Author: Beth Nichols

Beth Nichols is owner and operator of Village Frame & Gallery in Portland, Oregon.
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Painter Anya Coxworth at First Friday April 1st

Painting of closeup of female face with red hair and green eyes.
Brightly colored painting of two herons facing each other.
By Anya Coxworth

First Friday is tomorrow, already! It should be gorgeous weather, so come meet local painter Anya Coxworth from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Anya is a Portland resident, in fact, we first met her at Fat City. She’s been exhibiting her work around the area and is known for her use of vibrant color and flowing lines. Anya’s work will be featured at Village Frame & Gallery throughout April.

Anya Coxworth, Artist’s Bio

Anya Coxworth is a self taught painter born in Flint Michigan in 1971 relocating to Portland Oregon in 1999. Inspired as a child by her artist father she began experimenting with color and lines. Anya has now been painting whimsical portraits, landscapes, and originals for 29 years. She has sold her work locally and internationally for the last 16 yrs. While in Portland she gave a lecture on her work at Portland Community College during the annual Artbeat event in 2006 and has donated pieces to Habitat for Humanity and Oregon Health and Sciences University benefit auctions. The Regional Arts and Culture Council of Portland accepted an original painting of Anya’s for the cities permanent collection. Anya currently resides between Portland and Yamhill Oregon.

First Friday, April 1st

No fooling, this is a show worth seeing with your own eyes at Village Frame & Gallery. We will be open until 9 p.m. at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Hope to see you there.

Painting of closeup of female face with red hair and green eyes.
By Anya Coxworth

 

Painting of clowns, one is an adult woman, the other is a child.
By Anya Coxworth
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It’s What’s Inside That Counts

Cardboard cut from appliance box being used as backing for framed artwork.

Time and the environment are the mortal enemies of your artwork. Preservation is one of the most important reasons to frame pictures and heirlooms. But not all framing is good framing. We find frequently, even with pieces that were “professionally” framed, that the materials used — mats, backing boards, glass — and the mounting methods employed have actually been damaging the artwork.

When Framing Hurts

Artwork with damage marks from framing materials
Here you can see the signs of deterioration due to poor framing materials and technique. (click to enlarge)

Recently, a customer brought in an item that needed reframing because the glass had broken. This striking, detailed lithograph was already deteriorating due to substandard framing materials. Standard glass without UV protection had been used and the image showed signs of fading.

There were also obvious burn lines from the mat and tape that had been used. (Please, no more using  regular cardboard and masking tape to back framed art!)

Long-term, all this damage was going to get much worse. We consulted with our client about the materials and the damage to the frame itself. Wisely, the client chose to preserve this beautiful lithograph with conservation methods and materials, stopping any further degradation in its tracks. The results were worth it.

Preserved and reframed lithograph
After preservation and reframing (click to enlarge)

This is just one example of the many pieces we have had to rescue from it’s own frame. You’d be surprised at the materials that get used, especially when the art wasn’t framed by a professional knowledgeable in conservation practices. We even had one picture come in and found the backing board was cardboard from an old Whirlpool dryer box. Whirlpool may use fine cardboard to protect products during shipping, but corrugated cardboard is highly acidic. That dryer box started destroying the artwork the minute the two were sandwiched together in a frame.

Older artwork, even if custom framed, may be at substantial risk as well. Just a few decades ago, the conservation materials used today didn’t exist. It was not unusual for framers to use masking tape, regular cardboard, and untreated mats, which are all highly acidic. They didn’t have much choice, frankly. So, if a piece is over 30 years old and you want it to last for many more decades, please bring it in for a check up.

For the Art You Love, Trust Village Frame & Gallery

Cardboard cut from appliance box being used as backing for framed artwork.
No really, it was a Whirlpool dryer box!

Our clients keep coming back because they know it’s what’s inside that counts and they know they can count on us not to cut corners with materials or craftsmanship.

To conserve your fine artwork, heirlooms, or collectibles, bring them to our shop at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. We’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, or by appointment.

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Karen Story Featured Artist at March 4th First Friday

Encaustic painting of green sea water with stormy sky above

Headshot of artist Karen StoryKaren Story is an painter who majored in printmaking and painting at PNCA in Portland, Oregon. She was the recipient of a Louis Bunce Scholarship award, the Printmaking Department scholarship award, and the Local 10 Scholarship award.  She exhibits throughout Oregon and her work is owned by the Portland Art Museum and many private collectors.

This month, Village Frame & Gallery is featuring Karen’s newest show, Shipscapes.

 

Karen Story Artist’s Statement

Collage of Karen's paintings of the seaI use art to communicate with those around me, as well as with my own inner being. Through arrangement of color, form, content, line, shape, and value I attempt to create a unique experience for the viewer.

