Sheila M. Evans

There are many artists out there who are much smarter than I am. They take their completed artwork to something called a “Professional Framer,” and pick it up framed and ready to sell. I’ve heard of these creatures, these framers, working in frame shops, framing artwork for a living. I know they exist. I’ve even dreamed of hiring one. Trouble is, I’ve never thought that I could afford to have my artwork framed this way, so I have always done it myself.

I’ve changed the way I do it over time. I’ve learned to buy custom frames at wholesale, and graduated from cutting my own mats to ordering them pre-cut (once I figured out that it wasn’t that much more money, after I’ve screwed up a few mats). I had my glass cut by the frame wholesaler, too. I had dialed in a pretty efficient, cost-effective system for myself. Then, I had the brilliant idea that I should upgrade my framing. Read more

After what seemed like an eternity I am finally PAINTING! In what seems to have become my New Year tradition, I am out of the old studio and into the new. The new studio isn’t completely (or even nearly) together yet, but with shows coming up, it was time to stop renovating and start my real work again. Feels good.

I’ve just sent out my second art fair application, now that I have rounded out my jury images with Moondrop No.2, left. My first application didn’t go so well, unfortunately. My Arch Nemesis, Cherry Creek, has given me the raspberry once again. Curse you, Cherry Creek! I know what you’re up to… letting me in once so I’ll keep applying. Oh well, it’s a long drive to Denver, and you don’t provide electricity, and there are lots of other shows in the sea. (Harumph.)

But, onward! 2011 is shaping up to be a great year. I’ve already got two fairs on the schedule (Artfest and Sun Valley) along with an exhibit next month at a private club here in Spokane, the salon in France, and two new galleries in Oregon to keep me busy. And, I just signed on to do Eye 4 Art at Mead again this year.

Check back in the coming months for more on all of those, new shows on the schedule, and progress reports on the new work space. Happy New Year!