades from the mill painted by local artist Shawn Eby.
They’ve also uniquely framed a few old comic books and magazines.
 The
Kratzers craftsmen have also been busy for the past year hand-building
gift items for the gallery – a standing boat-shaped shelving
unit, birdhouses, keepsake boxes and more. Cards will also be made
from photos and sold as thank you cards, postcards, etc.
Beyond the main gallery area is a separate room that houses a
special collection of photographs. On display are an industrial
series that commemorate the old mill, telling the story of part
of the history of the area. The photos were taken by an employee.
There is also another room where the Kratzers plan to host special
events and showings at the gallery.
The gallery will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Ginger Carlton is the gallery manager.
The Kratzers’ attention to detail during the process also
extended into conservation of building materials. The main flooring
is eco-friendly and is made from the bark of a specific tree, whose
bark regrows leaving the tree unharmed.
Naches Trend
With the recent growth in Naches, from new business popping up
in the area and housing developments going in, the Kratzers hope
the gallery can be part of the growth.
 They
will depend on out-of-town tourists who pass through to stop in.
Also, with the up-and-coming Tieton transformation into a more art-loving
town, they hope to attract some of those same visitors. They also
hope local people will take the time to tour the gallery as well.
“Naches is just 12 miles from Yakima by freeway.”
Said Larry. “It’s a very quick drive. We hope to entice
people to come here.”
If you are a cat lover, this gallery is for you – the logo
for LaKat, developed by their daughter, Angie Bruce, is a cheerful
feline that is honored on the front of the building and throughout
the inside, even as part of some of the lighting. The Kratzers even
printed some photos of their own beloved cats, and they hang in
a place of honor right by the reception counter.
Lest you think LaKat is a French word for cats, think again –
LaKat is short for Larry and Kathy, the two people who put their
heart and soul into what is sure to be a Naches gem.
“LaKat” is worth a visit
Marlene’s Upper Valley Press
April 16, 2008
By Vera Backstrom
Born into the Layman family, Kathy married Larry Kratzer and shared
life with him in Long Beach for 30 years where he taught grade school.
A few years ago Larry retired from teaching and the Kratzers moved
back to Naches and took over the family business, Layman Lumber
Company.
Naches’ new business, LaKat – named after co-owners
Larry and Kathy Kratzer – is an outlet for Layman Lumber Company.
As you know, Layman Lumber Company is no longer operating as a sawmill,
but the Kratzers and their 13 remaining employees – family
and friends – are using wood to create a variety of beautiful
products. 100% hand made by local artisans . . . there are a number
of different items on display and for sale.
 I
paid a fun visit to “LaKat” last weekend. There was
mention of this new gallery in the last issue of Upper Valley Press,
and let me tell you it is definitely worth a visit, and a purchase.
The store is located on Highway 12 just past the Shell Station at
the light on the way out of town.
Larry and Kathy love to travel, and love to photograph what they
see. They have obviously traveled far afield as you can see from
the vibrant photos decorating the display boards at LaKat. Larry
prints his favorite photos with a 42 inch color printer. Custom
mats are then cut for those photos (and those of the other four
photographers featured at LaKat), and custom wood frames are crafted
at the Layman Lumber work site. These large framed and matted photographs
make a great display and are ready for hanging in your home.
There are also very reasonably priced greeting cards made from
some of these photos. They have framed some classic comic books
and old magazines in a way that you can take the items out and read
them. From wood the team has crafted unique bird houses, wall hangings,
quilt chests, and other items. Kathy has knit some unusual scarves
and hats, too. In other words, there is great variety in the shop.
You can even sit and watch a slide show of the renovations of the
building over the past few months into LaKat!
A visit to LaKat is as stimulating as a trip to an art gallery.
It’s wonderful to see this local quality craftsmanship and
ingenuity. Hopefully the Kratzers’ excellent location at the
light on Highway 12 will help the business thrive as it’s
one we can all be proud of when we highlight our town.
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