Pirates Alley: framing good business through faith

Editor’s Note: The Sooner Catholic is interested in telling the stories of Catholic businesses throughout the archdiocese. To suggest a business, send an e-mail to [email protected]


Through the doors of Pirates Alley, the custom frame shop on Britton Road in Oklahoma City, Theresa Hurt awaits with warmth, a soft smile providing a welcome greeting.

She’ll likely be wearing a crucifix or a Blessed Stanley Rother medal, unafraid to share her Catholic faith with customers.

“A lot of our customers know we are Catholic,” Hurt said of the family business still going strong in its 54th year. “It seems to come about without having to say we are Catholic.

“We also have many Jewish customers. I will teach them the Saint Anthony prayer, and they will ask, ‘Don’t I have to be Catholic to pray this?’ I like spreading the word if the moment invites itself. Sometimes I call upon and pray to Saint Luke (patron Saint of artists) for the God-given talent I have nurtured through this creative outlet.”

Founded in 1970 by RJ and Alvina Henrichs – Hurt’s parents – Pirates Alley specializes in quality custom picture framing – emphasis on the quality. There are two Oklahoma City locations, with a store on NW 23 Street, in addition to the original Britton Road location.

The business continues to thrive at a time when large chain conglomerates have invaded their territory through the decades. Established by a Catholic family remains driven by faith, the business is still operated by Alvina, who turned 93 in March, along with four of their seven children.

Hurt serves as creative consultant, a role she has been filling since 1974. 

Hurt’s siblings have all found their way and expertise in varied fields, with one brother and two sisters managing the other Pirates Alley location. Hurt’s daughter and son-in-law worked in the shop for a time, as well as her granddaughter and great granddaughter. She said she’s not only blessed that the business has boasted true longevity, but that her faith has been woven throughout her daily interactions with customers.

“If someone brings in a picture of the Blessed Mother to get framed,” she said, “my first thought is how is it that the Mother of our Lord came to see me? This is a blessing this business affords me to have, and I will let the owner of the artwork or picture know this has been a blessing to me.”

Hurt’s mother and the family matriarch worked as a waitress in the evenings at a former popular steakhouse while the business was growing. While her parents’ faith was a quieter one that evolved through the decades, Hurt said her father, who died earlier this year, held a firm relationship with God and a special attraction to the rosary.

“Mom worked at Glen’s Hik’ry Inn in Oklahoma City in the evenings while dad was building the business, just to keep food on the table,” Hurt said. “There was a time when my parents had all the kids, and we didn’t get to church that often. They were away from the church for a while and then came back strong.

“My dad loved the rosary. He loved giving rosaries and telling people about the Catholic Church. His favorite gospel reading was Matthew 16:13-19, Luke 9:18-22: ‘But who do you say that I am?’ This was the gospel reading three days in a row after his passing, which we found so comforting. He was still a sinner in need of perfection, but he had his own way of faith and loved to talk to people.”

The unique name of the business is derived from a street in New Orleans, where many artists commune. With the business having close ties to the artistic community, RJ thought it was the perfect name.

With many larger, chain stores always present, it’s important to Hurt to carry on the family tradition.

“I don’t feel there is any competition with other frame shops, because what we do is so creative and unique,” said Hurt. “Other frame shops can’t come up with what we do. I can look at a piece of art and envision what it needs. We can make something look good no matter the budget and don’t feel a threat from other shops because of that creative aspect.

“When customers come in they become our family. Most of our employees have been here 30 or more years; the experience we offer is unmatched."

One of Hurt’s self-proclaimed taglines is “let’s create beautiful together,” a saying she attributes as an inspiration from her relationship with God.

“I am working with God, I am a co-creator with him,” said Hurt. “God is the creator, and he has given me a talent to put together something beautiful, and it is truly glory to God when creating something beautiful.”

Rose Henrichs, a sibling who manages the 23rd Street location, suggests going to the store isn’t work, but something much more.

“Going to work is like going to an art gallery every day,” said Henrichs. “I’m just in awe of the art and photography brought in and the stories behind each piece. Sometimes we deal with funerals or end-of-life celebrations, and it is so touching to discuss someone’s story with the family – they really open up to us and talk.

“This is what sets us apart from other establishments. They are restricted by the corporate image, and we are more flexible. We really care.” 

Henrichs reflects on a time when Oklahoma City witnessed great tragedy, the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and how the family company was able to bear witness to a miracle that radiated through terror.

“The priest at the time at Saint Joseph Old Cathedral during the Oklahoma City bombing brought in a crucifix from the cathedral right after the bombing occurred,” said Henrichs. “The crucifix was made of wood from Jerusalem and was in a shadowbox frame.

“During the bombing, the glass had shattered in the frame and the velvet backing was slashed, but the crucifix remained completely untouched. I thought this was nothing short of a miracle.”

While they may not outwardly discuss their Catholic faith with customers at Pirates Alley, there are plenty of reminders scattered throughout the store of their commitment to the Church.

“We have crucifixes hanging around the shop and a picture of Blessed Stanley Rother, as well as a fairly large picture of Pope Francis hidden in the shelves,” said Henrichs. “It appears as if a person is standing there and is always something that makes our patrons laugh.

“We follow the Golden Rule and treat everyone the same. We are a very honest company and if something is not right, we make it right.” 

At the end of the day, Henrichs is committed to preserving customers’ memories through her work at the business.

“People can talk to us – the Holy Spirit connects us with people that want to be heard,” said Henrichs. “I believe we are more attuned to things like this. Our shop has been here a long time, and people can sense that this is a warm and welcoming place.

“There is always a story, and people are delighted to tell their story if you ask. The story behind it is what matters.”

Joanna Borelli is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: RJ and Alvina Henrichs founded Pirates Alley in 1970. The custom frame shop is still operated by Alvina, who turned 93 in March, along with four of their seven children. Photo provided.