A is For Apples, and Autumn, and Artiplaq, and AJ
We are about one month into Fall 2025 and there is a lot of change in the fresh autumn air. A new face in the shop, some large scale exciting framing projects and the addition of a sister shop will make this season one for the books.
Over the past few days, we are taking stock in the momentum we have had with our consultation services. In addition to our staple of fine art custom framing, we have been offering a new service this year, and it is quite a hit. Today we are all taking a deep breath after the completion of a large corporate project that is about 8 months in the making. It involved all the things we like to do… brand-specific content creation, gallery walls, graphic design, printing, and of course, custom framing. The results are breathtaking and we are more than happy to have been a part of it.
“Art and framing are the jewelry, the final note, that polishes things off and leaves a mark of refinement and a personal touch.”
AJ, OUR NEW CREW MEMBER!
As one ending comes, there is always a new beginning. So it is, as we begin work on a multi-piece project from a recent private in-home consultation. It is so rewarding to see the space, aid in the design process, and finish with framed pieces that truly transform interiors. Through this service, we have been fortunate enough to be trusted and welcomed into the projects of some very accomplished interior designers. Art and framing are like jewelry to me, the final note, that polishes things off and leaves a mark of refinement and a personal touch to the space. To do that in beautifully designed spaces is very satisfying.
Putting all of our skills to use on a variety of projects illuminates just how custom framing can be, and that we are truly a full service shop. The more services that we can provide, the more custom our projects can be. That being said, we are proud to announce the addition of a sister shop. ARTIPLAQ, formally of Portland ME, is now part of our repertoire, and it is right here in Newburyport. You may have seen this offering here in the shop. ARTIPLAQ provides plaque mounting for everything from photographs to posters to nautical charts. The options are endless. It is an affordable, polished look that can hang without a frame, or be elevated with a floating frame. The next time you pop into the shop, ask about plaque mounting with ARTIPLAQ.
So… with all of this excitement in the air, new offerings, and the addition of a new business, we needed a bit of help. Saving the best part for last, we have a new addition to the crew. Not just anyone would be up to the task. We needed to fully move ARTIPLAQ to Newuryport, set up shop and keep making plaques for the existing customer base. This is where AJ comes in. I am so happy to let you know that AJ Vilamarim joined us. AJ signed on in August and helped us move, set up, and start ARTIPLAQ here in Newburyport. Everyone on the team loves him. He is handling a lot of new and exciting stuff. You may or may not see him when you come by Newburyport Framers, but know if you are getting anything ARTIPLAQed… AJ is on it. He is meticulous, and incredibly hardworking. Once again, I feel like I hit the lottery. He was the first of many resumes I looked at and the only call I made. Some things are just meant to be. I hope you have the pleasure of meeting him.
As you enjoy the second half of Fall 2025, I truly hope you keep us in mind for your projects. The holidays will be here before you know it, and we are ready to help you with inspired design, heirloom framing, and much more.
Cheers!
-P
Time flies: Book an Appointment
To share something personal, my third and youngest kiddo, the last one standing at home, got her license over the weekend. Time flies. Walking with my husband last night, we felt we are on the verge of an empty nest as she happened to drive by us, windows down with a huge grin on her face. I am sure this new phase of life will have ups and downs, but for now I feel the freedom of some new found time. It has been many years of enjoying her sport and all the driving that has gone with it every day. I knew this day would come, so I tried to be mindful of enjoying my time with her as much as I could. Now I don’t think we will see nearly as much of her. It is a big change. As it should be, she is expanding into the world and she should do so without her parents managing things. And with the exception of a reasonable curfew, she will learn to manage her own time. We all need to figure that one out.
Free In-Home Consultation
Seeing your space allows us to get a feel for your style or simple your hopes.
These days, time is flying by and it seems more precious than ever. It is a rich life when we make the most of each moment. Cutting out some of the harried running around, slowing down, and mindfully approaching the day seems to be a healthier approach to time management. With that in mind, we are always checking to make sure the shop is offering the best customer service possible with the time we have with you.
As the shop continues to evolve, we are making changes that make sense for not only our systems and flow, but more importantly for your convenience. Framing something for your home or office can be such a fun, creative experience. That being said, we understand it is also takes up a bit of your time and the design choices can overwhelm. So… here is what we can offer you to make things easy.
We are happy to introduce Scheduled Appointments. It is so effortless for you to set up an appointment either here in the shop or in the comfort of your home. There are many times slots to choose from, including Saturdays. Our effort in the shop is to have a designer ready for you at the time that works best for YOU. You may have many pieces or just one that you want to take your time with. The important thing to us is that you feel you are making good use of your time and you feel taken care of. In this day and age, we all need more of that!
In addition, with In-Home Consultation, design time is brought to your home, making it even more convenient. We have offered this service for a while and I must say, it is amazing. Seeing your space allows us to get a feel for your style, or simply your hopes. We can help you plan where to hang, and even source art if you are in search of new pieces. The appointment can be as simple as coming by with a few samples, or as involved as an overall wall design plan for your entire home, or anything in between. This service extends to commercial and corporate spaces and can include layout as well as printing/graphic design services. The options are endless, and it is absolutely our pleasure to help you make the most of your pieces and the space you live in.
“Patti and her team are extraordinary. They are artists (literally and figuratively) and always go above and beyond to take care of framing needs. They are also patient and always have creative suggestions and options. This is an exceptional establishment.”
So, whether you have a collection of favorite photos and you don’t know where to start, your office needs a boost, or anything in between, we are fully prepared to help and happy to spend as much time as you need. Personally, I may block off a few hours here and there to spend time with my daughter; although, I will probably need to book an appointment with her. :)
Time really does fly, so we hope you make the most of yours.
Cheers,
P
2 years later…
The past 2 years have been full of growth, both personally and professionally. It was 2 years ago this spring that both of my long time employees told me they were moving on. Both left for very good reasons. One made the decision to go to school in Japan, and the other decided to devote more time to painting. Both great reasons, but the double whammy was a hit, I’m not going to lie. Although I was confident in my skill set and my drive, losing 2/3 of the staff of a small business felt daunting; especially when I was the 1/3 left standing.
The news brought all the reservation that comes with a big change. How will I get done what I need to get done? Who will I be working with? Will they share my vision for the shop? After the initial discomfort gave way to action, I started looking. I have always felt strongly about hiring people who feel sincerely happy to be at the shop. I think it is a very special place full of creative opportunity. If someone is just punching in and out, without feeling a connection to the shop, it’s not a good fit. Ideally the shop is full of excitement, not just for our current set up, but for all the future possibilities.
