Small Businesses Support Local Families

It can't be escaped. Over and over in all media sources we see information about the state of our economy, how to fix it, or when it might get better.

As a small business owner, I can only judge how the economy is doing by looking at how my business has faired during these difficult times. Over the past 5 years we have scrutinized our budgets and business plan to try to make ourselves as efficient as possible. As I try to understand what has kept us going through this economy, I always determine in the end that it has been the loyalty of our amazing customers.

As a business that has been in Lakewood for over 50 years, we have gained families of customers who have been coming to us for generations. Many times customers will drop by just to let us know what's new with them and their loved ones. We are so happy that our customers see us not just as professionals, but also friends. Many of our customers are active in programs that support our community. We often support those programs in their fundraising efforts.
All of us know businesses that are dear to us. Now more than ever it is so important to support these local people. By supporting them, you are keeping your dollars in your hometown. More than likely those business owners will turn around and spend those dollars locally or use them to support local causes.

Take your support one step further and write a review of those businesses online. There are many websites devoted to online reviews, Yelp and Google Reviews are just two of them. By writing a review, you are helping their business have a higher listing priority when people do an online search for their products or services. By doing so, you are helping to drive customers to that business and ensuring that they will be there the next time you want their product or service.

Thank you to everyone who shops locally. Now, more than ever, small businesses appreciate you!

Spring Brings Light and Color to Lakewood Gallery

I'm so happy that spring is finally here! The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the trees are beginning to bare their leaves. I took our big sign out of the front window and was blinded by the bright sunshine streaming in. Contemplating what to put up for a new window display, I brought some of our glass art pieces into the light and saw them come alive for the first time in months! That settled it for me, I loaded the front window with bright, cheery, blown and cast glass pieces in all colors. I didn't stop there... I hung on the walls some beautiful little floral original oil paintings by Karen Luke Fildes, flower field originals by Francoise Dubruille, and tulip fields by Rie Munoz. To top off the spring look in the gallery, I hung a uniquely framed wedding portrait by local photographer Kris Allen.

It is amazing how some light and color can energize a person! I was inspired to create feature displays for three glass artists that we represent at Lakewood Gallery & Framing. The first is Marcus Harper, a Browns Point artist who works with glass that is cast and cold-worked. We are so used to seeing blown glass in this region that his work is an interesting departure. With a focus on layering color and texture, his pieces are typically thick blocks of glass with a depth that can only truly be admired in person. After the pieces are cast, Marcus cold works them with a saw to give more texture and interest. Marcus recently had his work acquired by the Smithsonian Museum.

We have represented local glass blowing artist Jeau Bishop for many years and customers are sure to recognize his work from seeing it here. Jeau's glass is beautiful in color and grace and almost appears to be liquid at times. The colors change readily as the piece is moved in and out of the light giving it a life of its own. Jeau produces a wide range of size, color and texture and has even created a system for his disc-shaped pieces to be hung on a wall.

Finally, we are featuring the blown glass and jewelry by the young people of Hilltop Artists. Hilltop Artists has been helping at-risk youth for ten years by teaching them a skill that allows them to express themselves in a healthy way. We are proud to feature this student-produced work and encourage you to directly support their program by purchasing their glass. Priced very accessibly, this is a great way to own a beautiful piece of art while supporting our community.

I invite you to stop by the gallery and bask in our light and color - I know I'm definitely enjoying it!

Don't Forget the Frame IN Your Next Photo

Anyone who's a fan of ABC's "Modern Family" (like me!) knows about their great opening credits featuring each family framed within a frame within a frame (see picture). Framing is something that I know a little bit about, and since I've started watching "Modern Family" I've noticed that other people have taken this framing idea and run with it.

Milestone photos are common and people are always looking for ideas to make their portraits a little more creative and unique. Whether its a wedding, maternity or baby photo, bring a frame into the picture with you. People love the details in a picture, and by holding an empty picture frame, you can show people exactly what you want them to focus on.

