TCFAO: on Framing Art | Part II

Tips for Working with a Framer

Have you chosen a piece of art or valuable that you want to get framed? Here’s how to work with a framer to maximize their expertise and get the result you want.

Discuss the following questions/points with your framer:

1. Do you have any special event or party coming up?
If you do and you want your art up for the event, you can set a specific timeline with your framer. And—if you don’t have a special event coming up—why not create one to commemorate your newly framed art? Keep in mind a typical framing project takes about two weeks to complete.

Framers from FrameUps

2. What’s your personal style?
It always helps framers get a sense of your style by what you say and suggest at the frame shop, but you can help facilitate this process by bringing a few things:

• Swatches that show the interior design of the room (paint chips, fabric swatches, photos, etc.).
• Tear sheets (from magazines, newspapers or websites) of what you like.
• Of course, you’ll want to bring the piece that you want framed. If too fragile or large to bring during the bidding process, bring a photograph of it.

3. Where are you hanging it?
If possible, bring photos of where you plan to hang the piece. This will help the framer advise you on scale. Also, what’s the flow of the room? Will this piece be front and center or is it playing a more subdued role in the room? These details will make the piece be a perfect fit once complete.

4. How do you want to hang it?
There are different styles of hanging which affect the look. But it’s also important that the framed item be hung properly so that it doesn’t fall and get damaged. Sarah McGrill, gallery director/ director of commercial sales and art consultant at Frame Ups said, “If it is over two feet we recommend a professional installation.”

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Thanks to the following people and organizations for their support and input for this article:

• Brenda Adams, associate director, Vern Carver & Beard Art Galleries | www.verncarverbeard.com
• Tim Hoekstra, framer and installer, Hang It | www.hangitinc.com
• Sarah McGrill, senior art consultant, Art Holdings | www.artholdings.com
• Melissa Williamson-Herren, owner and gallery director and Kenneth Herren, certified picture framer, Your Art’s Desire | (952) 988-9772

TCFAO: on Framing Art | Part I

WHY FRAME ART?

1. To Protect the Art
“Every element in the frame from front to back should be safe for the art,” said Sarah McGrill, gallery director/ director of commercial sales and art consultant.

That means the back board, matting, frame and glazing (glass or plexi-glass) need to be of archival quality or better. But it’s also the environment where the art will be that needs to be considered.

Framers from FrameUps

“UV light, acidic tape and papers can act silently but devastatingly on the condition of the art,” said Melissa Williamson-Herren of Your Art’s Desire. Humidity and dust are also causes for concern.

Framers can help choose the appropriate level of conservation materials so the art will not contact acidic or destructive materials. Keep in mind, the better the conservation quality (including museum quality)—the more expensive the framing. An expert framer can determine the appropriate level of conservation for you and your budget.


2. To Enhance the Art
When done well, framing adds to the overall experience of viewing the art. It completes the picture. But this is not easy to achieve. Custom framers help tie all the elements together—your taste, the style and subject of the art, the room it will be in and more.

McGrill gave a few examples of how the frame and art can work together. You could:

• Create a subtle contrast between the frame and the art, which can lead to a clean effect.
• Juxtapose the art by pairing it with something unexpected but delightful. Think traditional matched with contemporary, ornate matched with minimal. This could lead to a whimsical or unusual result.
• Make the frame itself a piece of art, which creates a dramatic effect.

One question framers are often asked: should the frame match the art or match the room? Not necessarily either according to McGrill. It should not try to match the art per se; it should contrast the art somewhat—even if only on a subtle level.

As far as matching the room? McGrill said, “Art framed well will move with you from home to home.” So décor plays a role, but a frame should not be chosen based solely on current interior design fads. If done well, the frame should last for many generations.

Getting the right effect for your art, taste and room is not always easy. So be sure you “feel at home and confident in your framer,” said Tim Hoekstra, framer and installer of Hang It.

3. To Enjoy the Art
As Brenda Adams, associate director of Vern Carver & Beard Art Gallery said, “Precious and fragile items that are often relegated to cardboard boxes should be safely framed so they may be viewed and enjoyed.”

Adams added, “Our studio has framed everything from children’s art to antique paintings by well known artists. Some of our more unusual projects include framing a Japanese kimono, a butterfly collection, Parisian restaurant menus and a model train engine. Many families have entrusted us to frame heirlooms as well as art.”