With that in mind I called Matthew Klos. He had worked at the shop years ago, before my time, and had enthusiastically checked in over the years. I felt he really wanted to be here, and I really wanted him to be here. After a quick phone call and a great meeting, we were on our way. Matthew brings a depth of knowledge to the shop that I am really proud of. He is a master photographer and woodworker with an extensive knowledge of fine art reproduction work. All things that I couldn’t do alone. Because of him we are putting the finishing touches on our photo studio. We had the inkjet printer and the space. Miraculously the right person came along. The best part is that I feel his full commitment to the growth of the shop and the quality of the work we do. Personally, I feel supported by his presence and he makes me laugh out loud every day. I couldn’t be luckier.
One down, one to go; 2 out of 3 spots filled. I put out feelers and got a bite from Abby Tracy. Upon meeting Abby, she left me with the impression she was skilled, eager to be in a creative environment, and ready to work. Her background is in art and graphic design. With her graphic design skills we have been able to expand our offerings, making some pieces even more custom. She has upped our game in terms of our own promotional material, as well as allowed us to offer graphic design for everything from small. personal projects to large corporate designs. It has also been a joy to see her eye for design and color translate into framing. I love learning from different perspectives and in this business an open mind or, really, open “eye” is key. I love the way we push each other to see things differently. I hit the lottery again. 3 out of 3!!!!
“It feels really healthy. Everyone plays a role and we lean on each other.”
I can’t believe it has been two years since this big change. As usual, it is easy to look back now and see the benefits of what was a tricky time. Since Abby and Matthew came on board, the upgrades are noteworthy, we have redesigned the flow of the shop, upgraded and organized our offerings, and started a number of new initiatives. It feels really good to come to work knowing the shop is full of good energy and hopes for the future. The future looks bright as we build our offerings.
IN HOME CONSULTATION
CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL FRAMING
ART AND IMAGE SOURCING
FINE ART REPRODUCTION
GRAPHIC DESIGN
I have always felt there is something very special about this place. The nature of the work is very creative and always changing. But there is something else. I can’t quite describe it, but would say there is a bit of magic to it and my two comrades add to the good vibes.
It is easy now looking back to say it all worked out for the best. But, I must recognize it was not an easy time. It certainly had ups and downs… fear and doubt crept in, for sure. That being said, the past 2 years reinforced a major life lesson. Everything is always changing, and without change there is no space for all the possibilities that growth brings.
Feeling Grateful,
P
giving thanks
As Thanksgiving approaches us, we take more time to recognize the components of the shop that fill us with a sense of joy and gratitude.
We have been growing, changing, and developing into something that is truly amazing. Matthew and Kyle have been working hard to revamp the back of the shop: awesome work stations and new methods of organization that have completely changed the way we function. We are putting more custom in custom framing. Matthew is building a beautiful white oak frame for a TV that will display images from the Museum of Old Newbury Archives (available on our website for us to print and frame!). We frame TV’s! Patti always says “Coming into the shop is like a kid in a candy store, the options are endless.” , and I am feeling that more than ever.
She and I have been working on optimizing our graphic design and printing services. Having an inkjet printer in the shop has been such a blessing, and we want to take full advantage of its capabilities. We do not just offer fine art prints, but full graphic design services for any occasion.
We have also started to do more gallery walls, and we now offer in home consultation! Patti will come to your home or business and consult with you about what frames/treatment will look best in your space.
Spending the majority of my week here is a privilege, surrounded by creative and talented individuals who continue to teach, inspire, and uplift me every day. Patti has an amazing eye for design; she has taught me basically everything I know. Matthew is a gifted framer and carpenter with an extensive amount of knowledge, experience, and optimism. Kyle is an insanely talented artist with an amazing eye for detail, and he never fails to brighten my day. The three of them have motivated me to come out of my shell as an employee, as an artist, and as a person. I look forward to more crocheting sessions with Patti during lunch, more laughter, more blasting Noah Kahan and Hozier while we fit and build, and seeing more awesome pieces come through the door.
I always hear new customers say “I never knew you guys were here!” , which only makes me more excited for them to see their final product. Meeting new people and hearing their stories is just as much remarkable as maintaining long term connections with those who frequent the shop. I enjoy how collaborative the design process is as well; we want to make sure you are leaving with a frame that is essentially an extension of yourself, but our job is to support and suggest along the way.
During this time of year, we look forward to framing all of the unique pieces that hold a special meaning, usually given as gifts. We are grateful that we get to assist you in honoring the memories and time shared with your loved ones. Thank you for all that you do. Because of you, we get to continue to do what we love.
-Abby
Something about Abby: Fall Artwalk 2024
As the summer wraps up we are prepping for the Fall Artwalk on September 28th. I hope you can save the date. We are offering a debut show. The artist is someone you may have had the pleasure of meeting already here in the shop, Abby Tracy. Abby has been with the shop now for quite a while; time flies. Since then, it has been truly amazing to see someone take a new position and run with it. It seems that anything thrown at her is met with a certain je ne sais quoi, a unique sensibility.
The shop can throw a variety of challenges at you. There may be a design challenge, like meeting tricky parameters all while executing in a beautiful way, Also, projects with high emotional charge are to be expected at a frame shop. We are often met with someone celebrating the greatest event of there life, or honoring a loved one who has recently passed. Tears can be shed at the design counter. In addition, there are deadlines, multi-tasking, and special requests requiring meticulous attention to detail. I must say Abby meets all of these challenges with grace, poise and a certain noteworthy level of calm. She treats customers with a great deal of care, and she has an amazing eye, making her design selections exceptional.
Details from Studies in Blue, Abby Tracy 2024
Abby’s skill set has taken the shop to the next level as we introduce our offering of graphic design. Being a graphic designer, Abby has spearheaded a department that allows us to offer some pretty incredible results for special projects. It is like magic. With her forward thinking approach, Abby can start with an image, text and any necessary parameters and the results are always breathtaking. If you have a special project and need inspired ideas, just send along an image and she will create something amazing.
Abby has also created something amazing for the Fall Artwalk. A small yet impactful series of paintings on handmade paper. It will be a delight.
In Abby’s words,
“Meticulously painted onto handmade paper, this series celebrates yet another attempt at perfection, and this time, the acceptance of mistakes. “Studies in Blue” is a blueprint of the body and mind, exploring the idea of autonomy, halted by the rigid past and propelled forward by the malleable future.”
Read more in Abby’s bio.
As you can tell I am in the Abby Fan Club. I am quite fond of her and feel so lucky to have her here. Not only is she an amazing, dedicated employee, I think we truly enjoy each other’s company. We land in the same spot on a few key elements of life: lunchtime Wordle competitions, music selection, and overall desire to nurture the “good vibes” environment in the shop.
