A Frame-Maker’s Journal
Updates and reflections on our work and mission to revive the art and craft of framing pictures. Here I'll show you new jobs we're especially proud of and keep you up on what's going on at the Gallery, as well as discuss topics germane to our work, including handcraft and work generally, the place of art, and ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement (especially its greatest leaders, John Ruskin and William Morris).
I hope you’ll subscribe (see the form in the left column) or at least check back often. And I welcome your comments!
—Tim Holton
Framing Carol Peek and Davis Perkins
With great anticipation, this week we’re finishing framing and hanging our new show, Carol Peek and Davis Perkins: Painting the West. This Saturday is the opening, which we’ll celebrate with a reception for the artists. Davis Perkins says, Carol Peek has bee... continue reading.
Framing Clyde Aspevig
The first time I heard the name Clyde Aspevig it was Sharon Calahan singing his praises. I finally got the honor of framing one of the Montana painter’s works a month or so ago when a couple brought in this 18″ x 24″ oil, “Wyoming Vista.” W... continue reading.
Framing Bertha Lum
This is a color woodcut titled “Lung Fu Sou” and made by American artist Bertha Lum (1879-1954) in 1924 based on a photograph she took of a market she encountered on her travels in China. We set the 9-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ print in a 2-1/2″ wide plain 4-p... continue reading.
Framing Thomas Kegler’s White Roses
Had the pleasure of framing this very sweet little 10″ x 8″ painting by Western New York painter Thomas Kegler (b. 1970), “White Roses, Song of Solomon, 2:12.” The 2″ wide frame profile is a flat with a chamfered sight edge and a back that ... continue reading.
Framing Blanche Lazell
We’ve recently enjoyed framing two oil paintings by Blanche Lazell (1878-1956), a Provincetown artist best known for her white line block prints. Lazell liked to experiment and took great interest in the artistic trends of her day, as demonstrated by these two ver... continue reading.
Highlighting Kim Lordier
While we frame up and prepare for our next show, The Gallery is highlighting Kim Lordier‘s work with an exhibit of fourteen of her masterful pastels—including this new luscious large (24″ x 30″) ranch scene. “Western Shadows” is set in a ... continue reading.
Happy Thirty Years, With Gratitude
I founded Holton Studio in 1993, so as we roll in to 2024, I’m not just celebrating a new year but these thirty years of business. And, lonely as may I look in this picture from the early days on Doyle Street in Emeryville, I’m happily embarking on my pursui... continue reading.
National Recognition
Every issue of Picture Framing Magazine, the framing industry’s monthly trade journal, includes a feature called Design of the Month. We’re proud to have had our work chosen for two issues in 2023—the first back in April and now this month.The April featur... continue reading.
Flowers for Randy
“I seek the common thread that binds us together and moves us forward—nature, tradition, love and beauty.” —Randall Sexton (1958-2023) When a community loses a vital source of knowledge, skill, wisdom and inspiration that community feels its loss deeply. Bay Are... continue reading.