Easter Greetings
Featured Artists John and Elli Milan
Internationally collected artists John and Elli Milan have a unique creative process. They create their paintings together.
John and Elli met in Hawaii when they were young. They both wanted to be artists, so attended Savannah College of Art and Design, then University of Georgia, where each received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. Soon they were working independently, developing their personal styles, and showing their work in local galleries, but they dreamed of working together.
Today, that dream has come true. Collaborating, they create art neither could create alone. John and Elli explain, “The Spirit of God inspires our work and allows us to create together and maintain a unified vision.” The end result is aggressive and spontaneous layers of paint which create a bright and playful scenario that is interwoven with hints of narrative.
They travel often to Greece, which inspires their artwork and life. Contemporary buildings built around old ruins, and the visible layers of history, have become a metaphor for how the Milan’s see spiritual transformation within themselves and the people around them:
Like these ancient cities, our lives are complex; as we grow and progress the new slowly replaces the old, yet we are often nostalgic for our old self, rather than looking forward with great expectation to our destiny.
The Milans and their four children live in Queen Creek, Arizona, where they have a home studio that is open year round. They are exhibited in galleries and private collections in Canada, Europe, the United States, Philippines, and Dubai.
Village Frame & Gallery is proud to offer works by John and Elli Milan in our gallery. To see these works in person, visit the Gallery Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., or by appointment.
April Art Sale at Village Frame & Gallery
Save 25% Off All Art in the Gallery in April
Welcome spring with a new piece of art. It’s the perfect way for art lovers to celebrate the return of light and color to the Pacific Northwest. In April, every piece of artwork at Village Frame & Gallery is on sale. Stop by with the April Word of the Month, RABBIT, and save big.
Here’s a very small sample of artwork available now:
4 Reasons to Have Textiles Framed by a Pro
Are textiles your chosen art medium? Or do you have heirloom pieces handed down from your grandmother? Here are four reasons you should be working with a professional framer:
To Preserve Your Fiber Arts for Future Generations
Any needlepoint, quilt, or textile piece created today has the potential of becoming a treasured heirloom in the future. When you want a handcrafted keepsake to take its proper place in your family history, it is important to consult a professional. Seek a business that is knowledgeable about the specific care and requirements for preserving, repairing, and displaying textiles. From framing and mounting, to the location and method of display, every textile piece deserves the same time and care that went into creating it.
Textiles Require Special Framing Materials and Techniques
When it comes to choosing appropriate framing materials, special consideration must be given to the textile itself: the materials, weight, size, age, and general structure of the piece. Also, you must evaluate where the framed art will hang, including room environment, light exposure, and temperature fluctuations.
Skillfully framing needlework requires correctly blocking the piece and securing it with lacing, never adhesive, so it is flat, secure, and square. Glazing is highly recommended to prevent fading of fibers. In addition, adequate space must be created between the textile and glazing for ventilation. The art must always have room to breathe!
Time and the Environment are Not on Your Side
Natural fibers enhance the beauty of textile pieces, but are particularly delicate and perishable. Organic fibers, such as cotton canvas, silk thread, and wool yarn, need special care to ensure their longevity. Ultraviolet rays from both sunlight and artificial lighting can weaken fibers and fade fabric dyes. Fibers can also be dust magnets. That’s a great quality in a dusting cloth, but not for your precious textile art.
Framing provides textiles with physical protection from dust, pollutants, accidental soiling, and direct handling. Quality design will also enhance their appearance.
Previously Framed or Stored Textiles are Already in Trouble
Most embroideries, lace, and even small quilts, can be safely framed. However, problems can occur with textiles that have been glued to acidic paper, mat board, and cardboard. Items that have been in storage may also develop issues. Cloth kept in plastic or folded in the bottom of a trunk may have spots of decay, especially along the folds.
Textiles that have mold, stains, broken fibers, rips and tears, or insects, have special issues that should be referred to a professional conservator prior to framing.
Village Frame & Gallery is Portland’s Trusted Resource for Textile Framing
To preserve needlework, your great-grandmother’s wedding veil, or any precious textile, bring it to Village Frame & Gallery for an expert consultation. We will help you preserve and proudly display your priceless keepsakes to their best advantage.
Don’t Miss the Savings on Surplus Framing Material
Do you ever get to the point where you just can’t stand your overflowing closets anymore? We’re there and we’re doing some pre-Spring cleaning, so take advantage of the big savings right now on surplus framing material.
What’s that, you ask?
When we order material for a custom framing job, we have to buy minimum lengths of moulding, often more than we need to complete the job. It’s the same with mats. There is often “fall out” or extra after we cut what we need.
These are beautiful, top-quality materials, so we store the excess until we have another, smaller project for the same moulding or matting. Of course, you know what happens, eventually the storeroom starts to bulge at the seams. That’s why we’re selling our surplus materials at huge savings during to anyone who tells us the Word of the Month.
March Word of the Month
In case you missed the February eNews, the Word of the Month for March is LION.
