The Village Frame Shoppe of St. Albans, Vermont has just announced the launch of their new Photo to Canvas printing website, CanvasGnome.com.  CanvasGnome.com is the brainchild of two longtime friends: Dan Pattullo, owner at Village Frame Shoppe and Bear Bourgeois, lead graphic design artist for CanvasGnome.com.

“After the high demand for our canvas photo printing services on the local level, we decided it was time to take our product to a larger market”, stated Dan Pattullo, “That’s when we decided to launch our new business venture, CanvasGnome.com.”

CanvasGnome.com is an online service that provides photo to canvas printing to artists, photographers and the consumer market.  The user can log onto CanvasGnome.com, upload their photo file, choose a canvas size, style and edge wrap, then place their order.  All in a matter of just a few minutes.  Orders can be shipped to the customers door or for local customers, picked up in store.

Consumers can also search CanvasGnome’s online gallery of artists to find unique pieces to decorate their homes or office spaces.  CanvasGnome.com uses a selective process to ensure that it brings it’s consumers the best and most unique artwork by both established and emerging artists.  

Village Frame Shoppe has been in the artist giclee print business for nearly 10 years.  “We use the same technology and quality materials for our CanvasGnome.com photos as we do for the hundreds of artist’s giclees that we print each year through our gallery”, stated Dan Pattullo.  CanvasGnome’s photo canvas is made up of a blend of cotton and polyester, manufactured in the USA.  Each photo canvas is coated with an abrasion resistant, UV-blocking liquid laminate, to provide the best protection then stretched onto a solid wood stretcher, packaged and shipped to the consumer’s door.

To help promote their brand, CanvasGnome.com partners with photographers, artists (both traditional and digital), retail stores, online bloggers and websites.  “We are always excited to hear from companies,individuals and charities about possible marketing or promotional partnerships”,said Dan Pattullo.

Going forward, CanvasGnome sees a growing market of online consumers seeking out their product.  CanvasGnome.com’s customers are looking for unique products that are about them or their families, customizable and made in America.

Framed Fred Swan Giclees!

50% off Photo to Canvas printing - Vermont

Just in time for Christmas gift giving! We are offering $90 worth of Photo to Canvas for only $45! That's a 50% discount! You can buy this deal today, then share it with your friends to get an additional incentive! A Photo-to-Canvas gift certificate would also make a great stocking stuffer! Or preserve and display your family memories on canvas for everyone to enjoy!

Learn more about this deal here!

Known for fine custom framing, Village Frame Shoppe also offers Photo to Canvas printing. Our canvas prints are made in house, coated with a UV resistant finish and stretched on quality, wood stretcher bars. Stop by our shop and see what sets us apart! Local, helpful, one-on-one service for you!

An Afternoon with Fred Swan - Nov. 24, 2012 1-3PM

The Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery will be hosting Vermont artist Fred Swan Saturday November 24 from 1-3 pm.  25% off all framed Fred Swan prints, giclees and canvas transfers during the show!  Some exclusions apply - see store for details.  

Come on by the gallery, meet the artist and take advantage of the savings just in time for Holiday gift giving!

The Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery has the largest collection of fred swan Originals, Giclees, canvas transfers, prints and sold out prints in the Champlain valley!

Visit us online to learn more about our store!

Currently on Exhibit - Milton Artists' Guild

The Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery is currently featuring artwork by members of the Milton Artists’ Guild, a diversified group of artists and artisans working in all types of media.  Milton Artists’ Guild was formed in 1988 by Lorinda Henry, Kathleen Redman and Lorraine Manley in Milton, Vermont, with a mission of sharing their creative endeavors with other artists and artisans.  

Artists participating in this show include, Christine Porter, Ann Allen, Pilar Paulsen, Lorraine Manley, Adam Wimble, Jane Morgan, Mary Ann Duffy Godin , Gisela Alpert, Ann Bissonette, Jennifer Pierstorff, Karen Day-Vath, Mary Reed, and Deni Bergne.

Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery is a fine art gallery located at 72 North  Main Street. in St. Albans, Vermont.  The gallery features artwork by Vermont’s leading artists including Eric Tobin, Corliss Blakely, Peter Miller, Fred Swan, John Clarke Olson, among others.  The gallery hangs rotating shows throughout the year to feature local talent.  