So get that painting or precious valuable out of the attic and on to your wall—where you will enjoy it. Not only will you preserve it, but you will also make your home more beautiful. By framing art, you have a way to protect, enhance and enjoy it.

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Thanks to the following people and organizations for their support and input for this article:

• Brenda Adams, associate director, Vern Carver & Beard Art Galleries | www.verncarverbeard.com
• Tim Hoekstra, framer and installer, Hang It | www.hangitinc.com
• Sarah McGrill, senior art consultant, Art Holdings | www.artholdings.com
  
• Melissa Williamson-Herren, owner and gallery director and Kenneth Herren, certified picture framer, Your Art’s Desire | (952) 988-9772

The Perfect Match

“But it’s too much exposure,” Kären Nemer, artist, recalls saying to her friend Andy Rush.

It was no use. Andy, owner of Rush’s Bridal on Nicollet Mall, was persuasive. And the opportunity was ultimately too valuable to pass up.

The result? Kären opened The Kären Gallery in the lower level of the renowned Rush’s Bridal boutique and started a new adventure. Though always an artist, her first career was 25 years in the medical field.

Kären Nemer

A Little Help from My Friends
Kären (pronounced car-inn) immediately began thinking of her network in the local arts community. Her roots here run deep since she was born, raised (in Grand Rapids) and trained as an artist here.

“I thought—I have to share this with my friends!” Kären said.

That’s what she’s doing. Michael Frey’s work is in hanging alongside her own. She studied under him at The School of Realism at the Edina Art Center. She also spent time at The Atelier Studio Program of Fine Art.

The 900 square foot space is already full. The art in The Kären Gallery features mainly classical realism and varies by medium: portraits, mosaics and pottery. In addition to Kären and Michael, Nancy Acker, Karla Bach, Brad Benn, Barb Bindgen, Penny Galinson, Margie Grinnell, Carolyn Kleinberger, Steve Rouch and Barb Steen are all among the first to display. More will join the roster in the near future.

The artists’ success with prior clientele and wise use of the space both get the gallery off to a positive start. She recognizes the economic conditions are harsh. But, as she said enthusiastically, “We’re not going to stop being artists just because the economy is bad!”

Distinguishing Features
Kären is already finding ways to differentiate the gallery. Accessibility seems to be a driving theme. A live artist (usually Kären) will paint on site Saturdays during business hours. An open discussion on the craft and art process is encouraged. They welcome questions and ideas.

Kären currently offers portrait commissions. Her talent in portraiture is evident just by strolling through the gallery space and peeking at her portfolio. Her style is likely to really connect with visitors of Rush’s Bridal. She also creates still life pieces for clients who want to capture the essence of a special object: heirloom jewelry, a bride’s bouquet or anything that holds special meaning to someone.

We invite you to take a stroll through The Kären Gallery and enjoy a conversation with Kären or other artists present. You will leave the gallery feeling energized about art all over again. Kären’s enthusiasm is most certainly contagious.

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The Kären Gallery will be open in conjunction with Rush’s Bridal business hours. The originals in the space range from $500 to $10,000. Prints of many pieces are also available.

The Kären Gallery
927 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Dennis Dumm Photography

While commuting to work on May 20, 2009, bicyclist Dennis Dumm was struck and killed by a semi-truck.

Dennis, 31 years old, was in the early stages of planning a showing of his photography at Sen Yai Sen Lek Thai restaurant at the time of his death. His family and friends proceeded with the show, which runs through September 25.

Dennis used a disposable camera but dismantled it to replace the film with negative film. Then he would process his images using slide chemistry. The result? Glowing colors and a large grain texture. The images have not been digitally altered.


All proceeds from the sale of Dennis’ work benefit Transit for Livable Communities. Donations to Transit for Livable Communities can also be made in Dennis’ name.

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Dennis Dumm Photography: Final Exhibit
Now through September 25, 2009

Sen Yai Sen Lek
2422 Central Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

It's Coming!

The new Gallery Guide will be around town before you know it!

Do you want your gallery Guide as soon as it comes out? Email info@twincitiesfinearts.org and we'll mail you a copy--hot off the press!

History of Gallery Guides

Have You Visited Gallery 360?

If not, you need to.