I hope you can swing by for the Artwalk.
Cheers,
P
On the road again…Home is where the art is…
NBPT framers hits the road and is coming to your doorstep.
Summer is slipping by faster than I care to admit. As always I find great comfort in the warmth of summer … evenings with windows open, sitting outside in the morning for breakfast with my best boy, Salty, and having all 3 of my kids living at home at the same time, for what may be the last summer. Change is in the air as the crisp weather finds us.
As we prep for cooler weather, I think of the things I love about fall. Soon I will pull the crock pot out from the back of the cabinet into a well-deserved alfa spot, and I’ll be ready to nest. I have always loved the stroll around my house, with a hot cup of ginger tea finding inspired projects. This year I have my eye on a couple different spaces that have been on hold. The mudroom and the study. The mudroom is a slow brew… we need to start with storage and art comes later. But, the study is on my mind. I have a flood of ideas. I’m thinking white grass cloth walls adorned with raw walnut framing of all my favorite family photos and small art pieces. The inspo is flowing. The redo will make this little den feel more authentically us. Cultivating a home that reflects what inspires you most is a powerful process.
I would love to help you do the same with your space. Over the years, I have done this for a few customers. It has always been fun and very rewarding. And I must say, the results make “custom” a bit more “custom”. Seeing the space, finishes, and overall vibe of the home, really helps us do our best work; so, it is time to make it an official offering. If this sparks your interest, reach out.
You could have many projects or one very special piece that needs extra attention. Whether you have a set plan or have no idea where to begin, we can help. You may dream of a curated gallery wall of old photos with eclectic frames, sleek minimal choices for a new modern painting, a formal gallery look, a cheeky collection of kids art or anything in between.
Let us do the heavy lifting. The task may seem overwhelming, but this is what we do best. Our vast selection and keen design eye will ensure a space that is unique to you, as any home should be. We want to get to know your goals and hear about what inspires you. From there, the design will unfold once we take a look at your pieces in the space.
With your hopes and inspiration in mind we will curate an ample, yet refined selection of options for your project. Once decisions are finalized, we will bring the pieces to the shop for finishing and delivery can be arranged. Easy peasy.
As the nesting season begins and holidays approach, grab your favorite pics, attic treasures and pieces that need a refresh. Blank walls, dated framing and incomplete projects can be in the rearview. We would love to help you bring things to the next level.
See you at your house.
Cheers!
-P
Ps. We are expanding our commercial and corporate presence as well!
Newburyport Framers x Museum of Old Newbury
The relationship formed in September 2022, a great collaboration begin between Newburyport Framers and the Museum of Old Newbury, when we began printing images from the Museum’s collection for our customers. It is a wonderful alliance and makes me feel that we are part of a greater village. For each print, the museum is paid a user fee, we work out the printing and framing, and our customer happily takes home an amazing historic photo to enjoy.
On our website under “Art” you can find a small sampling of images from the Museum’s collection. For example, the above image of the Joppa Flats clam shacks is now hanging in the shop. It’s amazing to see what was once such a small photo blown to a large scale, illuminating every interesting detail. It is certainly a crowd pleaser, as everyone, for the most part, knows this bend in Water Street. So many folks who come through our door have relatives or friends that “live right across the street,” or have a story about a moved clam shack that is now a garden shed in a nearby town; the history goes on and on.
The collection is vast and ever-growing and full of images of ships, portraits, landscapes, and more, all telling a story of this amazing area we call home in the most artful way. The settings and subjects of these images tell the story of a place rich in history, but, for me, they also spark a visual connection to familiar images in art history. I find many of them incredibly beautiful, and I certainly have my favorites. The 1889 “Black Ducks and Snipe” is a glass plate photograph from the recently acquired Winder collection. The piece is beautiful in it’s own right as an abstraction, but also conjures up a deep connection to timeless themes in art and life. I find this to be fascinating. It feels like following links in time and finding a thread that connects us.
Dead Partidge oil painting by Jan Baptist Weenix, 1650 Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery The Hague Netherlands
When we first began to explore the idea of our collaboration with the museum, I remember going to the basement on High Street and sifting though boxes and boxes of images. The collection is vast, rich in history, and full of untapped beauty. I felt so excited and quickly overwhelmed. I had to go back a few times. Eventually, I submitted to my visual fatigue. I couldn’t possibly stand over another box and look anymore. I knew I could only scratch the surface and I found comfort in viewing a small sampling of the photos that has been made available to preview on Digital Commonwealth through a grant to the Museum. A cup of tea, a comfy seat, and my computer made the task of image hunting much more enjoyable. I succeeded in choosing a few of my favorites and making them available to view on our website.
As time passed, Newburyport Framers x The Museum of Old Newbury is blossoming. We are all inspired to make more of the collection available, and we realized we could create this same pleasant experience for you. Keep on the lookout as we develop our plan to make Newburyport Framers a landing place for you to view the collection. We will have a comfy spot for you in the shop to search the collection for your favorites. If you find an image that makes your heart sing, we offer a professional Canon inkjet art reproduction printer and would be happy to print a custom size for you. We are also hoping to offer prints of the most prestigious paintings in the Museum’s collection. You can shop for frames while you wait for the print and maybe even enjoy a cup of tea.
One of my favorite photos from the collection is the image of a group surrounding a balloon. It is always amazing and not often surprising to see the potential and fruit of a good collaboration. We are so looking forward to seeing our plans through. I hope you can join in our enthusiasm.
Cheers,
P
The Cream of the Crop: Finished-Corner Frames
Abby and I had some time today, a welcome pause between projects. Folks are probably avoiding being blown away by the frigid gusts of this leap day. As February goes out like a lion, we really feel we gained some time. These moments seem few and far between, but when we have a pause, we take great advantage of the comfy chairs in the front of the shop. We bring notebooks knowing we will end up chatting up a to-do list, and of course, we need tea and snacks.
Today was no different in that the ideas started flowing. We all love order, efficiency, and shop improvements. It is not unusual at any given moment for someone to come up with a “Get-Better” idea. Often the items we check off our list are related to bettering our systems, work flow, shop offerings, etc; all somehow upping our game. Last week Abby started the conversation about how to cut back on the use of paper, Matthew built some amazing storage racks for bags, and I figured out how to improve our shop receipts. All very useful, but this afternoon we got inspired by some of our most beautiful offerings. This is always fun and never short of inspiration.
Today our chat took a turn toward finished-corner frames. Once the conversation began we found ourselves hopping out of the comfy chairs. Abby grabbed the camera and I started pulling corners off the wall. The afternoon turned into a full-on finished-corner photo shoot and we are so excited to share it with you.
