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Our History

Rooted in theatrical design, Apropos has spent the last twenty years perfecting their craft in decorative plaster, paint and print.

Apropos currently employs a staff of fifteen together with a roster of specialized freelance artists and operates out of a 17,000 sq ft studio in Minneapolis. Additionally, travel teams are organized for on-site installations anywhere around the globe. Our client list includes Victoria’s Secret, PINK, GUESS, Inc., Bath and Bodyworks, Limited, Structure, Limited Too, Express, BCBG, St Johns, Forever 21, and many other satisfied customers.

Observing through a lens of fine artistry, special attention is paid to the smallest details. Apropos prides itself on artistic focus and maintaining deadlines. We build strong relationships with our clients and work hard to create and fully realize every vision.

Apropos will bring the same careful attention to big jobs or small ones. And what is done with care is meaningful.

Our People

• 

  Jamie Reich

  Owner, Creative Director: 24 years

  Jamie spent a lot of time in high school theater, building and painting sets. When he graduated he felt directionless yet drawn intensely to the arts. After drifting to the Catskills and earning a degree in commercial art, he furthered a split major in art/theater at the University of Buffalo, working summer stock in Chautaqua NY. He was offered a prop assistant position at the Cleveland Playhouse and entered professional theater.

  In 1983 Jamie and his wife Lois Rhomberg were offered positions at the prestigious Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN as Prop Master and Lead Scenic Artist, respectively. They spent ten years deepening artisan trades, after which Jamie was offered a position as Technical Director with the Dayton’s photo studio. When moonlighting gradually overtook the Dayton’s position, he and a co-worker launched a business named Apropos.

  During those years they expanded their business, painting backdrops for advertising and faux finishes with high-end residential clients, earning a reputation in those circles. Jamie’s partner left the business and moved to LA to focus his interests in residential design while Jamie continued landing scenic jobs: painting sets for Prince videos, a few TV movies and a number of films including Grumpy Old Men. A landmark job arrived from The Limited to paint decorative wall coverings for their chain store, Express. Soon, Jamie and his crew were painting seventy-five stores a year, which quickly grew to three hundred stores in The Limited brand; Victoria’s Secret, Structure, Limited Too and Bath & Body Works.

  Jamie has become the unintended yet enigmatic leader of Apropos. His employees are devoted to him and to his vision: creating high art for commercial purposes.

• 

  Evan Alastair Morris

  Studio Manager: 7 years

  When Evan’s not running operations with the gentle persuasion of Genghis Khan, he’s out practicing horseback archery like Genghis did.

  Apropos feels like a second family to him, and he cares about everyone. Evan says, “We have the best work environment there is. Plus, we get to crank the tunes!”

• 

  Samantha Guido

  Account Manager/”Dot Specialist”: 3 years

  Samantha is a Gemini vegetarian who enjoys fireworks and polka dots. She earned a BS in business with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in Economics from Southern Oregon University. A few years later she went back to school for another degree in fashion design. She joins us from LA, where she worked in management, sales, fashion, and cupcake baking.

  After living the “glamorous life” in LA, she decided it was time for a change of pace. Sam packed up her little car and headed to Minneapolis to join the crew at Apropos. Sam brings her creativity, organizational skills, and an all-around optimistic attitude to the Apropos family.

• 

  Alex DeCamp

  Print Room Manager: 2 years

  Surprisingly talented, for so little intelligence. Oddly relaxed, for being so driven. Fully furnished mind. Interestingly handsome, considering “the accident”. Fortunate, that a beautiful genie-in-a-bottle named Apropos found me washed up on a shore.

  Bringing the West Coast to Middle America!

   

• 

  Kathryn Korb

  Marketing Director: 1 year

  After graduating with a fine arts degree from University of St. Catherine, Kathryn spent two years in a graphics/screen printing shop and a brief stint at an up-and-coming jewelry business, in their marketing departments. She realized that if she was going to promote anything, it had to be something she truly believed in. She fell in love with Apropos the minute she opened the door.

  She’s very excited to be a part of the company and looks forward to how her love of pattern and design will assist in the steps Apropos is taking towards wallpapers and decals.

• 

  Mike Mentone

  Designer: 2 years

  Mike’s had some great opportunities since working at Apropos that he believes wouldn’t have been offered anywhere else. He feels a part of a great team. His work is always interesting, challenging and fun. He learns new things every day. He feels that the Apropos environment and culture are unique and is proud to be part of the team. He loves working at Apropos and can’t imagine being anywhere else.

