Website revamp!!!

Friday, February 29th is an exciting day at Custom Art Framing and Gallery Nine.



(Intentional space left to create anxious tension....)





We're launching a redesign of our website www.customartframing.com.

It's looking wonderful as I've happily been privy to drafts of the new look. It's going to be fabulous. Be sure to check back to see the latest!

Update on Gallery Nine artist lineup

We've been getting a steady flow of submissions from our Call For Artists.

It's exciting for us to look at everyone's work and determine which we can accept for our show schedule. So far, we're happy to say, we've accepted six different artists---two painters, a photographer, a potter, a wood turner, and a jeweler.

Sounds like a fabulous selection doesn't it? I'll be posting imagery of their work here once they are set up in the gallery.

The next edition of Artscope Magazine comes out on March 7th. We're anxious to see it as we have a presence in the magazine for the upcoming year. It's an exciting time at Custom Art Framing and Gallery Nine!

Second Chance framing event

Last Friday was busy at the shop. We hosted an event for artists to take advantage of some special framing options.

The turnout was great. We had a lot of fun while working hard. Here JoAnn enjoys a small rest amidst all the activity. (Notice the frames she's safeguarding.)The event was a lovely success. Many thanks to the support of our wonderful customers.

Gallery artists in house

We thought it might be nice to showcase some of the artists presently in the gallery. Clicking the photo will make it larger on your screen.

Note: Of course we have to say that the resolution shown here does not do the art justice. If you find a piece you're interested in, please call 781-762-3300 or email us at julie@customartframing.com as it would be a pleasure to send along a photo with higher resolution.

Judy Hazilla- enhanced photographs

Kim Morin Weineck - original pastels



Kathy Weller - original watercolor illustrations



Don Weller - giclee iris prints



B.D. Packert - black and white photography



Alexandra Hayes - abstracted floral photography



Kerry Hawkins - perspectives in photography

Gallery views and news

Yesterday was a productive day at the gallery & frame shop. We have received some submissions from new artists interested in having us carry their work. This is wonderful as we have put out the Call for Artists and want to fill up the 2008-09 schedule with some new work.

We enjoyed looking through their presentations and look forward to updating the blog with our decisions shortly.



We also spent some time rearranging the gallery for the new work coming in. It's funny but true that you have a to make a mess to make things better. Everything came down from the walls and the place looked quite a sight!

Now the gallery is a showplace again. It's a joy to be in there surrounded by the wonderful artwork.

Call for Artisans

Another exciting bit of news about the gallery:

We're going to showcase one artisan and their work for a six-week period. We have a wonderful display area for jewelry and other 3D work which would showcase it well and offer visibility to the street through the wonderful shop windows.

We're looking for high-quality original pieces of jewelry, pottery, textiles, fiber arts, sculpture, etc. If your work shows the potential to appeal to our diverse clientèle, we're interested.

Give it a shot by applying. For further information, please refer to our Call for Artists. Any further questions? Please call the shop or email julie@customartframing.com. We'll be more than happy to assist.

"Blue & Green bracelet" courtesy Breton Bleu Studio. "Necklace and Heart Pendant" courtesy nancyrosetta. Both are artists shown at Custom Art Framing & Gallery, Norwood, MA.

Inside the Gallery

Here is just a small sample of some photos I took of the shop today.

Doesn't it look fantastic?

Saturday Workshop Series update

We've been working on our workshop information and can tell you this:

Workshops will be held every other Saturday from 12noon-2pm in the Gallery classroom.A wonderful array of topics will be addressed focusing on "The Business of Art."More information will follow regarding registration, cost, and instructor but for now---something to whet the appetite!

Writing your artist statement—A must if you are submitting your work to juried shows, an Artist statement is the perfect definition of your “voice.” Take this workshop and explore the artist statement and write the perfect one for you! FEBRUARY 23rd

Preparing your portfolio—So you’ve decided you want to get your work “out there” and are interested in what steps to take next. In this workshop we discuss the portfolio and some benchmarks for having one that is strong. MARCH 15th

Submitting your artwork to galleries—The portfolio is done. The artist statement is written. Now you need to submit to galleries. No worries! In this workshop we’ll explore all that you should do to get yourself accepted and your show calendar booked. From the initial visit to the introductory letter and from rejection to acceptance, learn about the entire process from both sides, the artist and the gallery. MARCH 29th

Marketing yourself as an artist—Most artists are adept at the creative side of things and often not as strong at the marketing side of things. In this workshop we delve in to all the materials needed to get your name and your work out there. APRIL 12th

Frame design for art shows—Did you know that sometimes judges make decisions on awards based on the framing? We divulge some tested secrets to ensure you make the best choices when framing your pieces from now on. We’ll let you in on a big secret: Often it doesn’t have to be expensive to be right. APRIL 26th

Photographing your artwork—You have artwork and now you need to make a record it for yourself and your portfolio. In this workshop we’ll tackle photographing your artwork in slides, film, and digital formats. You’ll be able to enter shows with confidence. MAY 3rd

Preparing your own gallery show—You’ve created the work and now it’s time to show it off. In this workshop we’ll discuss the ins and outs of a gallery show. From the venue to invitations and everything about the opening, we’ll take you from the submission letter to the reception. MAY 17

Hope we can see you in the classroom!

New year a new focus

It's been busy at Custom Art Framing and Gallery!

The new year brought new energy and members to our staff. Keeley Flynn and Kim Morin Weineck join owner/operator Julie Vecchio, Production Manager Nancy MacCallum, and Rachel Carmine.

Kim Morin Weineck, Gallery Director, brings exciting news: we're seeking artists for the 2008-09 schedule. If interested, please check our submission guide. Keep in mind, we're looking for all kinds of work: oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, and also 3D sculpture, jewelry, and other artisan crafts. We do hope we'll be hearing from you soon.

In addition, we're happy to announce our Saturday Workshop Series focusing on the "Business of Art." Learn the ins and outs of being an artist from drafting your artist statement to photographing your work. These two hour classes will be held every other Saturday from 12 noon-2pm. Cost is only $30 and includes lunch and handouts to continue the work on your own. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and learn something new. More information will be following here and on our website.

Looking forward to many postings to come!