This show is especially exciting for me, since the medium is not one I generally use for artistic expression. After I discovered Captain Bob, a rusting 65 year-old ship on the Multnomah Channel (while kayaking), I could think of no other way to capture the beauty of what I saw than through photography. I was stunned as I noticed the ‘landscapes’ which surrounded the ship, at the level of the water, created by years of re-painting, rust, moss, oxidation, and erosion.

Presenting familiar but unusual scenes of lakesides and ocean/land views, the shipsides compelled me to repeatedly visit and photograph them over the following 4 years. I continue to photograph ships during various times of day, season, and weather. The images are evocative of time and place, but with a slight mystery about exactly what one is viewing. These illusions may evoke emotion as well as memory.

Currently an encaustic painter, I use many of the images to inspire paintings in a medium which is also somewhat mysterious, and also asks the viewer to look more deeply into the painting. While assembling this show, I have been able to revisit the initial reactions and excitement brought on by discovering Captain Bob and other rusted ships in Swan Island harbor. It has been my pleasure.

Meet Karen at First Friday

Join us at Village Frame & Gallery for an artist’s reception Friday, March 4, starting at 6:00 pm. We are located in Multnomah Village at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak of Shipscapes:

Painting of dark water and land beneath rust streaked sky
Rusty Sky by Karen Story

 

Encaustic painting of green sea water with stormy sky above
Electric Sky by Karen Story

 

Encaustic painting with city surrounded by water and rusty sky above
Green City with Rust by Karen Story

 

Encaustic painting with dark land or water beneath blue sky
Blue Sky by Karen Story
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Let Your Heart Light Shine Today at Heart Beacon

Heart Beacon sculpture lit up against night sky

This year, Village Frame & Gallery is looking at the wider body of work that comprises the Pacific Northwest art legacy. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook as we explore art and artists from across the region. 

Want to do something different for Valentine’s Day this year? Take someone you love to Heart Beacon!

Heart Beacon sculpture lit up against night sky
Heart Beacon by Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock of Creative Machines (click to enlarge)

Heart Beacon is an 18’x 10 1/2′ stainless steel and acrylic chamber that looks like it might blast off at any moment. Touch it, and Heart Beacon comes alive, using light, color, and sound to display your heart beat. Inspired by the work of the Emergency Coordination Center, Heart Beacon was built to literally and metaphorically take the “pulse” of the Portland Community.

How cool is this for Valentine’s Day? Or any day when you want to have a little adventure with someone. It’s not far from Ed Benedict Park and Kelly Butte Natural Area, so perfect for a date on a sunny day.

Want to step inside Heart Beacon? You can!

You will find it just outside the Emergency Coordination Center, Bureau of Emergence Management, at 9911 SE Bush St, Portland, OR 97266.

About the Artists

Heart Beacon is the work of Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock from Creative Machines

Joe O'Connell, SculptorJoe O’Connell grew up making things and turned that into a career. After a long liberal arts education that spanned four universities, he began working for science museums where he designed and built exhibits. He founded Creative Machines Inc in 1995 to design and fabricate interactive exhibits for museums around the world. He began making public art in 2004 in order to reach new audiences.

 

Blessing Hancock, SculptorBlessing Hancock owns Skyrim Studio Inc which focuses on site specific sculpture. She utilizes her BFA in Sculpture and MLA in Landscape Architecture to create innovative work for public spaces. She has completed monumental sculpture projects throughout the world and has extensive experience working with city agencies, project teams and community groups.

 

Creative Machines was founded in 1995 by artist Joe O’Connell. Since then, the company has grown to 30 artists, engineers and skilled craftspeople guided by a shared vision of awesomeness. Their 65,000 s.f. shop in Tucson, Arizona is devoted entirely to pushing the boundaries of public art and interactive exhibits through comprehensive design prototyping and fabrication. Check out the magical machines they are making at CreativeMachines.com.

Heart Beacon sculpture with two people in it

 

Can’t get enough art by Pacific Northwest Artists? You’ll love Village Frame & Gallery!

Exhibits are open to the public, at no charge, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

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What’s Love Got to Do with First Friday?

First Friday, February 5, 206: We're open late, come to Multnomah Village.

Valentines day is coming up, and First Friday is the perfect time to browse with your lucky partner and see if there is something – jewelry, hand turned wood pens, or art – that might tickle their fancy!

First Friday, February 5, 206: We're open late, come to Multnomah Village.

 

We’re open until 9 p.m., so come to Multnomah Village to eat, shop, browse our art gallery, and enjoy the evening with your Valentine. Village Frame & Gallery is featuring artists of the Pacific Northwest: Beki Killorin, Sharon Augusta Mitchell, Keaney Rathbun, Barbara Pihos, Tony Turpin, Ken Elliott and Jeanette Nuxoll. Don’t miss this exhibit!

We are located at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Can’t make First Friday? Stop by any Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm.

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6 Ideas for Decorating Your Man Cave

Vintage Cheap Trick Poster, Autographed and Framed

P.S. These work for dens, game rooms, and other masculine spaces too!