It's a retail shop and art gallery located at 50th and Xerxes in Minneapolis. Their tagline, "art in every degree," sums up their eclectic nature nicely.

Gallery 360 is showing work by Matthew Rucker through July 5, which in itself is worth a trip. The paintings in the show HUMAN / NATURE have familiar scenes with unfamiliar details. It's imaginative nature really captured me. Like this piece with the woman blowing on what you think would be a dandelion, but it's a tree in autumn:

Autumn, 16x30, oil on canvas, $2950 SOLD

See more of Matthew's work.

The shop has an array of fun, arty items. Hand woven trivets, colorful pottery, water faucet magnets, The A Project memorabilia, panic buttons, jewelry... you need to see it for yourself.

Gallery 360
3011 West 50th Street (at Xerxes)
Minneapolis, MN 55410

New Gallery in Crystal Court

What's this I see walking from Macy's to the IDS?

Could it be Rex and that fabulous Shona stone sculpture I love?

Chambers Hotel Gallery Is Cool

The show at the Chambers Hotel that is ending today by local artist Chris Larson tackles climate change (or is it that we just left the windows open up at the cabin)?

It garnered press locally and nationally - we hope to see it again soon.

New State Fair Artwork Unveiled

Read more about it here.

Art Hounds

Have you heard of Art Hounds?

It's a feature on Minnesota Public Radio where artists recommend an arts event or exhibit in the region. One catch--the art needs to be outside of the artist's own work.

This week Betsy Mowry recommended "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment," a new play at the Jungle Theater. Pete Driessen recommended visiting 801 Lofts to see David Rich's paintings. Barbara Sibley (a/k/a Blanche Fubar) recommended the 10th Annual Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival in Nisswa.

Visit the MPR site to learn more or listen to Art Hounds here:

Are you Art Hound material? Find out how to become one.

Data Art Show Tonight

Check out this interview of Shad Petosky, the owner of the Pink Hobo Gallery, by Kate Iverson of Secrets of the City.

Pink Hobo Gallery has a show opening tonight:

Data Art Show
June 10, 2009 7:00 p.m. until midnight

Jer Thorp (Vancouver)
James Paterson a/k/a Presstube (Montreal)
Mario Klingemann a/k/a Quasimondo (Munich)

Pink Hobo Gallery
507 E. Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Minnesota Museum of American Art

Mary Abbe of the Star Tribune reported on the Minnesota Museum of American Art, a former Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization member.

Closed St. Paul museum pins hope on new hire

Kristin Makholm aims to get the Minnesota Museum of American Art, with no building and no staff, back in business.

Here's to hoping Kristin and the Museum are successful!

Edina Art Fair

It's a time when we are usually walking around in shorts, sunglasses and SPF. Not this time.

Yet the cool day did not keep the art lovers away from the 43rd Annual Edina Art Fair. More than 375 juried local and national artists were present in the 50th and France area. Apparently attendance was down on the rainy Saturday, but the crowds were there for Friday and Sunday.


I was among those in the crowd wishing it was warm enough for a shaved ice. But the art made it worth it.

My favorites included:

Kelly Marshall of Custom Woven Interiors
Beautiful textiles and incredible craftsmanship.

Kathryn Kunz Finney
She really captures the essence of her subject matter.

Daniel Lager of Lager Gallery
Reverse painting on acrylic glass with bright color.

Art as a Live Performance

A few weeks ago I had the rare pleasure of watching one of my favorite artists at work: Pamela Sukham.

Her gallery, Infinite Vision Art Studio, hosted an event by MIA's The Circle. It was more than the typical wine and cheese affair—a painting performance was in store.

After wandering around the gallery with appetizers and drinks in tow, guests were queued up and sent into the performance space. The room was completely dark. Music played and a light shone on Pamela as she began to work.



Paint was cast about in rhythm to the music. For nearly 15 minutes, Pamela painted. At the end, she thanked the guests for taking part of the creative experience.

While the painting already looked complete in many respects, it will go through another few weeks of analysis and enhancements. I can’t wait to see how it looks.



CJ from the Star Tribune was one of the 100 present for the event; read her article Live from Loring Park: Sukhum adds new dimension to painting and view the video.

I wonder if more of these performances will be popping up around town as a way to engage people in art. And I imagine someone in the audience just might have the desire to purchase a painting they saw at its earliest stages.


Infinite Vision Art Studio
1645 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403