There are plenty of bold, funky and fun frames on the market right now (we just got samples in that have faux giraffe and zebra fur). Or find one second-hand and paint it the color you want. Go the extra mile and frame the finished photo in the same frame you're holding in the picture. You get an amazing picture-within-picture effect.

Oval and round frames work great with round, baby-filled bellies or sweet little newborns all curled up. Or, as one example shows, frame a chalkboard with your own personal message or the child's name and include it in the picture.

There will always be wedding, maternity and baby photos. Liven them up with a fun idea. As mega-pixel cameras become more affordable and easier to use, formal portraits have fallen by the wayside. Get out your camera, tap into your creativity and have fun. But don't forget to include the frame, the possiblities are endless!

Quiz - What's Your Style?

It's one of the first things I'll ask a customer when choosing a frame design - "What style is your home?" It's amazing how many people don't know the answer. I hear a lot of "I'll know it when I see it." Your style is reflected in most everything that you choose for yourself: items for your home, clothing, accessories, food, restaurants, stores where you prefer to shop. It's time to put that style into words.


I've assembled several images of picture frames, all very different styles. Pick which frames you like best and see if the description of that style suits you. This is a fun little quiz that just may give you a name to your style!

1. Ornate - Were you the first of your friends to start using the term "bling"? Do you scoff at the phrase "less is more"? This "peacock" frame is heavily ornamented with a deep gold finish. It's like sending your artwork into Tiffany's with a charge card.

2. Bold - Colored lacquer frames are very hot right now and this one is definitely a showstopper. Can you be found thumbing through the latest "Vogue" and diving into the latest trends with the fearlessness of a model walking in 10 inch platform stillettos? Consider yourself bold!

3. Mountain Cabin - This burl wood frame shows off the amazing grain of the wood itself. It is a favorite with people who appreciate the natural beauty of wood. Watch out for that cougar!

4. Tribal - The perfect style for someone who hasn't missed an episode of Survivor since the 90s. Rugged and raw, it is perfect on the barkwood painting you picked up on your last expedition.

5. Renaissance - Do you own a pointy princess hat? Or a dragon collection? This heavily ornamented frame is carved as beautifully as the wooden door on a castle in the forest. Hand finished in Italy by Italian artisans and hardworking fairies.

6. Rustic - Do you like the idea of ripping slats off of a barn and using them to decorate your home? Do you use the terms "upcycling" and "repurposing"? This frame literally gives me slivers when I work with it. It's a raw as you can get.

7. Romantic - Ok be honest, how many romantic comedy DVDs do you own? You know they're all the same story, right? Ok, ok, I won't argue! You romantics never give up. This deep red frame with sgrafitto is perfect for falling in love.

8. Contemporary - Does it seems like inanimate objects are yelling at you with all of their ornamentation? This frame is quiet, sleek and refined like a fine piece of modern art. For art that wants to be noticed and silently framed in simplicity and grace.

9. Traditional - Have you eaten the same breakfast every day since you can remember? Always stick with something that's tried and true. Traditional framing has framed art for hundreds of years beautifully, and isn't going anywhere anytime soon (don't worry!).

Did you find your style? Or maybe some new styles you'd like to try? Whatever your style is - give it a name so that the next time someone asks you'll know just the answer.

