Merry May To You from Giclée

Merry May!

“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.”

-Victor Hugo

Happy May, Giclée friends! We hope this newsletter finds you filled with hope, inspiration, and awe at the beauty this month always brings. Is it just us, or does May always seem to carry the same traits as stained glass? Where branches of flowering trees and shrubs present their individualities, delicate transparent blooms, backlit with warm sun are cradled. In the shade, twisted patterns dapple the floor, creating intricate designs that seem to go on forever. Where gardens and woodlands were once sleeping just a short time ago, glossy reds, yellows and greens of all that awakes command your attention.

Our May artist spotlight whom we feel perfectly captures such intoxicating feelings in his art would be New York based stained glass artist, Robert Oddy.

We encourage you to view more of Robert's stained glass creations on his website:

  Robert Oddy

"Forest Floor"

2012

What's Up & What's New?

• Supporting Local

• Thrifting Frames- Yay Or Nay?

• The Positive Impact Of Public Art

The month of May marks 6+ full months that we've been relocated at our Palmer location. When we first moved into this higher-visibility space, we knew we wanted to share our love for local-made art by having a gallery/retail area in the shop where original art could be displayed, and giclée prints could be for sale. These prints sold in our shop are made at no cost to our collaborating artists, where they receive 50% of any sales made. It may not seem like much to the average joe, but to artists who don't have to pay for something upfront, while having the opportunity to make a passive income- it is huge!

So anyway, this section of the newsletter is a sincerely shame-free reminder that you possess the ability to make an artist's day. Next time you're in the market for a greeting card, original painting or art print, please think of us and stop in!

Your purchase makes a massive difference to us and the artists involved.

Thrifted Frames? We Say: Yay! (Conditions Apply...)

Last month we discussed the importance of custom framing and what makes it such a valuable investment. Between the custom sizes, handcrafted designs, and UV protective glass... you bet it can get expensive. The reality is: not everyone can afford a multi-hundred dollar frame when they're in a pinch. We're here to talk up the possibilities of thrifting frames, how to distinguish quality over junk, and how we can help!

Step one: Be on the lookout for REAL solid wood.

We recommend keeping your distance from composite boards (aka "sausage wood") materials, and staying even further away from cheap, hollow plastic frames. Solid wood frames are the easiest to work with when it comes to refinishing the surface, down to installing hanging wire. With real solid wood material, you can sand, polish and stain any scuffs, scratches, and indentations to make an old frame shine like new.

Step two: Look at the corners!

Making sure the corners are joined solid will ensure your frame doesn't wobble and wiggle and risk falling apart. Thrifted frames are never going to be perfect, but safety matters all the same. This is a big detail that will make it or break it when it comes to longevity- literally!

Step three: No glass, no problem.

A good thing about thrifting frames is you don't need to feel too concerned about the glass because it's easy to replace when necessary. A lot of people will throw away a perfectly good frame because the glass broke. While museum quality glass can get expensive, our conservation clear glass is affordable, 99% UV protective, and can be cut on site to fit your dimensions.

Step four: Size don't matter! (Respectively)

If you're an artist who has odd sized art (panoramic, odd-length, eighth-of-an-inch here or there, etc), you can always float-mount or mat your art to make up for the difference in sizing. This is the beauty of thrifting quality frames for unique sized art- matting to fit will present as a one-of-a-kind custom piece without the price of brand new molding.

"But why would a professional frame shop encourage me to thrift frames?"

Because we're normal humans too, and we care about the environment.

There's a lot of perfectly good frames thrown into the trash on a daily basis, and we want to eliminate any feelings of shame around repurposing and recycling quality materials.

We're intelligent professionals enough to know when a frame is junk, and we won't hold back our praise when someone finds an absolute treasure of a thrifted frame either. When we're able to provide supplemental services by cutting a fresh piece of glass, matting to fit, adding hanging wire, and wrapping up the back of the frame- you're still supporting local. If we can help you, you're still helping us. And together, we're helping the planet. :)

With that said, flea market season is here and you've got some good tips. Now get hunting!

The Powerful, Positive Impact Of Public Art

Have you ever passed through a city and found yourself in awe at a painted mural on the side of a building? Have you ever admired the bold, rebellious energy of vibrant graffiti on the side of a train? Have you ever come across a plein air artist in the wild, easel erect in front of a landscape and thought, "wow, that looks pretty good!". Perhaps if not at least a visual art, you've been entertained in passing by a street busker playing guitar. We're happy to have you know, you've benefitted from a positive impact of public art. Moments like these always seem to occur when we least expect. These experiences can be a grounding one for some, and an escape from the mundane for others.

During the month of May, we challenge you to make a mental note of where, when, and how public art impacts your daily life in a positive way.

Is there a mural you drive by every day during your work commute? How would it feel if it was never there? If it had always remained as just a brick wall? Is there a favorite graffiti spot you drive by? If you had a few thousand dollars to enrich the local community via public art installation, what would you do? What would make your neighbors smile?

Art Prompt Calendar

An art prompt is a great way to break free from a creative block. Prompts can often be a single word, lighting a spark for other creative ideas. In every monthly newsletter, we'll include a fresh calendar full of daily art prompts for our creative subscribers who could use a nudge of inspiration. We'd love to see what you come up with, so make sure to tag us on the socials if you share your art!