“The Milton Artists’Guild  Exhibit” will be on display July3-28.  The gallery will host a reception on July 20, from 6-8 PM with refreshments served.  The reception is open to the public.

For more information please contact the gallery by calling (802) 524-3699 or email vfsgallery@gmail.com.  Visit Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery online at www.VTFrameshop.com or www.facebook.com/pictureframer.  The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5.

Currently on Display "A Digital Art Show"

Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery is currently exhibiting "A Digital Art Show" a collection of artwork by local artists working in a digital environment.  Artists were encouraged to be creative and produce digital paintings using their favorite image editing software.  The images were then output to different types of print media including watercolor paper, photo paper or canvas and then prepared for display.  

"I'm excited to see the variety of styles and talent that the digital artists submitted for this exhibit!", said gallery owner, Daniel Pattullo.  Participating artists include Chadwick Anthony Bourgeois, Michael Thomas-Adam, Melvin Harris, John Wolff, Dave Russell, Sandy Fox, Andy Brown, Corliss Blakely, Chepe Cuadra and Karen Day-Vath.

Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery is a fine art gallery located on Main Street. in St. Albans, Vermont.  The gallery features artwork by Vermont's leading artists including Eric Tobin, Corliss Blakely, Peter Miller, Fred Swan, John Clarke Olson, among others.  The gallery hangs rotating shows throughout the year to feature local talent.  

"A Digital Art Show" will be on display June 5 - June 30, 2012.  The gallery will host a reception on June 15 from 6-8 PM  with refreshments served.  The reception is open to the public.

For more information please contact the gallery by calling (802) 524-3699 or email vfsgallery@gmail.com.  Visit Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery online at www.VTFrameshop.com or www.facebook.com/pictureframer.  The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 

Fred Swan Original Painting "Winter Light"

Northwest Vermont's premier art gallery, Gallery at Village Frame Shoppe, has recently acquired from a private collection a one-of-a-kind original acrylic on panel by world-class, Vermont artist Fred Swan.  Titled "Winter Light", this painting has hung in a private collection for nearly thirty years, and has only recently been brought out into the public for art collectors to admire.  Many admirers have commented that this is one of the best paintings that Fred Swan has done to date.

"Winter Light" by Fred Swan, captures the beauty of the New England countryside in a way that only Fred Swan can do.  The image is bathed in early morning, winter light, as the sun quietly rises on another cool, New England morning.  Shadows from a nearby maple tree dance across the snow as the light illuminates the beautiful two-and-a-half story stone house and hooked-together barn.  Tracks left from autumn's last cut of hay, can be seen peeking through where the wind has blown the powder snow down back towards the forest.

Fred Swan is a self-taught artist with no formal art training.  His work has captivated art enthusiasts for nearly forty years and appears in many private and corporate collections both nationally and internationally.  The Gallery at Village Frame Shoppe is proud to be an art dealer for Fred Swan's original paintings, limited edition prints and giclees.  The Gallery at Village Frame Shoppe also features artwork by other well known and much collected Vermont artists including Corliss Blakely, Peter Miller, John Clarke Olson, Eric Tobin among others.  The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 and located on Main Street in downtown St. Albans, Vermont.

facebook.com/pictureframer

Northern Vermont Artist Association at the Village Frame Shoppe & Gallery

This exhibit will hang March 6, 2012 - March 31, 2012.  There will be a closing reception on March 31, 2012 from 1-4.

The Village Frame Shoppe is excited about the opportunity to exhibit artwork by artist members of the Northern Vermont Artist Association.  Stop by the gallery and check out this wonderful display of artwork!
The Northern Vermont Artist Association was founded in 1931, by a group of Burlington, VT artists, making it one of VT's oldest continuing art organizations. Membership to the NVAA is open to any visual artist working in any media who lives in Vermont anywhere between Middlebury and the Canadian Border.