The man cave has come into its own in the last few years. Guys are not only claiming retreat spaces, some are turning them into handsome showplaces. What about you? Do you have a man cave? Is it cool? Do you want it to be? Here are some inspiring ideas from local guys, framed in our shop:

 

Show Off Your Event Memorabilia

Vintage Cheap Trick Poster, Autographed and Framed
You were there? Get out those posters and get them up on the wall! We can also frame tickets, albums, autographed napkins, and other souvenirs.

 

Display Your Treasured Heirlooms

Vintage hammer in shadowbox frame
Still have the antique hammer Grandpa gave you when he taught you woodworking? Your Dad’s metalworking gear? We have shadowboxes that will not only display your treasures, but preserve them so you can pass them down to your sons and grandsons.

 

 Boast a Little

Shadow box full of scouting medals and old black and white pictures.
You earned those bragging rights, we can help you turn your medals, trophies, and other awards into handsome conversation pieces.

 

Exhibit Your Interests

Shadow box display of gaming cards
Whatever your hobby or favorite activity, there is a way to create a display that will make your man cave more personal — more of a reflection of you. Call or stop by, even if you think your idea is kind of “out there,” and we’ll brainstorm together.

 

Go Classic with Maps

Vintage map in frame
A nicely framed vintage map is at home anywhere and perfect for guys who love to travel, anybody who has a special relationship to a specific part of the world, and men who just plain love maps. It’s the kind of thing Mark Twain probably had in his billiards room, don’t you think? Old maps need appropriate framing to keep them from degrading, though. No worries, we can help you with that.

Advertise Your Fandom

University of Oregon football jersey in shadow box
Whether you played the game or have been your team’s biggest fan since boyhood, there are lots of cool ways to display — and protect — sports memorabilia. Let’s talk.

Ready to upgrade your manly sanctuary? Call or stop by today.

Bring your collectibles and keepsakes to Village Frame & Gallery any Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm, or by appointment. We are located at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Want to call first? Dial 503-245-8001.

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Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. – The Dream

The Dream statue on Martin Luther King Day. Red carnations have been placed in King's hand and at his feet.

Pacific Northwest Artist Michael Florin Dente’s Work Commemorating an American Hero

This year, Village Frame & Gallery is looking at the wider body of work that comprises the Pacific Northwest art legacy. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook as we explore art and artists from across the region. 

The Dream statue on Martin Luther King Day. Red carnations have been placed in King's hand and at his feet.
The Dream by Michael Florin Dente (click to enlarge)

The Dream is an 8-foot tall bronze statue by Michael Florin Dente that focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and themes of equality, freedom, and justice, portrayed by three allegorical figures:

– A white man with his sleeves rolled up, who symbolizes working Americans stepping up to support equality, freedom, an justice;

– A woman wading ashore, who symbolizes our immigrant culture and their their faith in the freedom of America;

– And a little girl, just releasing Dr. King’s coattails, who symbolizes the “letting go” required when one is called away to join a struggle for the common good.

Plaque at the base of The Dream Statue
Click to enlarge

The artist, Michael Florin Dente, says he has been a sculptor since his pre-school days when he created whole worlds out of clay. He was a faculty member of Department of Fine Arts at the University of Portland from 1981 to 1985. His work is exhibited, commissioned, and collected internationally. You can see more of his work on his website and around the Pacific Northwest.

This week, as we commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., visit The Dream — a part of our Pacific Northwest Art Legacy — at the intersection of NE Holladay and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, outside the Oregon Convention Center.

Love art by Pacific Northwest Artists? You’ll love Village Frame & Gallery!

Exhibits are open to the public, at no charge, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

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Focus on Pacific Northwest Artists This Month at Village Frame & Gallery

Green butterfly on a pea vine

Right now in the Gallery: art from around the region by Beki Killorin, Sharon Augusta Mitchell, Keaney Rathbun, Barbara Pihos, Tony Turpin, and Ken Elliott, plus Jeanette Nuxoll. Don’t miss this exhibit! Open to the public during regular business hours at Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

In the meantime, let’s take an art break!

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Un-First Friday Features Artists of the Pacific Northwest

Poster for Un-First Friday January 8, 2016, 6 - 9 pm, in Multnomah Village

Village Frame & Gallery Open Late January 8th

Happy New Year! Since we were all out celebrating last week, Multnomah Village is having “Un-First Friday” this week. It works that same as a regular First Friday, we will be open until 9 p.m. with a new show in the Gallery. Come to the Village for dinner, shopping, and catching up with friends and neighbors.

Village Frame & Gallery will be featuring several artists from around the Pacific Northwest. Hope to see you there!

Poster for Un-First Friday January 8, 2016, 6 - 9 pm, in Multnomah Village

Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219 ● (503) 245-8001
Open Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am - 4pm, or by appointment.