Photo Archives on Website Bring Old Lakewood to Life

I have to admit that I am a history buff. I love looking at old photos and squinting closely at them trying to determine the make of a car or the print on a woman's dress. Well I hit the jackpot this weekend while browsing online. I came across a cache of photos belonging to the Tacoma Public Library, 1881 to be exact, all depicting Lakewood or the "Lakes District" from the late 1800s through the 50s and 60s.
As co-owner of a business that has been here for over 50 years, we have had many, many customers tell stories of old Lakewood, and of the old Lakewood Gallery. To actually find photos that brought some of these stories to life was quite a gift! I have come to love Lakewood through these stories of personal interest.
Along with each of the library photos are detailed descriptions. After perusing dozens of images I came across one that was listed as taken at the same address as the current location of Lakewood Gallery & Framing, in the old Lakewood Colonial Center. I had heard stories that this end of the building was a grocery store, and our store specifically was in the produce section. Well there it was, in black and white, our space in 1951. Bright linoleum floors and neatly stacked product.
After digging deeper, I found interior shots of our vacant neighbor, The Terrace Restaurant - a place I'd heard many stories about, but arrived in Lakewood too late to dine there. Also the Lakewood Theater, dirt roads around the Colonial Center, the construction of Villa Plaza, Thornewood Castle and more.
I love that I co-own a business that has been in Lakewood since 1959, we are in a building that was built in 1937: one of the first suburban shopping centers in the nation, and that so much of Lakewood's history is still all around us. I haven't quite made it through all 1881 photos on the website, but I'm sure I will soon!
If you love Lakewood history like I do, be sure to visit the website for the Lakewood Historical Museum or visit their location in the historic Colonial Center on Mt. Tacoma Drive.

Don't Leave Items in Boxes, Closets— Do Shadowbox

I think spring may finally be on its way. Every year at about this time, I start to wonder if we'll ever have warm days again. Well, the bulbs are starting to come up and we have had a few sunny (and cold) days.
We're almost there.

We were busy at my house this past weekend cleaning up the last of our storm debris and starting a bit of a spring purge and cleaning the house inside. When I get into "purge mode," I always come across items that I want to keep: heirlooms, kids' art, mementos but I don't know what to do with them.
I usually take them out of their box a couple times a year, reminisce, then they're back in the box for another six months. You would think I would come to the conclusion at some point that if they're worth keeping, maybe I should also enjoy them more than twice a year? And maybe others could too?
I should take cues from our customers. Over the past several months, we have framed an heirloom quilt square, a piece of scrimshaw, an antique needlepoint sampler, a golf ball with tee and an Olympic sports jerseys.

The list goes on and on.
The point is, things that are important to us, things that we want displayed in our homes aren't always flat. No problem, because it can be framed!
People often ask me what kinds of things do you frame? My response is everything. If it can make it through our door, we can usually frame it.

Now is a great time to come in with your treasured items taking up space in boxes inside your closets. Lakewood Gallery & Framing is having its annual framing sale through the entire month of March. All custom framing projects are 20 percent off. Better than that, we love a challenge.
What is the story behind your item? Are there photos that go along with it that could be included? These usually turn into great conversation starters to have in your home.
Now I have challenged myself too! I'm going to frame my items at home that I love, but never get to enjoy. Stay tuned.... you may see those projects in progress on here! Happy spring, well, almost.

Is Your Framing Preserving Your Artwork?

Antique Photos - Before new mats and glass

Antique Photos - After new mats and glass

Once a piece of artwork is framed, it is framed for life—a common misconception that has taken its toll on many pieces of art. In fact, new framing products are continually being released to further the life of your artwork.

UV protecting glass, cotton rag mats and acid buffering materials were not commonly used or were cost prohibitive 15-20 years ago. It is a good idea to bring your framed art to your local framer about every 10 years to make sure your artwork is still in prime condition and to educate yourself on new products that may extend the life of the piece.

Glass
Arguably the best update you can make to preserve your framed art is an upgrade to conservation glass. UV protecting glass considerably extends the life of your artwork by minimizing fading. We never recommend hanging artwork in direct sunlight, but even indirect sunlight can cause fading. Your local framer can determine if the glass on your art is conservation or you may have a sticker on the back of your framing indicating what type of glass was used. Prices on UV proctecting glass have dropped to a range that is within reach of most consumers, and considering the value it preserves in your artwork, typically worth the investment.