Many of you may be wondering what I mean by “finished-corner”. The majority of frames from the shop are built on site. We miter and join them right here. It is a leg up on quality control and we try to keep our standards quite high. If a warped stick comes in, we turn it right around for a replacement. If we feel we need to slightly alter a frame’s size, for instance, a collage of photos may need a tweak in the mat margin, it is not a problem. We can build what we need on the spot. Magic. Matthew’s craftsmanship and our specialized equipment allow us to get the tightest, neatest corners possible. Some join flawlessly and some require a bit of coaxing. All dependent on the material and motif. Our set-up puts us in control of quality, and we like that.
The only time we relinquish this control is for finished-corner frames. These frames are stunning. They are built by craftspeople all over the country. The defining characteristic is that the frames are built before they are finished. The carving, painting, metal leafing, gesso layer, distressing, antiquing, etc all happen after the frame is built to your custom size. You can also request a variety of depths and widths. In addition, if you like one finish, but want it on another profile… no problem. They range from welded steel to laser cut acrylic, carved and gold-leafed to powder-coated. The options are endless and the results are exquisite. This is as custom as custom framing gets. This is a moment to measure more than twice and then order, and we do. They come to us completed and they never disappoint.
Our selection is extensive and we surprise ourselves all the time rediscovering something beautiful and using it in a new way. Abby is editing now. She took 200 photos. It was fun. In addition to the samples you see here, we are planning to share more of our selection on Finished Corner Fridays! Follow us on Insta @newburyportframers and check them out.
We take great pride in the shop’s offerings. There is a huge selection of styles and price points, something for everyone and every project. It is hard to know what is here unless you pay a visit or two. We are hoping when this crazy wind stops you will take some time to come our way. We all gained an extra day after all.
Time to think spring,
P
Dutch Finish with Exquisite Detail
Gold Leafed Drawing Frame
White Gold drawing frame with painted side
When the Rooster Crows Part 5: Kindness, Gratitude, Humility
The “Rooster”, for those landing here for the first time, is the chosen doorbell sound we hear in the back of the shop to let us know we have a visitor. We hear a cock-a-doodle-doo and never know what lies in store. One exception being Ryan, our mail currier. Like clockwork, mid morning, before we can even make it out front, we hear a warm and very sincere “HELLOOOO!”. He never fails to bring a feeling of enthusiasm to the shop; it’s contagious. Even on a day without mail, he pops in to say hi. His attitude reminds me to slap a smile on my face despite the day of the week, wind, snow, rain or shine. It’s interesting how someone can change the energy in a room without even trying, just by being themself.
Early Evening Moonrise, Katie Swatland , oil on linen 24 x 36 Price upon request
Just before the holidays some incredibly good vibes came through the door. We were in the thick of it (very busy time of year in a frame shop), when a first-time customer picked up his piece. Matthew had helped him and his wife chose a gorgeous metal frame. They had patiently waited weeks, as metal frames take a while, but are very much worth the wait. The piece was a striking painting of oversized lemons measuring 3 feet by 4 feet. The customer was so thrilled. He said it turned out exactly the way he had wanted. He was full of gratitude, the piece miraculously fit in his car, and off he went.
Katie Swatland
Framed watercolor, Sacred Reverence
The Eternal Student
A breathtaking book inviting you into Katie’s world. Through word and image she inspires us to find our fire for the creative process. A book for the seeker.
Owl Sketchbook
An exquisite surface for writing, journaling, composing, dreaming and drawing with a variety of mixed media. Sixty blank pages of 100# Mohawk Superfine, white eggshell paper awaits your sketches and notes!
All available at Newburyport Framers
Fast forward a week or so, and the same gentleman walked in the door. He had a bag with him for the three of us to share. It held a beautiful homemade lemon tart. Oh, and fresh whipped cream, a LOT of it… and don’t forget a package of gorgeous napkins. It was a glorious surprise picnic! We were stunned by how delicious it was and we were very, very touched. He also included a picture of the lemon painting in it’s new home. That was another gift, as we naturally don’t often see the final landing spot of our work. This kindness landed deeply on all of us, it was unexpected and shockingly kind. I won’t name names but if you are listening, dear, kind customer with lemon painting, thank you so much for thinking of us. (And we do still have your Tupperware from the whip cream!)
When I think of visitors with good vibes, many pop into my mind. I could write on and on of the countless stories of people, all with the common thread of straight-up goodness. It shows itself in gratitude, kindness and humility. Humility is one of my most favorite qualities in people. It’s like a super power specializing in I-can-meet-you-right-where-you-are… no worries, no need to put on airs. That brings Katie Swatland to mind. Katie is a local artist who has been in and out of the shop for years. We have helped her with a variety of projects and have been honored to do so. Her work is superb; it conjures up my love of John Singer Sargent. Her paintings have their own mythology. We have chatted many times about life, art, and process. Katie is an accomplished painter I believe because she listens. Not to her ego, but to the painting. Katie doesn’t seem to “paint” paintings, she finds them with sincerity and humility. She coaxes them out of hiding. A creative process at the hand of a humble servant. If you have not had the chance to see Katie’s work, please stop in. We are so honored to be representing her. She brings a bit of magic to the shop.
All of these visitors make it fun to come to work and their kindness, joy, and humility give me hope. So, when you come by with a project or to check out the shop, remember, around 10:15 a.m. our beloved Ryan will be here with our mail and a big “Hellooo!”
Happy Trails,
P
P.S. We really do love to see pics of our work when it lands in your home!
When the Rooster Crows Part 4: Pieces of Time
August 31, 2023, my second daughter was off to college. We put her on a plane and away she went. When we got back from dropping her at the airport I had a sudden urge to frame and hang photos of my kids. A desperate moment of clinging to the past or an attempt to remember the most joyous moments? That is up for debate.
We are now down to one kiddo in the house. The last man standing. I am sure she has mixed feelings about that. This new turn has led to all of us having mixed feelings. For my solo 14 year old it really is a mixed bag; not having a buddy to roll her eyes at when her dad says something dad-like vs. more parenting man-power just for her. Before we blink it will be her turn to go, sometime in 2028. Family photos on the wall is a top item on my project list as I feel time marching on.
I’ve been thinking lately about the concept of time. Just when you think you are enjoying August, suddenly Halloween and the holidays are creeping up. The days go by so fast in the shop and therefore, the weeks, months and even years. I have been here at the shop for 5 years. Although it is going by quickly, the experiences grow richer and richer.
