Blog

January 2, 2015March 20, 2018

Featured Artist Beki Killorin

Close up of watercolor of heron in blacks, grays and whites with an orange crest

“In the creative process, I try to not let the subject matter carry the painting but allow my own self-expression to create the artistic emotion and essence of the subject so that you, the viewer, can complete the story.”

About the Artist

Photo of the artist standing in front of a painting of a heron. — Beki Killorin

Beki Killorin, received most of her training in art in her home state of Oklahoma. Twenty-five years of artistic growth through the mediums of oil, ink, acrylics, collage and watercolor led her to take a major step into printmaking in 1983. The technical challenge of this medium, combined with her already well-defined skill as a professional artist, provided a positive avenue for printmaking as a full time career. Beki’s original prints have been represented by Island International Artists since 1982.

In 1987 Beki and her husband relocated to the Pacific Northwest and from her studio in Washington’s Northern Puget Sound, she has been able to devote full time to the developments of her prints and further refine her skills in her beloved medium, watercolor.

Stepping into the new century added yet another dimension to her portfolio. With the technical advancements of computers came a process of printing known as Giclee. This process generates a print that is technically superior to most other types of reproductions. Archivally treated pigmented inks and fine art rag watercolor paper are used to produce these prints. With some hand embellishment on each one, this process has enabled Beki to expand the horizon of her watercolor imagery into the national marketplace.

Beki’s style provides a contemporary look to familiar subjects that brings a unique life and spirit to each piece she produces. Every work of art or print receives her special imprint … a small red dot that precedes her signature. It is an acknowledgement and affirmation of the wonder of God’s creation and His ever-present and lasting love for all.

Today Beki’s original watercolors, giclees and intaglio prints are represented by galleries both nationally and abroad.

A Sneak Peek of Works by Beki Killorin Available at Village Frame & Gallery

Close up of heron in watercolor with gold matte and frame — Original watercolor by Beki Killorin

Close up of watercolor painting of heron — Original watercolor by Beki Killorin

January 1, 2015March 20, 2018

Happy New Year!

Bras clock surrounded by stars and pine branches

December 23, 2014March 20, 2018

Village Frame & Gallery Holiday Closures

We will be closed December 25th through December 29th.

Wooden sign that says "Sorry, we are closed." — Gone celebrating. Back soon.

In order to have time with our families, we are taking a few days off this holiday season. We will reopen December 30th. We hope you will also be able to have some time off to enjoy those who are nearest and dearest to you.

It’s been a big year for us, with all the changes at the Gallery, and once again, we want to thank you for all your support. We are happy we get to live and work in Multnomah Village because we appreciate being part of a vital neighborhood full of friends and art lovers.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

December 16, 2014March 20, 2018

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Hand carved wooden pens and letter opener by Randy Bonella

Still working on your shopping list? Stop by Village Frame & Gallery.

We have gift ideas for art lovers, artists, and anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and unique artisan goods. Time is running out, so pop by the Gallery for:

Handmade Pens, Ornaments, and Tools

Shopping for someone who appreciates the finer things in life? Artisan made implements are the ultimate in luxury. We have pens, letter openers, ornaments, scoops, and seam rippers–all hand carved. Practical, yes, common, not at all.

Ready Made Photo Frames

Turn a favorite photo into a personalized gift. It’s a snap with quality ready-made frames. We have frames in a range of the most popular photo sizes and mattes for smaller snapshots. Bring your photograph with you and we’ll help you pick the right frame from our inventory.

Art Prints

Color poster of arab man serving steaming cup of choclate — Print on Canvas: Cafes Chocolats by L. Voisin

If you want to please an art lover, there’s no better gift than art. We have a large selection of affordable prints–many from local artists–plus prints on canvas. And let’s be honest, shopping for an art print is enjoyable; you get to take a break from the bustle of the season, browse some art, and still cross something off your to-do list.

Handcrafted Jewelry

Adorn a lady you love with wearable art. We have necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made by local artists, in stock, and ready to be wrapped. We only carry high-quality lines made by skilled, local jewelry artists, so you can be sure your purchase will be made to last–delighting her year after year.

