Howden Art is Framing the Holiday Season
“Howden Art is your neighborhood custom framing source” says Annie as she arranges a current project on her design table “but my gallery and gifts are a nice surprise for those looking for just framing.”
Annie Howden is the “designer in residence” specializing in custom and ready-made framing. To prepare for the Holidays, Annie has stocked a selection of ready-made frames and mats in popular sizes to accommodate all of her customers who plan to give family photos as holiday gifts. This selection allows customers to have a custom frame look for a ready-made price. “You can choose your style of frame and mat and I will fit your photo, art, postcard, etcâÂ?¦ usually within a few hours” says Annie. Giving framed photos is popular and sentimental, but it also makes for a wonderful last-minute gift.
Howden Art designs and frames everything from artist originals to vintage family portraits. Every item brought in for framing holds significance to someone whether it is art or a photograph. Annie emphasizes “If an item is personal to you, we will handle it with the care and respect it deserves. Framing is decorative, but more importantly it is a way to preserve and display a memory or feeling.”
The gallery features artwork from local artists. Annie believes that “the local art community deserves a local format to show their work.” This is evident in the selection of local artists currently on display. New artists are featured every 2-3 months. A visitor will find Karen Lewis who is known for her layered watercolors but she has since expanded her repertoire to oil paintings. Bill Brant’s photographs are painterly in style and capture his travels through Europe. Another featured artist is Tamara English. Tamara creates distinctive oil paintings with the lush textured look of a Persian tapestry. Vern Nyetake forms sculptural raku that is sensual and emotional. “His “Desire Series” is quite stunning” says Annie.
“They are all accomplished artists and it is a joy working with them” says Annie.
Even those new to art appreciation feel comfortable in Howden Art because Annie takes the time to educate people about the art in her gallery.
“It is fun in here” she explains “All questions are welcome; I am here to help people.”
Howden Art has unique and thoughtful specialty gift items throughout the store. Handmade leather journals and carved candle holders are among the art-related and one-of-a-kind gifts. New items for the holidays are arriving daily.
Starting a neighborhood business has been incredibly fulfilling for Annie. In this season of Thanksgiving, she is most thankful for the warm reception she has received from the community.
“This has been an exciting endeavor” says Annie “supported by my family, friends and talented artists. I am truly fortunate to be doing what I love and sharing it with others.”
Howden Art
Robinwood Shopping Center
19141 Willamette Drive
West Linn
Contact:
503-607-0217
On the Web:
www.howdenart.com
Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Open Mondays in December
