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/.

Limited Edition Print Blowout!

Dozens of highly collectible prints are now available at discounted prices. This offer is available for a limited time only, shop early for the best selection!

June Carey
Mission Courtyard
WAS $175
NOW $125












James Christensen
Saint with White Sleeves
WAS $150
NOW $105
























James Christensen
The Oath
WAS $160
NOW $115

James Christensen
Twilight
WAS $160
NOW $115













Mo DaFeng
The First Journey
WAS $150
NOW $105



SOLD
Bev Doolittle - The Arrival
WAS $345 NOW $240








Dale Gallon
Final Glory
WAS $375
NOW $265

















Steve Hanks
Centered
WAS $140
NOW $100














Steve Hanks
Father's Day
WAS $150
NOW $105

Steve Hanks
First Light
WAS $150
NOW $105

Steve Hanks
To Search Within
WAS $250
NOW $175

Paul Landry
Christmas Door
WAS $120
NOW $85

Stephen Lyman
Sounds of Sunset
WAS $225
NOW $160

Stephen Lyman
Storm Over Tenaya Canyon
WAS $325
NOW $230

Dean Morrissey
Checking it Twice
WAS $150
NOW $105

Dean Morrissey
One Christmas Eve
WAS $150
NOW $105

Dean Morrissey
Telescope of Time
WAS $195
NOW $140

Peter Parnall
Monument Valley Sun
WAS $95
NOW $70

William Phillips
Hill Country Homecoming
WAS $195
NOW $140

Richard Sloan

Above the Urubamba
WAS $300
NOW $210

John Seerey-Lester
Sudden Rain
WAS $125
NOW $90

John Weiss - Three's Company WAS $95 NOW $70

Charles Wysocki
All Burned Out
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Bach's Magnifi-cat in D
WAS $950
NOW $665

Charles Wysocki
Checking in on Olde Martha's Vineyard
WAS $175
NOW $125

Charles Wysocki
Christmas Eve
WAS $125
NOW $90

Charles Wysocki
Christmas Greeting
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Elmer and Loretta Hangin' Out
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Moonlight and Roses in Olde Maine
WAS $175
NOW $125

Charles Wysocki
Noah and Friends
WAS $325
NOW $230

Benefit with benefits!

Come join us on Saturday, May 21st

for an art show to benefit Arts Connect!

We were so excited to learn about Hilltop Artists' Arts Connect program that we decided to choose them as our beneficiary for an upcoming art show! Here is a little bit about Arts Connect in the words of it's founder, Diana Falchuk:

Hilltop Artists' Arts Connect program is a
community-based detention alternative created specifically for girls, ages
11-19, who are in detention and on court-ordered probation and diversion. The
program uses hands-on arts projects, service learning, public presentations and
a team of adult mentors to reduce the girls' risk behaviors and develop their
protective factors including self-esteem, personal accountability and positive
connection to community. Arts Connect serves nearly 200 girls annually through
weekly classes in detention and intensive community sessions for girls on
probation and diversion.

Since 1994, Hilltop Artists has been dedicated to
the mission, "Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and
economic backgrounds to better futures." Through a total of nine, tuition-free
arts-based programs, Hilltop Artists annually serves over 550 at-risk youth in
Pierce County during and after the school day, and in the summer.

We look forward to supporting Arts Connect by hosting a fantastic event! We will be featuring:

• An expansive inventory of DISCOUNTED prints and originals from Seattle publisher, Grand Image


• Complimentary drinks from Urban Elixir


• Enter to win a framed art piece


• Student-produced blown glass from Hilltop Artists


• A percentage of all proceeds to benefit Arts Connect and Hilltop Artists!
  

Don't miss this great event!

Saturday, May 21st 12pm - 8pm

Lakewood Gallery & Framing

9514D Gravelly Lake Dr. SW

Lakewood, WA 98499

(253) 584-1774

http://www.lakewoodgallery.com/

New sign, new artwork!

We have a great new sign! Thank you to Bourne Identity Graphics and Signage and Red Door Renovation! We, of course, finished it off with a fantastic frame. Lakewood Gallery & Framing has fully arrived in it's new location!

Along with our great new sign, we are also happy to bring in the new year with new artwork throughout the gallery. New glass from Jeau Bishop, original oils from Karen Fildes, and prints from James Christensen, Stephen Lyman and R. Tom Gilleon. We think you'll love these new pieces and we look forward to seeing you in the gallery soon!




James Christensen - Pilates $275

Christensen's humor comes through again in this new piece. His bedecked and bedazzled character is having a bit of a hard time keeping up with the latest fitness trend. We can't help but give him credit for giving it a try!






Stephen Lyman - Sounds of Sunset $225 Unframed

This beautiful image of Lake Pend O'Reille, by late artist Stephen Lyman, stirs up fond memories for many people in the Northwest. Canada Geese flying along the tops of the trees on a summer evening, silohuetted against a sunset reflected on the still lake surface. This is a classic Northwest scene.

Janet Nelson - Colleen and Judy $90 Framed

We are delighted to have this talented artist's work in the gallery! Janet presents her female figures in a fun, lighthearted way. Each piece comes with the beginning of a story that spurs your imagination into what these women are about. These originals are priced nicely from $60-$90 and remind any woman of her dear friends and the good times to be had.

R. Tom Gilleon - Little Star People $575 Unframed

A warm summer night, with the lightning bugs twinkling in the twilight sets a scene filled with rich, wonderful color in this piece by R. Tom Gilleon. We love the contemporary look of this native-themed piece.

R. Tom Gilleon - Cardinal III $210 Unframed

Cardinal III is part of The Greenwich Workshop's Small Works series. Gilleon captures the grandness of native teepees expertly in this small work, accessible to the entry-level collector.