This fall there is a trend in the shop. It is kind of funny how that happens, but it definitely does. Whether it is sports memorabilia week or we are pinning lots of needle points, it happens. But this month it has been really special. Important dates. Items are coming through the door with significant dates attached to them and we are loving the experience of designing and framing them.
generations of
wedding lace
A couple weeks ago a lovely lady and her daughter came into the shop with a handful of things to frame. One of the projects involved lace from the women’s wedding veil and her mother’s wedding veil. The wedding dates were April 21, 1951 and November 8, 1986.
We spent a good amount of time finding materials for this project and laying out the lace. At the prompting of her mom, the customer’s daughter confidently trimmed and arranged the pieces exactly the size and shape she wanted. She will some day gladly inherit these heirlooms.
The project wrapped up beautifully and our customer was thrilled. A perfect pair with antique matting, floating lace, and a moulding that feels inspired by Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. One for the books.
“Take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them.”
About a week later another project came through the door that literally melted our hearts. I woman had found a letter she composed on March 15, 1963 after she had been to see the Sound of Music for the first time. The tickets were a birthday gift from her parents. She was so enchanted by the Sound of Music that she came home and felt compelled to write so she wouldn’t forget the experience. It was neatly typed on a piece of paper with a little pink flower on it. It was the sweetest thing and really important to her. It was for sure of high sentimental value. What a lovely memory and what better than to see it in her home on the wall every day.
A letter to remember
March 15, 1963
It is our pleasure to work on pieces with high sentimental value, and the most inspiring thing about these projects is the focus on joyous life experiences. These items could have been left in a box in the attic and forgotten about. Instead the joy is remembered. I guess the take-away is the honoring of the best times of our lives. We can all look back to happy days and not-so-happy days. Truly honoring the happiest is a decision to choose joy. What a beautiful choice. One we are glad to be part of.
So back to August 31, 2023. I don’t really have anything to frame for that day. Putting my college freshman on the plane was both gutting and joyous. For me the heart-break feeling of knowing things have changed vs. the pure true joy of seeing someone come into her own. When I get a pang of nostalgia for old times, I have decided to choose the later. For me August 31, 2023 is a joyous day of a new beginning. Hopefully by the time she graduates I will have finished the gallery wall project of my dreams.
Cheers to choosing joy!
P
MEET MATThew KLOS
Spring is trying to spring and with that a wave of change is flowing through the shop. The old adage we all struggle with, “Change is good”, is ringing very true. About a month ago a new crew member joined our team. Matthew Klos came on as a builder, and is proving to be an amazing addition.
The change he has brought is multifaceted. We have been very busy over the past few months, finishing up a really big job and working on lots of special projects. All of us enjoy the well oiled machine we have created, but there is always room for improvement. Enter Matthew. With fresh eyes and a keen sense for flow and organization, he has spearheaded a makeover in the shop. It’s amazing. It has been a mix of really good spring cleaning and why-didn’t-we-think-to-put-this-here-before. New storage is built, things are sured up, and systems upgraded. Better flow both physically and mentally is making for an amazing work space.
Energized? check, skilled? check and meticulous? check… great qualities for building frames, but as I spend more time getting to know him I feel I hit the jackpot in so many ways.
Yes, his building skills are stellar. He has the winning combo of an old school approach with an open mindedness that allows for collaboration. As the owner of a small business, I feel a please-leave-your-ego-at-the-door work environment is a crucial ingredient for the well being of everyone. Matthew, has all of that in spades. His humility is worth pointing out when you bare in mind his experience.
Throughout his framing career he has printed and framed for the following collections:
MFA Boston MFA Houston Metropolitan Guggenheim Gagosian gallery NYC Elton John collection
Obviously he has a lot to brag about. He won’t do it, but I am happy to. Matthew has a BFA and MFA in photography and sculpture. He is an accomplished wood worker with a background in teaching. The list of skills goes on.
And, oh, I am yet to mention his work. I have to admit, photography is not a medium I can speak much about, but I have looked at my share of art and I cannot wait to show his work for the 2034 Artwork show entitled “Failure of Flesh” on April 29th, September 30, and December 2, 2023. All I can say is his work is engaging, beautiful, and truly important. The depth of his story comes through in the work.
Here is a small except for a statement regarding Matthew’s work.
“My images show a tenuous and often perilous relationship between the mind and body that plays out across the array of investigative hand-printed photographs. (Note: the hand printed.) Through doubt, trust, satire, existentialism, faith in the artistic process, and finally elements of my pain, I create a visual essay on existence.”
Events for the show include:
Reception on Friday, April 28th from 5-7pm. Light fare, Sam Parr on cello
Artist talk Saturday, September 30th, 5-6pm. Light refreshments.
Visit the shop, Saturday, December 2, 9am-2pm.
We look forward to your visit to see this breathtaking work.
Hope to see you soon.
-P
Untilted, palladium print 16 x20
When the Rooster Crows Part 3: Something Out of Nothing
“I think we should change the rooster”.
It came as such a shock to hear that. “The Rooster” is the setting on the doorbell that sounds in the back of the shop when a customer comes in. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. There are only so many cock-a-doodle’s you can take before going a bit mad. That day there were many due to the pick up of a very large order. It was phase 2 of about 80 pieces in total.
What a feeling of accomplishment to finish up such a large undertaking. It was a group effort and the project was a success. Our customer is very happy, and we realized just how much the shop can handle at one time without hiccups.
As the last of the pieces went out the door, we turned to notice the emptiness in the front room of the shop. We don’t usually use that space for finished work. It has been a somewhat ambiguous, under-utilized room.
As the clearing out of that space left it empty, the potential came to light. We have space to gallery artwork throughout the shop, but this was a chance for something new and fresh. Cue the inspiration!
For the past couple months, we have been gathering a beautiful collection of curated gift items. Special things. Wendy Borger of Watercourse Clay worked her magic and threw some exquisite pottery just for us, but it’s really just for you. There are birdhouses, pitchers, and a fun collection of vases, some quite petite, waiting here in the shop. All hand-thrown and all are finished in her one-of-a-kind glazes that are soooo easy on the eyes… organic and rich. I am trying not to take them all home. I can’t wait to see how they look with my sister’s Ranunculus from Singing Brook Farm. Spring will feel really good.
Within the space we hung a “Wall of Mirrors”. It sounds a bit like a visit to Topsfield Fair, but it looks great and showcases some of the unique moulding we have, the ones that don’t get used on a regular basis. They are frames that may be too much for most art pieces, but are so lovely in their own right that a mirror is the perfect way to enjoy them. We often have customers fall is love with moulding that simply doesn’t work on there piece. A mirror is a great way to bring that level of interest and detail into your home. It’s a special touch, like jewelry.