  He loves Japanese and Italian foods, family time, snowboarding, film, collecting toys and anything related to cars including racing and restoring. He also loves his pit bull, Comet.

• 

  Josh Albro

  Studio Artist: 6 years

  Josh took lots of art classes in high school; drawing, mechanical drawing, graphic arts, photography and art history. He attended a technical college after high school studying advertising art and design for a while—but was making good money framing houses. He continued as a carpenter, while wishing for something more creative.

  In 2007 he was hired for some remodeling at Apropos space, where a co-worker’s wife was working. He thought the studio was great and it would be awesome to work there. He said, “I’m not quite sure why they asked me to come on board—maybe they were swamped—but I’ve been here, happily, ever since.”

• 

  Derek Pasley

  Production artist: 6 years

  In elementary school, Derek drew a picture on the back of a test he was supposed to be taking. The teacher was impressed—and concerned. He graduated with a degree in fine art, much to his parent’s dismay, and moved away from the great state of Wyoming.

  Now he’s a connoisseur of fine wallpaper, handling quality control for Apropos. He appreciates being part of a creative team focused on the improvement of process and products. Both the atmosphere and people at Apropos makes coming to work a daily adventure for him. “It feels more like a family than a workplace,” he says.

  He continues creating theater props and his own fine art. He loves Expressionism, Impressionism, Memphis and Functional art.

• 

  Loren Chantland

  Studio Artist: 16 years

  “I’ve always enjoyed fixing things and learning new skills,” says Loren. He has a degree in advertising art and design, and worked in that industry for ten years as an illustrator and designer. But as it turns out, he’s a fine artist, preferring to work in oil.

  He used to be obsessed with WWII aviation and was successful painting historical aviation art. Now his subject matter is either clouds or landscapes.

  His life is busy and flush with a great family: his wife, two daughters and two crazy dogs. He loves movies. He’s attracted to the obscure and things that make you think in a different way. He’s not a fan of hypocrisy and loves people who have the courage to be honest.

• 

  Kathy Raymond

  Studio Artist: 16 years

  Kathy has done many things to earn a living over the years but began sign painting/hand lettering as a fourth career in her late 30’s. 95% of the work she does currently consists of design and application of vinyl graphics. Swinging a brush has always been her first love and she’s grateful that Jamie has given her that opportunity at Apropos.

  She’s been devoted to Darrell, the love of her life and “spousal alternative”, for 21 years, sharing four children between them, and is blessed with six grandchildren. She enjoys volunteering, owns a travel trailer, a vintage convertible and a horse – her favorite therapy next to her iPad.

• 

  David Lewis

  Plaster Guru: 11 years

  David hails from Dallas TX, he touts an English Lit/Finance degree from Southern Methodist University—“not that I’ve ever put those degrees to any sort of use, he says. “It’s just fun to say that I have them.”

  He visited the Great White North in 1996 and loved it enough to make it his new home. He married a pretty girl named Diane from Minnesota and they live in the burbs with their two little boys, Dexter and Dashiell. He says, “I enjoy anything with wheels and/or an engine. I’ve been creating decorative plaster pieces for fifteen years and really enjoy my work with Apropos and the places it takes me.”

• 

  Shannyn Joy Potter

  Studio Artist: 11 years

  Shannyn received a BFA from the College of Visual Arts in St Paul, MN with an emphasis in drawing, which slowly evolved into sculpture. In the mid 90’s she began working at Apropos, which employed many artists and friends. She has lived in Santa Fe and Kansas City, but returned to her Minneapolis community and eagerly rejoined loyal friends at Apropos.

  She continues to be a part of Jamie’s road team, traveling the country, “painting bows, lines and all things pink for Victoria’s Secret”. When not traveling, she’s busy teaching, practicing yoga and creating sculpture in her own NE Minneapolis studio.

• 

  Brad Nesseth

  Studio Artist: 2 years

  Brad went to school for design and animation, discovering a passion for graphic design. He loves combining design with computer technology and 3D to create illusions that tell a story—he says, “it’s pure magic!”

  He enjoys working at Apropos because it involves working with an inspired team to solve problems and, ultimately, serve clients. He loves the sense of humor shared at work as well. He says, “It’s satisfying to see how this small company does such big things and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

  He spends most of his free time learning new computer/design skills (“it’s hard to keep up!”) and enjoys being out in nature, good food and drink, listening to music, hanging with friends and—digs his cat.

