Using fillets

When a framer builds a frame for your artwork, he/she will build it slightly larger than the piece to go into it. That's called the "allowance" and the industry average is 1/8". The reasons for an allowance are many, but mainly to allow for expansion and contraction over time of the mats, artwork, or frame. It also allows a framer differences in calibration between mat cutters, glass cutters and frame building. When we use a fillet(some say fill-AY and some say FILL-it) in your mat or frame, there is no room for allowances. Everything must be exact. A fillet creates a very custom look and will make a simple plain framing into a showpiece. Expect it to be a little pricey, but I've never had anyone say, "darn I think it would have looked better with it." Here's a nice video from one of our suppliers on use of fillets.

How much does custom framing cost?

Daily, we have calls asking for a quote on framing a picture. Most people who call for a quote have never been to a custom framer so they are unfamiliar with the selection process. The key here, though, is the opportunity to earn a new customer through a very vague price quote that will never be accurate. If we say, for instance, her framing will be around $100, and she has already called someone else who said it would be around $80, then the customer may go to the "other place" even though their selection and expertise are both lacking. On the other hand, if we quote $100 and she comes in and the actual price is $150 or more, then the customer may be skeptical even though we were adamant when giving the phone quote, that the price will likely be different. Then, there's the 3rd hand which says, don't give quotes over the phone. A potential customer who bases it all upon a price before coming in has no concept of the potential beauty. On the other hand, if we get the customer in, we may be able to begin the process education. On the other hand, if she is basing her decisions upon price, then can she be swayed to appreciate the beauty of her framed piece. So, I still haven't answered my own question.

Women with Wings

In October 2009, we hosted Smoke and Mirrors, a body art show along with the Permanence of Shadows a photo exhibit of Paul Bishops work. The show was hugely popular with more than 500 in the gallery. It was so popular, the police had 5 calls by 2:00 p.m. and the exhibit didn't open till 7:00 p.m.! We immediately started discussing another showing and chose July 2010. So, opening Friday July 2 is Women with Wings. We will have at least 12 body artists and their models. Photos will follow.

Book Signing

We will host a book signing for Jerry Greer and Charles Maynard Friday June 18 for the new release Blue Ridge-Ancient and Majestic. Jerry is a local photographer and has published more 8 books featuring his work and the work of other notable landscape photographers of the Southern Appalachians. The book signing will be from 7-9 p.m. with both Jerry and Charles on hand to discuss this new work.

Blue Plum Festival

We survived the 11th Blue Plum Festival. 80,000 in downtown Johnson City, TN is a lot of people. We've begun planning for Blue Plum 2011 already. Nelson Fine Art hosted the first Art Bazaar. First time we've done anything revenue producing during the Festival. I've been one of the organizers since it started and filled all my time handling details. You can count on a 2nd Art Bazaar. We sold more than 100 art pieces from the 22 artists on hand inside Nelson Fine Art.

First Friday

In case you are not local or even if you do live in upper East Tennessee and just didn't know, every month at Nelson Fine Art we have an artist reception on First Friday. In our area, we started First Friday as a means of regularly introducing the community to the art of this region. Our first official First Friday was in December 2001 and featured local photography as well as the sculpture students of East Tennessee State University. Although we estimated the attendance of that first reception to be around 500 we have steadily and tirelessly grown the event and introduced artists to the community every month since then. Using rough math skills that is almost 100 openings and averaging 6 artists per reception comes to around 600 artists. Now, First Friday is an event embraced by all of our downtown. The streets are closed off, artists often set up in the street, there are usually 5-6 bands either in the street (weather permitting) or in the restaurants or night spots and there is usually some kind of special event (pet parade, street painting, cornhole tournaments, theater productions, etc.). Here are a few photos from April 2 inside Nelson Fine Art. More information can be found here.

Performing during First Friday April 2nd

Nelson's Fine Art Center is proud to host Pat Whisnant, better known to to local club-goers as guitar slinger "Stogie the Bluesman" through tenures with many local bands. Pat will display a decidedly softer side April 2 during First Friday celebrations. Without band or vocals, he will deliver ambient music via his unamplified violin. During breaks in the music, Pat will have on display priceless originals from the "Golden Age of Penmanship." If interest is sufficient, and he feels in "good hand" he may be persuaded to pen a bit, himself. At any rate, the samples he'll have for viewing will be truly stunning examples from virtuousic exponents of a uniquely American artform that has all but disappeared. Pat has been commissioned for several weddings and one-off pieces where dignified script with a human touch is still valued. Musically, he is moving toward solo violin, guitar and mandolin (vocals optional) gigs for quieter and more thoughtful audiences and performance spaces. He can be reached: 423-202-1783 orjackpotts@winning.com. Be specific in subject line to avoid being missed in the spamstorm.