Here are some photos of my recent trip to our annual framing trade show and conference in Las Vegas in January 2014.
A Winning Trip to Vegas
Category: For the Community
Photographing Holiday Lights
This holiday is the perfect opportunity to take pictures of your family, your friends, and your neighborhood. Don’t let short days or cold weather discourage you. Today’s digital cameras handle low light well, so it’s a great time to record the holiday lights and candles that mark the winter season.The first rule for pictures of holiday lights is to turn off your camera’s flash, which can rob the scene of color. If you’re taking pictures of holiday decorations at a neighbor’s house or a colorful store display, your camera may select a slow shutter speed, so use a tripod or find a way to steady your camera on a solid object. Use ISO 400 or even ISO 800. Automatic white balance can also drain color from the scene. Read your instruction book and experiment with other color balance presets. Shoot, check your LCD panel, and make adjustments.
Whether your subject is holiday decorations and lights, or a portrait of a family member, the most common mistake is to shoot from too far away. Don’t zoom in on your subject, because that will affect shutter speed. Instead, move closer.
Gentle snow won’t hurt your camera, and if it’s cold outside just keep it in your pocket until you’re ready to take pictures. Enjoy the lights and Happy Holidays to all from Whispering Woods Gallery!
Washington Crossing the Delaware in NYC
I recently had the opportunity of joining a few PPFA framers in a walk through the American wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Suzanne Smeaton, the keynote speaker and educator at our 2013 PPFA National Convention, enthusiastically showed us some of her favorites in the Museum. Suzanne worked for Eli Wilner, the shop that created the new frame for Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware. She oversaw the making of the new 3,000 pound hand carved, gilded frame. Below are a few photos of the Leutze piece. A very interesting short video appeared on CBS Sunday Morning explaining the amazing framing job.
Memorial Day
Richard Bollinger is one of Whispering Woods Gallery’s favorite local artists. We have sold his artwork from the first days of our shop in 1987. Each piece is unique and has significance. For Memorial Day, I would like to share a print of Rick’s called ” Memorial Day.”
$90, signed, limited edition.
It’s spring time in Chester County. The fresh fragrance of new life is in the air. A bold palette of bright colors has washed over winter’s stark canvas. Rich tones of green and vibrant yellows punctuate the land in every direction. In this painting, watercolorist Richard Bollinger captures the dramatic shadows that are cast over a flowering hillside.
The morning breeze stirs the limbs of a century old oak and begins to move and gently unfurl our nation’s banner. The stars and stripes that are so familiar to this Pennsylvania landscape, today, take on a much greater significance. It has been raised this day to honor the countless men and women who have served this nation and have paid the ultimate price. It’s Memorial Day. Soon, warmer days will arrive and the activities of summer will take center stage. But this day, Memorial Day, we pause and reflect … we remember … and we are grateful!
Flag Cases-Creating Lasting Memories
Future generations will only know who they are…when they understand the story of where past generations have been. Whispering Woods Gallery carries American made flag cases for American heroes. We offer a wide selection of flags cases for military burial flags and smaller 3’x 5′ flags. Stop by our shop to see our sample, which is from our Dad who served in the US Army in WWII.
Ebu-Arts
For those who have stopped by Whispering Woods Gallery in the past month, you might have seen a very interesting piece of stamp art that we framed. This piece was the fourth Ebu-Arts piece created by Win Straube. Those who saw the piece enjoyed looking at the stamps and reminisced about using their favorites from the past. It was quite an eye catching piece enjoyed by all ages. You will be happy to know that previous pieces are available as posters and as limited editions. Ebu-Arts is located just over the bridge in New Jersey and we thank them for letting us frame their fascinating collection.
Thanks for voting Whispering Woods Gallery as your pick for the #1 frame shop!
Whispering Woods Gallery was a nominee in the 2012 Philly Hotlist competition for Best Custom Framing. There were over 6,000 businesses in 140 categories represented in the Philadelphia area. We came in first for the entire Philadelphia area, competing with 24 other frame shops. For those who voted, we sincerely thank you! It was a very close race and in this case every vote counted.
Our long time neighbor What’s For Dessert also had a close race. Pat Bryson, owner of What’s For Dessert had the lead for best Philadelphia area bakery for most of the time, but fell back to the #2 spot at the end. What’s for Dessert, you have our vote!
Made in the USA
Recently some framers had a discussion about which products in our industry are made in the USA. I knew that some of our moulding was made here, but I did not realize how many other products in our shop are also from the USA.
Here’s a few: Our glass, acrylic, Framerica moulding, Nielsen moulding, Vermont Hardwoods moulding, Laville moulding, some Larson Juhl moulding, most of our flag cases, most of our matboard, some Kodak photo papers, wood glue, mounting adhesives, glass cleaner, and most of the art that we carry.
Although we can’t change the economy in one day, it’s something that you might consider the next time that you make a home decor purchase. When you visit our shop, ask and we will certainly help you pick products made in the USA.
Whispering Woods Gallery is collecting items for Deserving Decor
Do you have a stack of unused pictures in your closet, attic or basement? Perhaps you redecorated or downsized and have a few extra decorative items? Whispering Woods Gallery is collecting art and decorative wall items for Deserving Decor on an ongoing basis. Donate your unused art to make a difference in our community. All donations will be used in transitional homeless shelters and for the recently housed throughout Bucks County. For more details call Sue at 215-364-4321.
Deserving Decor is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit. All monetary and furnishing donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Deserving Decor does not receive Federal funding and is an all volunteer organization.
Best of Bucks 2012
Whispering Woods Gallery was recently voted “Best of Bucks 2012” in the category of “Art Galleries” from the Bucks County Courier Times. Thanks to all who voted for Whispering Woods Gallery. Next year’s goal will be to capture the “Best Framing Store.” We would really appreciate your vote next year so stay tuned.
Whispering Woods Gallery 