Framing being our number one job, we didn’t forget to stock up on 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 acrylic Prisma frames. We chose the most subtle, sophisticated colors. They look just as beautiful with a modern photo as they do with vintage or antique images.
All in all, we had a blast putting this space together, and we will try to keep it fresh for you. Hint, hint, Alan Bull… We’re hoping to see some miniature paintings!
When I step back and look at the space now, I think of an amazing art teacher of mine, the late George Gabin. He used to say, “Isn’t that amazing… you made something out of nothing.” I know I’m not back in figure drawing class at Montserrat, but there are many moments in life I find his wisdom applies.
So, whomever is on your gift list, whether it be a March Birthday, an early find for Mother’s Day, or simple a treat to yourself, we hope you will consider checking out our “something from nothing” annex. It’s loaded up with treats for you and yours.
Stay warm,
Patti and The Crew
Ps. We voted… 2-1, the rooster stays. ;)
Change of Scenery
When I purchased the shop 3.5 years ago, I inherited a North Station, Beacon Street, antique MBTA trolley sign from Sherry Pearl, the previous owner. It was old, different, and something interesting to hang out front. I LOVED it.
Original MBTA trolly sign
Some things just turn out extra special and this was one of them. In an industrial, white metal frame, it hung vertically and flanked the wall by the design counter. It was kind of the cool kid in the shop. So cool in fact we chose an image of it for the website homepage. It felt like my stamp on the shop in a way. I didn’t think it was going anywhere.
After a weekend off this past September, I came in to find a note about a customer interested in buying the sign. When I called the woman she explained the sign was very meaningful to her since for years working in Boston that was her T stop. With some trepidation, I sold it. Leaving an empty wall and a hope that I could replicate what had once hung there.
For a variety of reasons, things didn’t come together quickly. I found a source for more trolley signs, but, for some reason, I hesitated. It didn’t feel right. It felt forced. The wall got filled with something else and time marched on. The ARTwalk came and went. Marisa and I hung a show of our own work, much of which has now been moved to Shanti Salon at The Tannery in Newburyport. Again, leaving a few empty spaces out front and a bit of an empty vibe.
Sounding a bit bleak and uninspired? But… hold on, keep the faith….
Fast forward to now and the gaps have been filled with so many beautiful things! Cathy Connor swung by with some gorgeous pieces, Maria Malatesta’s Pond #3 is getting lots of oohs and ahhs, Marisa Peters did an amazing ink and charcoal drawing that will not last long, Adam’s Hummingbird photo flew out the door within 2 weeks of hanging it, and last but not least, we finished and hung a project that we had been cooking on for some time.
This particular project stemmed from the loss of the trolly sign. When I was floundering about replacing it, Marisa suggested an old photograph. We had been so inspired by a framing project we did for Banter, the new barber shop downtown… a series of vintage photos made extra large. That idea really lit me up.
I decided to aim for something old and familiar and started to search for an image of Joppa Flats. Not current, kayakers-and-dog-walkers Joppa, but old Joppa. After a few quick searches, I stumbled upon some treasures of Joppa Flats, Newburyport, Flatiron point, etc. One in particular I found so alluring… a really beautiful photograph of clam shells and shacks, men in hats, dories, with age spots marking it’s long life.
After working with Kristen and Bethany at the Museum of Old Newbury, we were able to borrow the photo from the Snow Collection. It was so tiny and had a charming red string looped through the old paper mat it was mounted to. A real gem. Adam, our builder, tech support, jack-of-all-trades guy, took a very high res photo of it which allowed our friends at Harborside Printing to enlarge it for us. It turned out so amazing. We chose just the right framing materials to honor the colors and textures without dragging it down. We hung it this spring and it is a stunner. It is available for anyone with a love of Joppa Flats to purchase. In fact, we are working with the Museum of Old Newbury to offer prints of photos from their collection. Check it out on our website
I never planned to have an oversized late nineteenth century photo of Joppa Flats in the shop. In the same way that I never planned to own a frame shop, hang a cool trolley sign and then let it go. I guess you can only plan so much. Things need to unfold and often do in ways better than you could have ever imagined.
Cheers to going with the flow. :)
-P
When the Rooster Crows Part Two: Braque’s Dove
We are grateful to be together again and back in the shop. Our systems are up and running, work is getting done, and the rooster is crowing. (For those who don’t know, our doorbell sound of choice is a rooster crowing.) It puts a little spunk in your step to greet a new customer and whatever treasure they may have brought in.
A few months ago, pre-shutdown, we greeted a very lovely lady. She was carrying many treasures. They were mostly paintings, but there was one piece we fell very deeply in love with. It was a signed limited edition lithograph of a Dove by Georges Braque.
The piece carries such a quiet, understated beauty. Marisa said it reminds her of a petite Phyllis’ Dolobosky painting of a house we had framed, and I agree. There is something so soothing about these pieces— something I feel we are all craving a bit more of. There is no fuss, nothing flashy, just a quiet palette and simple shapes, yet so incredibly beautiful.
For the Braque, our job was simply to contain it. There are many theories of how to frame original art. I had a painting teacher once tell me the frame should just protect the piece from everything else around it. I tend to agree, but the trick is to keep the visual language in tact. Too simple of a statement would introduce a new variable; it wouldn’t take a back seat where it belongs.
In this case, the language of this piece is peaceful, soft, simple. It is very easy on the eyes. We chose a finished corner frame with hand glazing in soft whites and umber. The goal being to stay out of the way of the beauty that is already there without introducing any elements that don’t belong, all while giving it the level of quality it deserves. Our customer loves it, and we hope Georges Braque would be okay with it as well. It was a pleasure to work on.
Many projects have come through our door since the shutdown: paintings with personal meaning to be passed down to the next generation, old black and white photographs of family members, Patriots memorabilia just in time for Father’s Day, 2020 diplomas (congrats!), and many more. We appreciate all of them… large, small, funny, heartwarming.
We are so grateful to our customers, new and returning. You keep us inspired and fill our days with fun!
Take good care of yourselves and find something soothing to look at.
P
Oil painting by Phyllis Dolobowsky
The power of a gesture....
Daughter #1, Photo by Adam Roy Photography
This pandemic has put the breaks on so many things in life that we take for granted. Walking past someone is a pretty basic human experience… never mind going to the movies, visiting loved ones, or planning a trip. However, it has not put the breaks on the strength and power of human connection. Whether it be a grocery errand for a friend, a weekly zoom routine with G-Ma, or even lending a bottle of shaving cream for a science experiment, the power of reaching out, not touching, but reaching out, will never fail us.