• 

  Lois Rhomberg

  Artist and Designer: 21 years

  Lois is an artist and designer, specializing in paintings and illustrations in a style grounded in realism—with heart. Her favorite subjects are people, followed closely by anything visually fascinating which speaks to the viewer. Whatever the subject, she appreciates the art and craft of good design, and enjoys collaborating on complex projects. She always welcomes a new challenge.

  In addition to working with Apropos, she has worked as a set designer in regional opera, created paintings and murals for a variety of businesses, churches and hotels, and has been a featured artist in a number of galleries. Her illustrations can be seen soon in “Unconditional Forgiveness” by Mary Hayes-Grieco (Simon & Schuster imprint) publishing January 2012.

  In addition to many years of independent artistry, she’s been married to Jamie Reich for more than twenty years.

• 

  Greg Viking Lover Wallace

  Accountant / ”Chief Nit Picker”: 11 years

  Greg is an atypical accountant, a numbers cruncher and coach who has fun chasing down receipts, billings and timecards. With his photo/prop making background he is often stirring his perspective into a projects procedure.

  He thoroughly enjoys being a part of the creative Apropos family.

  When he leaves the office Greg can be found on field and court coaching youth baseball, football and basketball teams to his son’s pleasure or dismay. He also has fun in the woods hunting orcs and trolls with his faithful black lab “Ruckus”.

• 

  Hans Thorkelson

  Plaster Specialist: 5 years

  Hans started doing plasterwork in 2003 after spending several years in trade painting—“it was a revelation!” He’s a specialist in decorative plaster and loves working his trade in the Apropos studio. “I love the aesthetic qualities of traditional lime plasters,” he says. “The many surface textures that can be achieved and their subtle luminosity is inspring. Above all, I love the craft.”

  Many cultures throughout history have used lime plasters in countless ways, both functional and decorative. Hans says, “The beauty of the material is that it is so adaptable and yet, if you know it well, feels made specifically for the task at hand. The feeling of working with this rewarding material keeps me inspired and enjoying my work.”

• 

  Maxine

  Shop Dog: 5 years

  Maxine joins the Apropos family from the deep south. After hitching a ride with a friend she made the trek to Minnesota and never  looked back. Her need for affection and constant companionship fills the emotional voids in most employees. She enjoys mangling toys and the occasional rummage of an office trash can.

What our clients say about us

• “Jamie and his team at Apropos were a pleasure to work with. They were extremely detailed and professional in their communication, and always on time with deliveries. Jamie was great at reacting to change and adjusting his production and shipping methods to meet and exceed our expectations both visually and fiscally. With a multitude of delivery variables and challenges, Jamie was always personally involved in solving unexpected problems. He really loves what he does and so does his team. I highly suggest trying them out for your next roll out. Please feel free to contact me directly via email if you need any further information on the team at Apropos and their amazing talents.”

  John Omlor
  Creative Director, St. John
  October 2010

• “The Apropos team is wonderful to work with! They recently collaborated with our design team on a Flagship retail store in the SoHo neighborhood of New York. They created material samples to help us finalize ideas for special finishes, and completed extensive artisan finish work on site. They must have touched about 90% of the surfaces in the store, and it looks fantastic! They were also instrumental in helping us problem-solve some unplanned finishing issues on site, and their quick thinking under pressure and expertise was invaluable. On many of our other stores across the country, Apropos not only supplies pre-finished materials to send to job sites, but their team members travel to stores to complete special on site work when needed. They do everything in their power to accommodate the client, and they take pride in their work.”

  Melissa Ng
  Designer, Limited Brands
  November 2010

• “Apropos skills are outstanding. They always do the work with timely matter and delivers great results, usually better than what I ask for. They are very fun to work with, and I would recommend anyone to work with them in creative projects.”

  Ayako Otoshi
  Designer, Limited Brands
  November 2010

• “I have always known Jamie as an extremely hard working, detail driven, creative and well grounded person through all of the projects that I have had the pleasure of working with him on. His ability to see a project from inception through installation is uncanny. I can only assume that his customers see this trait as well and that is why he is so successful and has such loyal customers. I highly recommend any associations with Jamie whether business driven, creative outlet or personal.”

  Luis Ferreiro
  Vice President, Digi Graphics, Inc.
  October 2010

• “Jamie’s ability to balance creativity, artistic integrity, and project deadlines is fantastic! His work is of the highest quality and he is an absolute pleasure to work with! I recommend Jamie without any reservation.”

  John Sheehan
  Restaurant Owner
  October 2010