Mats
All of the mats commonly used in framing today are acid-free or 100 percent cotton rag. You may be able to determine what mats you have by looking at the bevels on the opening cut in the mat - are they yellowed and brown? Or crisp white? Cotton rag and acid-free mats will be white, paper mats yellow or brown. Yellowing is caused by acid, which can be transferred to your artwork touching the underside of that mat. Conservation mats will preserve art on paper and photos (and you might opt to choose new colors for a fresh look).

Frames
The frame is typically the most costly part of custom framing. Thankfully, in most cases, the frame can stay on the artwork for as long as you desire. Your local framer can usually cut mats and glass to fit the artwork and the existing frame.

Restoration
If you find that your artwork is damaged, don't panic. Art restoration companies can work miracles to breathe new life into damaged art. Don't consider anything ruined until you speak with an art restoration expert.

How is your artwork doing? Have you taken a look at it lately? Remember, you framed it for a reason! It may have personal importance or monetary value, either way, consider taking framed artwork to your local framer who can easily help you with preservation and updating.

Hilltop Artists and Helping Kids Love Art

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to chaperone my daughter on a preschool field trip to Tacoma Art Museum. I was looking forward to the visit, it was a beautiful day to be in downtown Tacoma. We arrived a few minutes late and joined the group. Children were seated on a round rug all intently listening to the docent lay down the groundrules about how to act in a museum (don't touch ANYTHING! Even the cases that hold the art are ART. Don't touch the glass on the cases either, you'll make it DIRTY.) Hmmm... a bit of my excitement was extinguished.

We went into the first gallery which houses the Dale Chihuly retrospective. The children were doing great following instructions. The docent asked about shape, color and which pieces they liked best. I couldn't help but think that they all were feeling a little timid after the strict admonishing they'd just received about rules with art. Which led me to this question: How can we ask children to open themselves up to beautiful artwork in a museum setting without killing all of their curiosity and wonderment?

I know, as a parent, I have taken my kids to museums and encouraged them to look closely at brushstrokes or texture, only to be warned by a guard to back off. Discouraged, I've given up on trying to make kids and museums get along. Luckily art is everywhere and we try to appreciate all that we can see outside the museum. Being a gallery owner, my kids are fairly comfortable around art. In contrast, I see adults in museums or galleries, obviously uncomfortable and unsure how to act (Maybe because they had rules beaten into their heads about how to act in a museum on a preschool field trip??) When did museums start dictating how we relate to art? Why must we whisper? If we say we like one piece will the others hear and feel bad?

On the heels of this, I saw on recently that Dale Chihuly made a visit to the Hilltop Artists studio at Jason Lee Middle School. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, it is a free glassblowing studio open to all youth regardless. No one is turned away. Chihuly was integral in starting the program which has helped hundreds of kids learn a skill that allows themselves to express their emotions and grow their confidence. This program doesn't ask them to put all of that in a box. If a piece breaks, melt it down and make something new!

I can't help but wonder what Dale Chihuly would have thought of our preschool museum experience. On one hand we are teaching our children to respect and revere his work, but we ask them to tailor that emotion to fit the mold of the museum experience. Sorry - not interested.

After leaving the museum, I walked across the Chihuly pedestrian overpass with my daughter. We looked at the glass and talked about shape, color and which she liked best. I had no worry about her doing any damage, these pieces were behind glass (albeit bulletproof) just like the ones in the museum. She was able to run around beneath the ceiling filled with blown glass, chasing the sun peeking through - I had no worry about anything breaking. I thought to myself, if Dale Chihuly feels comfortable enough to put his artwork in a public place for all to see, yell in front of, run around, jump near or sing at, then I can't help but think that maybe he was a little unhappy with the museum experience too.

Hilltop Artists supports itself through sales of student-created artwork and donations. If you'd like to help, go to http://www.hilltopartists.org/. Hilltop Artists glass is also for sale at Lakewood Gallery & Framing http://www.lakewoodgallery.com/.