I have been home with my family since Marisa and I locked up the shop on March 14th. My loved ones have stayed healthy so far, which is a great gift. We have tried to make the best of it by working on some house projects and getting in more family time; although, the kids are sick of Rummy and I can’t get anyone in the house to play Bananagrams with me anymore. :( Like everyone, we have had our ups and downs.
My very fast nephew…very fast.
Watching my hardworking, bright, eldest daughter loose her senior year of high school has not been an up. All the fanfare and fun of senior week, prom, last track season, and even accepted students weekend at her new school are out the window. Erased. But we have been quickly reminded of the power of a gesture. The reminder came to our house on Saturday morning. All of the coaches of the NHS Spring track team came for a socially distanced, yet touching, visit. We were stop #16 on their quest to visit each senior athlete and deliver a Newburyport singlet and flowers. This spring marks the 12th season my daughter has run. Having her beloved coaches personally honor her was something she will always remember. It took effort and time, but it was free and full of love. Knowing the heart behind that coaching staff, I’m guessing they benefitted as much as she did.
I also have a near and dear nephew who graduated this year from URI. He is a gifted athlete with a tremendous work ethic and he values humility. He once finished a high school cross country meet at Maudslay with one shoe in time to score points for his team. He knows how to dig deep, and he is the guy who reminds me that you are only in competition with yourself. Improve for yourself. He has lost his last collegiate running season. It is truly heartbreaking, but there won’t be a pity party.
Another senior I recently came to know is Cam Lasson, a senior at NHS, who is on his way to RISD. He is a gifted artist with a message of good vibes and love for the planet. We were to honor him this spring with a show at the shop for Newburyport’s Spring ARTWALK. The list of events and traditions lost is long, but we must remember that because of that the opportunity is great. If we let go and move forward creatively we stand a chance of letting these young adults know we honor them regardless of these difficult circumstances.
Shop design for customer 2019
As my heart goes out to all the classes of 2020, I’ve been thinking about what I can do. My oldest daughter once told me she believes, “If you can do something good, you should just do it.“ I have some ideas for her that will go unsaid since she is my blog editor. I have always wanted to collage and frame all the articles and images I can find to celebrate my nephew, and I hope Cam doesn’t forget us when he finds himself in a successful, creative career. Our door is always open if he wants a place to show.
For everyone else, I have a gesture to offer. It’s not going to bring back prom, but it is something I can do. I would like to offer 25% off custom framing for any gift for a 2020 grad. Be it a diploma, an image, or newspaper article, you name it, we would love to help celebrate this year’s seniors. We have designed many interesting projects to celebrate milestones, and we would love to help you celebrate your graduate. This discount will be valid through the summer of 2020.
Fish Dream by Cam Lasson
Beginning Tuesday, May 26th, after hearing from Governor Baker, we will be entering our first phase of opening up the shop. Here is what we can do… Curbside. It’s an unusual concept for a frame shop, but it will have to be enough for now.
For the next few weeks we will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-3pm. For curbside drop-off simply come by and call the shop, 978-462-0773, and we will get started. We’ll send images of design options for your approval via email or set up a zoom meeting. If you prefer, we are happy to pick up and deliver for you. These details are listed on the “contact us” page of our website.
As always, we will not waiver from our attention to top notch design and a very high standard of execution.
We are looking forward to fully opening safely in the near future. For now, maybe you will let us be part of a powerful gesture you are inspired to make.
Be well,
Patti
Adam Roy... like an onion
It seems like a great time to celebrate the amazing people in our lives. Adam Roy has been at the shop now for over a year. He’s the guy who builds your frames. He is meticulous in his work, highly dependable and super fun to be around. It feels like at least once a week we learn something new about Adam. Over the course of the year we have discovered a variety of things. Some of them are the usual things you figure out when you work closely with someone every day. He loves pulled pork on his pizza and can eat more than anyone I know. He is a VOLVO FOREVER kinda guy, works on his own car, and makes our small shop fixes seem like a breeze. But it gets a bit more interesting when you find out he speaks Hungarian, is the best tech support we could hope for, and oh yeah, he’s a licensed drone pilot. Like an onion the layers to this guy keep coming.
As these layers have revealed themselves. we have come to realize he is a very skilled photographer. I jumped at the chance and had him take my daughter’s senior pictures. She looks so natural and the images really captured Maudsley in the early morning. I would share them with you but my daughter would kill me. However, for Christmas Adam gave me a photo shoot of Salty, my 90 lb golden retriever. I can’t wait to cash in on it, and I’ll certainly share those images with you.
Adam is also credited with the great ice hockey and figure skating images you will soon see plaque mounted in the Graf Rink entry. He has sold gorgeous images of wildlife… his favorite thing to shoot, has taken professional headshots and will be handling some photography needs for the Hunters Haven Farm Show Team 2020.
The icing on the cake is that Adam is one of the kindest people I know. He is a pleasure to be around. As you make your list of up-coming home design projects, keep Adam in mind. Your walls would benefit from a beautiful family photo or a joyous oversized image of your pet. If you have any future photography needs he is fantastic, very reasonably priced, and would looking forward to hearing from you.
Be well,
Patti
Contact Adam Roy at 978-914-3718 or email adamroyphototgraphy@gmail.com
Driven to Distraction part 3: Inspiration
I hope this finds everyone home, safe and sound. It has been a full month since the shut down. What a strange time. I find myself weathering emotional waves…sadness, fear, gratitude, hope.
As the emotions come and go, the challenge for me has been how to feel inspired and productive… two feelings I am used to when I’m at the shop. I created a long “to-do” list. It’s looong. In fact, I’m not making a dent. It’s chock-full of everything I want to accomplish with my free time. Mastering crow pose in yoga, starting my vegetable garden from seeds, detailing my car… it’s endless. Let’s just say my lettuce is looking a lot better than my crow pose, and I do not feel inspired to detail my car.
Since a recent renovation, I am spending some of my time moving things back into rooms. All the furniture is in place and the rooms are functioning; but the pace has slowed for other things. Throws, accessories, and even art, are being looked at with Marie Kondo’s voice in my head asking, “Does it bring you joy? Does it serve a purpose?” If the answer is no, it’s cut from the squad. Sorry. Some things in life are handed to us, and some we get to choose.
This has got me cooking on what I do want to put in the space, so my plan is to start a treasure hunt. I have some old photos of my sister and I when we were little… in the 70’s. I did have a very cool banana seat bike, and I’m curious to compare my girls’ photos to me as a child. That will be fun. And I’ll look through the boxes of my kids art… I LOVE kids art. And once it is safe to do so, I’ll ask Adam to get to the beach (a favorite place) with my dog (my best boy) so I can cash in on the photo shoot he gave me for Christmas. The inspiration ball is rolling now!