Yes, We Participate in Golden Tickets

For holiday deals, shop local and watch for signs that say "Multnomah Village and Hillsboro Golden Tickets Here"

The Golden Tickets program has become a holiday tradition in Multnomah Village and Hillsdale. It seems like every year more businesses and shoppers are participating and the savings are adding up.

This year, more than 40 local businesses are handing out Golden Tickets and offering special savings when you bring in a ticket. Present a Golden Ticket at Village Frame & Gallery between now and December 31st and we’ll give you 10% off your purchases. Buy from us, and you’ll leave with another Golden Ticket you can use at any of these business:

Multnomah Village Businesses Participating in 2014 Golden Tickets:

2014 Golden Ticket poster — Click to enlarge

Action Fast Photo
Annastasia Salon
Anne Bocci
Annie Bloom’s Books
Craft Factory
David Klick, LMT
Fusion Modern Organic Salon
Healthy Pets Northwest
Indigo Traders
Jacqueline’s Found & Fabulous
Jones & Jones Jewelers
Jules of Morocco Clothing
Little Shop of Drawers
Maggie’s Boutique
Mary Truitt’s Antiques
Multnomah Antiques
Multnomah Family Care Center
Multnomah Village Dental
Northwest Wools
Peachtree Gifts
Peggy Sundays
Switch Shoes & Clothing
Thinker Toys
Topanian Global Gifts
Village Beads
Village Family Dental
Village Frame & Gallery

Hillsdale Business Participating in 2014 Golden Tickets:

Baker & Spice Cakery
Hair Color Salon Dirk
Hillsdale Art Supply
Hillsdale Veterinary Hospital
Indigo Traders
Other World Games
Paint Pots Ceramic Studio
Paloma Clothing
Portland European Facials
The UPS Store

Restaurants Participating in 2014 Golden Tickets:

Down to Earth Cafe
GiGi’s Cafe
Grand Central Baking
Hattie’s Sweet Shop
Maplewood Coffee & Tea
Marco’s Cafe
Medley
Nectar
O’Connors
Otto & Anita’s
Renner’s Grill
Salvador Molly’s
Sasquatch Brewing
Sip D’Vine
Verde Cocina

Stay Up-to-Date on the Savings

Follow the Multnomah Business Association Facebook page for updates on special offers.

December 2, 2014March 20, 2018

Seasons Greetings from Village Frame & Gallery

Drawing of Village Frame & Gallery custom picture frame shop and art gallery during Christmas shopping season.

During the holiday season, we reflect on the good people who surround us and make our lives better. At Village Frame & Gallery, we appreciate our friends, customers, and neighbors, who make living and working in Multnomah Village so satisfying. Thank you for supporting our business.

We wish you and your loved ones peace and contentment during this season and throughout the coming year.

November 27, 2014March 20, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving

November 17, 2014March 20, 2018

3 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

Shadow box with two antique photos of a woman and a pocket watch

Know what you’re getting everyone for the holidays? No? Here are a few ideas your loved ones won’t have seen at every store in the mall:

A Piece of History Preserved

Rescue beloved keepsakes from their dusty boxes and turn them into a artful display that will be cherished by your loved one and eventually handed down to children and grandchildren. Conservation framing ensures heirloom pieces will last for generations.

Art from Their Wish List

Mixed media image of nude woman kneeling and leaning forward, a cloth covers her entire head. — Searching in the Dark by Farooq Hassan

We all love someone who rarely spends money on themselves. Usually, these are the people who are most generous with others. This year, treat the giver in your life to a piece of art he or she has been wanting, but has put off purchasing.

Framed Photo Stories

Shadow box filled with college memorabilia and photos — University Days

Commemorate a season in your loved one’s life with a framed collage of memorabilia that tells a story. A little slice of “This is Your Life,” this gift is an excellent way to express how important someone is to you.