The NVAA artists currently on exhibit at the Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery include: David Russell, Frank Romano, Dena Couture, Jeane Evans, Sandra Ershow, Letty Annis, Pam Turner, Jan Avery, Anne Cummings, Clara Geist, Steware McHenry, Robert Brunelle, Bev Montiel, D. Seavey Windsinger, Joan T. Smith, Dick Brunelle, Margaret Maffin, Norma Wasko, Alan Graham, Jeanne Evans, Sylvia Kennedy Godin, Martha Ohliger, Andy Brown, Millie Boyd, Deni Bergne, Julie Davis, Lorraine C. Manley, Marcia Rosberg, Geoff Corey, Karen Day Vath, Linda Wirts, Barbara Hamm, Kathleen Bergeron, Janet Bonneau, Mary Godin, Monique Dewyea, Jackie Call, Mary Krause, and Jean Lumbra.

New Website Now Online

Check out our new website!  vtframeshop.com.  Here you can browse our site for new products and services. Be sure to check out our events page to keep up with what is happening at the Village Frame Shoppe!
As always, thank you for your business!

Sweeten Your Palette, A Sappy Art Show

The Village Frame Shoppe and Gallery in St. Albans, VT will have it's first annual Vermont Maple themed art exhibit: Sweeten Your Palette, A Sappy Art Show April 11-May 10, 2011.  This art exhibit will hang during this year's 45th annual Vermont Maple Festival April 15, 16 and 17.  We invite you to stop by our newly expanded gallery located at 72 North Main Street, St. Albans, VT 05478 to check out the show.  If you are an artist and would like more information on how you can exhibit artwork in this show please call the gallery at 802.524.3699.

The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5.  We will have extended hours during the Maple Festival.  We look forward to seeing you!

The Village Frame Shoppe is expanding!

Alot of changes are happening at the Village Frame Shoppe that will help us to better serve you!  This week we puchased the gallery and framing departments of Champlain Collection.  The Champlain Collection had been Franklin County's custom frame shop and art dealer for over 30 years.  Because of this acquisition, we are now Franklin County's exclusive dealer for Fred Swan and Sean Dye artwork.  In the coming weeks we will be re-arranging our St. Albans location to allow for more display space for these artists, as well as some of Vermont's other fine artists: Mike Mayone, Reed Prescott, Corliss Blakely, Henry Trask Reilly and Peter Arthur Weyrauch.

If you are looking for Fred Swan original paintings, limited edition prints and giclees, or gift items be sure to stop by our shop at 72 North Main Street in St. Albans, VT.  Located across from Jeff's Seafood at your local stationery store - RSVP.

March 6, 2010 Vermont Sales Tax Holiday

In addition to your tax savings, the Village Frame Shoppe will be running a special sale, one day only, on Saturday March 6, 2010.  Save 20% on your cutom picture framing!  Mention this blog-post and save!  Be sure to check us out on Facebook as well and consider becoming a fan.
As always, thank you for your business!

Photographer Peter Weyrauch at VINS

Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is proud to present photographer Peter Weyrauch and his display of black and white nature-focused photographs. Following an opening reception on December 19 from 5:00 - 7:00pm, Weyrauch's photographs will be on exhibit at VINS Nature Center from December 19, 2009 to January 4, 2010.

 Peter will be in attendance and signing NEW posters for VINS at the opening reception. The 18x24 posters will be available for $20 each. During the show at VINS, a generous portion of the proceeds from sales of his work will be donated to VINS to support their work in environmental education, conservation and avian rehabilitation.

For more information about Peter Weyrauch's art exhibit and reception, please e-mail events@vinsweb.org or call 802-359-5000. For more information about VINS and the variety of programs and environmental education opportunities offered, please visit www.vinsweb.org.

Founded in 1972, The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a non-profit member-supported environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered in Quechee, Vermont. VINS' mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment.

Vermont Hardwoods - walnut frame on Papyrus

I recently had a customer bring this papyrus into the shop for framing.  She wanted to frame it with something nice, but simple.  She selected a beige mat for the backing and we decided that the Papyrus would look best floating.  After looking at a couple of different frames, she settled on a walnut moulding by Vermont Hardwoods.  The frame matched the papyrus paper perfectly! And she was pleased to be keeping her business local.  We used Tru Vue's museum glass to finish it.

Give the Gift of Framing with a Gift Certificate to the Village Frame Shoppe

This holiday season, when you purchase a gift certificate to the Village Frame Shoppe your framing dollars will go a bit further!  Buy a $25.00 gift certificate for only $20, buy a $50 gift certificate for only $40 or buy a $100 gift certificate for only $75.00!

Now through Christmas Eve!  Good at either our St. Albans or Enosburg Falls location.