I think it’s a great time to be looking around and asking yourself what really inspires you? That is the most amazing part of the shop. Every day we get to see what inspires people.
I have been thinking lately of one inspired customer in particular, Judith Chaffee. I remember when she came in carrying an impressive looking white box. When she revealed the contents to us we were blown away. She had a number of original photographs that her cousin Stephen Ferry had shot for a National Geographic article. The article is about an indigenous people, the Arhuaco, who live in the Sierra Nevada in Northern Columbia, and Stephen had given the photographs to Judith as a gift. There were many and we all gathered to talk about the grouping she had chosen to frame. The photographs are so beautiful; we were all inspired.
To read the article and see some truly beautiful photographs follow the link below. It will require you to sign up with National Geographic, but I think it’s worth it. It is an eye-opening story of a beautiful people who are truly connected to the earth.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2019/11/indigenous-protectors-sacred-peaks-secret-until-now/
As time marches on, I have started to get emails from customers with questions about their projects. One is planning to update some restaurant decor, another to frame a piece for the NAA spring show, and, most recently, a new home owner ready to nest. Adam, Marisa and I have stayed in touch for these weeks. We miss each other, we miss the shop, and we miss our customers.
We are very much looking forward to seeing what inspires you and we can’t wait to frame it! You may not have a cousin who is a National Geographic photographer, but I’m guessing you have a photo of your old banana seat bike!
Be well,
Patti
Driven to Distraction part 2: looking
I once read an article that talked about how the use of your sight can reduce your anxiety. It was years ago. I can’t quote it accurately, but it has stuck with me. The take-away for me was that looking at something, really looking and getting absorbed, helps your brain to detour from your anxious thoughts.
My love for looking is deep and varied. I prefer the passenger’s seat on a long drive so I can absorb the trees, the light, the patterns, and color. These days, I am looking around a lot. This morning I took a long look at my daughter’s adorable freckled and determined face on the other side of a very precarious and colorful Jenga tower.
In my home, with a cup of tea I walk around, look, pause, and think, hmmm, maybe…. My family knows at this point that I am not spacing out, but they should brace themselves. A painting may be moving to another spot, a big turquoise bowl may become the unexpected centerpiece of the kitchen table, or a new plant may show up, hopefully to live longer than a month. Whenever the urge strikes, I love to ride the wave. The result is often a fresh perspective and a more inspired space.
Since our recent renovation project, I am finding it fascinating to look at what happens when things get moved around. I am looking at everything with fresh eyes as I bring paintings back into rooms, reorganize the glass-front hutch, and make sure the books and games we love are ready to grab.
Today after unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, and settling on what is for dinner, I am going to find a home for a photo from Wendy Borger, “Lowell’s Boat”. A boat is such a symbolically powerful image that speaks to me in a very deep way. Wendy has captured that, and I am in search of the perfect spot for it. With tea in hand, I will wander until I find it.
All this may sound so trivial, but I think it speaks to our need for seeing the beauty. It is always around us. Despite circumstance, the sun comes up, the birds are floating around, and the current of the river ebbs and flows. In this crazy time with so many unknowns and fear at an all-time high, I am taking comfort in what I can… cooking for my family, an online Master Class from an inspired guru, getting things done that I thought I would never get to, and taking a good long look at the things that I find beautiful.
My hope is that you are tucked away at home safe and sound, reading this, taking a look around and thinking, hmmm, maybe….
Sending peace and optimism to you and your loved ones,
P
Driven to Distraction
Well, here we are. I hope this finds you at home, healthy, and hopeful. The year has brought a lot of changes. I never in a million years thought I would be someone who blogged, and I certainly didn’t think I would be faced with addressing a global pandemic in a blog.
Seed pods, acrylic on board
But here I am. As we closed the doors to the shop last week the suggestions started coming from our vendors and small business groups… how to survive, how to work from home, strategies to stay connected. While these are all valid strategies for coping, nothing really stuck with me. In fact, they served as a reminder to me that my business needs the doors open, I cannot mat and frame your favorite photo without materials. So my approach has to be different; my energy has to take another form.
My plan is to write about what I know. I do not know when this will end nor what our day-to-day will look like over the months to come. What I can offer you is a few moments of something lighter to focus on and some fun busy work, such as, a free consultation, design tips, or get-ready-to-frame projects. Not because it is important right now, but because it is a lovely distraction during a very stressful time. While we are tucked away in our homes we might as well be productive and look forward to something.
So over the next little while, I will be writing. My hope is you will be inspired in some way…maybe to reach out with design questions, maybe to start a project or two, or maybe just to dream a bit.
Sending my best to you and your loved ones,
Patti
What could be better than art for a cause?
Red Barn, Sarah Burrows
“I have an idea.” At least once a week something pops into my head and consumes my energy for a bit. Marisa and Adam pause and look up from their work. I think it is some combo of them being super polite, not wanting to squelch my enthusiasm and a bit of “oh dear, what has she come up with now.”
This past fall after the ArtWalk, if I do say so myself, I had a good one. The ArtWalk is a fun excuse to refresh the shop with original art and see some new faces stop by. This November the show benefitted Jeanne Geiger. It was very satisfying to write a check to them after our show. Although the show didn’t sell a lot of paintings we did sell some gorgeous pottery from Watercourse Arts, pottery and photography by Wendy Borger. Beyond that, the amazing thing was that people made unsolicited donations. This warmed my heart. It spoke to the unsaid vibe that we all feel we need to help who we can and do some good.
That brings me to my idea. We are happy to launch Art for a Cause. A variety of artists’ work is now available to view on the Newburyport Framers website. Just click “Art” and you’ll discover some great pieces. The best part is that all the artist, without any hesitation, are on board with 10% of their sales going directly to a cause that is important to them. So when you buy a piece, you know you are helping out more than just the artist. If you are interested in original art this is a great way to collect.
Right now we have a bunch of very talented, deserving artists on board. Wendy Borger, Maria Malatesta, Marisa Peters… just to name a few. The causes of choice range from The Alzheimer’s Association to Meals on Wheels.
My hope is the list of artists will expand and the collection will be ever changing. So please check back now and then.
There have been so many big shifts for me this past year. I turned 50, bought a business, am planning on sending daughter #1 off to college in the fall (joyful and gutting all in one), and I thankfully feel I picked up some wisdom along the way. When I think of something like Art for a Cause it resonates with my heart, and that is my focus for 2020.
Hopefully you will spread the word, maybe set your sights on a new piece that catches your eye and grabs your heart in a way that feeds you.
Cheers,
Patti