For expert help with these gift ideas, visit Village Frame & Gallery right away–like us, the holidays are right around the corner!

November 13, 2014March 20, 2018

Golden Tickets, Little Boxes, and Big Savings

3 Ways to Avoid Mall Traffic and Save

Smart holiday shoppers are heading to Multnomah Village, starting this weekend! Want to have fun, support local businesses, and save on unique gifts? You need to know about:

1. Golden Tickets

Shop in Multnomah Village and Hillsdale to collect Golden Tickets that qualify you for special savings at more than 40 participating businesses. This year, Village Frame & Gallery is offering 10% off when you present a Golden Ticket. Buy from our shop and get a Golden Ticket you can use at neighboring businesses. The more you shop locally between November 15th and December 31st, the more you save! Watch the Multnomah Village Business Association webpage and Facebook page to stay up-to-date on specials throughout the season.

2. Little Boxes

Shop locally on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday for savings and the chance to win prizes at participating Little Boxes stores. Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., shoppers can get 10% off plus be entered to win shopping sprees, an iPad, gift certificates, and more. If you have an iPhone, download the Little Boxes App to play along digitally. If you don’t have an iPhone, no problem. Stop by Village Frame & Gallery to pick up a Little Boxes Passport. Every time you visit a participating merchant, you will be entered into the Little Boxes raffle, and there is no limit to the number of times you can enter. Earn bonus raffle entries when you make purchases during event and unlock 10% savings at the next Little Boxes merchant you buy from. All the details, and the iPhone app, are at the Little Boxes website.

3. Ready-Made Frames and Gifts from Village Frame & Gallery

The possibilities are nearly endless and the savings are built-in when you purchase high-quality ready-made frames from Village Frame & Gallery. We also have unique gifts from local artists, 50% off select mirrors, and lots of great ideas to help you please everyone on your list while supporting the local art and small business community.

Need something custom framed? Make sure your project will be gift-wrap-ready in time by bringing it in today!

November 5, 2014May 11, 2018

Featured Artist Farooq Hassan

Artist Farooq Hassan in front of one of his paintings

November 7th is First Friday with Farooq Hassan

“Colors are like music … there are many tones. I’m like a composer who writes a piece of music. There is harmony and contrast. When I see an empty space, I put something to cover that emptiness.”

–Farooq Hassan

Artist’s Bio

Hassan spent his youth in crowded cafes and on the docks in Iraq, striving to capture on paper the colorful scenes playing out before his eyes. He disciplined himself to not lift his pencil from the paper, but instead to draw a person with a single line.

As a young man, he taught high school. “We did our best to create art, not politics,” Hassan recalls. He also collected stamps, a hobby that eventually led to an unusual and satisfying outcome–he ended up designing more than 75 commemorative postage stamps for the Iraqi postal service.

For 50 years he built his standing as an artist. His work was exhibited in London, Amman, Basrah, and Baghdad. In Iraq, he was considered a national treasure. Then, politics changed his life forever.

Between 1980 and 1991 Hassan moved 22 times, always one step ahead of political strife in Bagdad. After the Iran-Iraq war ended and the first U.S. Gulf war resulted in sanctions, times were hard and dangerous, and yet, it was a time when art began to flourish again. Hassan devoted himself full-time to his paintings.

Life in Iraq was especially perilous for his daughter, Dalia, a reporter for the Washington Post and translator for the American and NATO forces. She took an opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. and encouraged her mother and father to follow her.

In 2010, Hassan and his wife, Haifa, joined their daughter in Portland, Oregon. Hassan was 71 years old and he had lost everything: his reputation as a master artist, the paintings he had created in Iraq, and his home. So, he set about renewing himself through painting.

Hassan is currently represented by galleries in Iraq, Jordan, and in Portland, The Geezer Gallery. This month, Village Frame & Gallery is proud to exhibit the work of Farooq Hassan. Join us Friday, November 7th for our First Friday reception, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. to see Hassan’s work for yourself and meet the artist. In addition, local jewelry artist Susan Koch will be showing a selection of her bead designs.