Happy Holidays!

Save 10%-25% On Your Next Framing Project(s)

To celebrate this holiday season, Village Frame Shoppe is offering you 10% off when you frame one item or 25% off your complete order when you frame two or more items. Present this coupon at either our St. Albans or Enosburg Falls location and save.  This offer is good from December 5, 2009 through December 12, 2009.

We appreciate your business, and look forward to seeing you!


December Store Hours:
St. Albans (at RSVP) - Tuesday - Thursday 10-5 | Friday 10-12 | Saturday 10-5
Enosburg (at AIR) - Wednesday - Friday 1-5 | Saturday 10-5

Shop Downtown St. Albans this Holiday Season!

Here's a little extra incentive to Shop Local this holiday season!  For every $100 that you spend between November 21st and December 31st in participating St. Albans, VT businesses, you can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $500!  (Drawing will take place on January 11th, 2010)

This year there are 28 participating businesses:

Village Frame Shoppe
RSVP
Ace Hardware
Cosmic Bakery
As the Crow Flies
Eaton's Fine Jewelry
Godin's Furniture
Maple City Candy
Bayberry Cottage
Eloquent Page
Howards the Flower Shop & Antiques
Mom and Me & Daddy Too
Rail City Market
Sweet Nothings
Video King
Amy's Gift Shop
Better Planet
Dressing Room
Forever Bloom Quilt Shop
Jack Rixon's Pharmacy
Kevin Smith's Sports
Moonshadows
Sweet Repeats
Chow Bella
Jeff's Market & Wine Shop
Needleman's Bridal
Silver & Gold Jewelry
Tatro's Gourmet Soup and Sandwich


Sponsored by St. Albans for the Future (SAFF)

Rules and Restrictions:  Offer ends 12/31/2009.  Receipts must be dated between 11/21/2009 and 12/31/2009.  Receipts must be from one of the participating Merchants listed.  One entry for every different set of receipts totaling $100.  Receipts must be entered at participating Merchants.  Employees of SAFF and participating businesses are prohibited from participating in the promotion.  Receipts must be redeemed no later than December 31, 2009.  Winner will be notified by SAFF by January 18, 2010.

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 3 - Location

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing where you will hang your framed artwork.  What is the size and style of your artwork, and what is the eye level in the room where you will be displaying your art?

If your framed art is small and detailed, hang it in a small space where it can be easily viewed and appreciated at a close distance, such as in a hallway or on a narrow wall.  Large, "atmospheric" paintings should be hung in such a way to allow the viewer to stand back and enjoy.  These pieces can be hung in a larger room opposite an entrance, or at the end of a corridor.

When hanging your artwork, be sure to consider the average eye-level of the person in the room.  If it is a room where more time is spent seated than standing, the average eye-level should be lower.

Next Post - Groupings

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 2 - Lighting Your Artwork

There are two types of lighting techniques available for your home: ambient lighting or spot lighting.  Ambient lighting is most commonly used as it allows the artwork to blend in with the rest of your home.  Place room lamps where they will light your artwork making your room feel warm and inviting. 

To make your artwork "pop", you may want to consider using spot lights.  Spotlights allow you to better control the lighting, and are especially nice for artwork with bright color and contrasts.  Many newer homes already have can or track lighting installed.  If your home does not, you can purchase light strips (or picture frame lamps) which can be fastened to your picture frame or wall.  Be sure to keep your wiring as invisible as possible.  It is also important when using spotlights to not create unwanted shadows.  You will probably need to spend some time adjusting your light fixtures to get the lighting "just right". 

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 1 - Protect Your Art from Heat, Humidity and UV Rays

When hanging your framed art, be sure to take into consideration the place where you will be hanging it.  Do not hang your framed art where it may become damaged by heat, ultraviolet (UV) light or humidity, such as above a heater, under fluorescent lighting or in a bathroom.  Always hang your artwork out of the line of direct sunlight!  Be sure to ask your framer to use Tru-Vue conservation glass which will filter out most of the harmful UV light rays.  If you can not avoid hanging your artwork opposite several large windows, you may want to consider using Tru Vue Museum glass.  Museum glass does not only block out most UV light rays, but it also cuts down on the amount of glare and reflections in your glass making the glass nearly invisible.