“The early bird gets the best selection,” so don’t delay.
Take advantage of this opportunity to properly display those small art treasures collecting in your closets, drawers and shelves. While supplies last, we will help you create a lovely space for just about any project, 16″ x 20″ or smaller, using significantly discounted, high quality surplus moulding and matting. What could be better for chasing away the deep winter blues than finally getting to enjoy artwork you love?
If you have questions or a project in mind, please give us a call at 503-245-8001, email Deann, or visit the Gallery Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm or by appointment.
First Friday Message from Kaye Synoground
Friends,
I am pleased and honored to be the latest Featured Artist at Village Frame and Gallery!
Since coming to the Village in 1987 I have found both home and endless inspiration in this quaint and friendly environment. Many of you may remember the little studio I maintained here for 16 years in what I always thought of as “the heart of the Village.”
I hope you can drop by and say hello this Friday evening when Village Frame and Gallery will be displaying some of my more recent work as well as some “Village art.” I’ll be at the Gallery from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Below is a sneak peek of some of my artwork. You can enlarge the images by clicking on them. I hope they inspire you to attend my First Friday exhibit.
Warm regards,
Kaye Synoground
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Two Persimmons |
Blue Nude |
Drifters |
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Our Starbucks |
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Did You See Our New Video?
Did you spot some of your neighbors in it? Thanks to Elizabeth Nichols, Matthias and Jennifer Merkel, Amy Henderson, and our very own Deann Holtz and Labrynt McLaughlin for making this project a big success.
Prefer to have your news delivered to your inbox?
Subscribers to Village Frame and Gallery News got their their copy of the February edition delivered this morning. If an e-mail digest of our blog posts and upcoming events suits you better than watching a blog or Facebook feed, grab your free subscription right now. Every month we deliver some background on one of our favorite artists, professional framing tips, and opportunities for big savings with the Word of the Month. Click the button below to get started and we’ll send you the February edition right away.
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Restoring Priceless Works of Art
Refinish, Restore and Revive Confidently with Preservation Artisans Guild
Artwork’s value increases with age but so does its wear and tear. Thanks to dedicated and professional preservation artisans, the beauty never has to fade.
And now, thanks to the newly-formed Preservation Artisans Guild, no guesswork is required to find the best professional to repair or restore your artwork.
We are excited to introduce you to the Guild’s preservation and restoration artisans. Whether you want to give the sparkle back to your antique mirror, or freshen up a masterpiece that’s grown dull, Preservation Artisans Guild has a specialist in the area you need. The Guild is a professional network of highly skilled craftspeople, artisans, art historians, and other people who are passionate about preservation and conservation.
As a member of the Preservation Artisans Guild, Village Frame & Gallery is increasing our ability to provide you the best art ownership experience. Guild members network and exchange information among multiple disciplines and areas of expertise. This exchange of ideas, knowledge and insights provides an opportunity to expand our breadth of knowledge about preservation and restoration processes. Guild members meet regularly to share information, learn from each other, and work collaboratively on restoration projects.
The Preservation Artisans Guild was born in response to the need to differentiate those who claim to be experts in the preservation field from those who really are. The Guild provides an opportunity to connect art lovers with true restoration professionals who are skilled in, and passionate about, preserving and conserving period architecture and fine art.
Village Frame & Gallery is proud to be a member of the Guild, working to provide the Pacific Northwest with the best art collecting, sharing, and owning experience.
Visit PreservationArtisans.org or contact us to get started on your art restoration adventure today!
Learn More About How Village Frame & Gallery Frames Your Precious Art
February Surplus Picture Framing Sale
We don’t mean to get personal, but how many unframed pieces of art do you have in the back of your closets? You know, the ones you keep thinking you should pull out and bring in for framing? If you’re like some of our friends, there are several pieces stuck back there in the dark.
We get it, we have a similar problem with surplus materials. We’ve got a big stack in the back room and it’s time to do something about it. So, this month we’re offering big savings on surplus moulding and matting for 16″ x 20″ pictures and smaller.
How Can You Save Big on Surplus Framing Material?
When we order material for a custom framing job, we have to buy minimum lengths of moulding, often more than we need to complete the job. It’s the same with mats. There is often “fall out” or extra after we cut what we need.
These are beautiful, top-quality materials, so we store the excess until we have another, smaller project for the same moulding or matting. Of course, you know what happens, eventually the storeroom starts to bulge at the seams. That’s why we’re selling our surplus materials at huge savings right now to anyone who tells us the Word of the Month for February.
Grab your smaller art out of the closet and head on down to the Gallery to get in on the savings. What could be better for chasing away the deep winter blues than finally getting to hang and enjoy artwork you love?
What is the February Word of the Month?
Glad you asked! Subscribe to Village Frame & Gallery News, it’s free, and you’ll receive the Word of the Month every month. If you missed the last newsletter and still want to save on surplus material, go ahead and subscribe now and we will send you February’s Word of the Month.