The Rickie Report is a big fan of making sure each piece of artwork is framed and matted in a way that enhances the artwork we fell in love with in the first place.  In fact, before moving to FL, there were times that you would find me in a local frame shop behind the counter, changing out mats and frame corners as if I were in my own little world.  Maggie Milstead, in Delray Beach is a master framer who takes the same care as I would.  Check out her selection and her SALE!!

Now is a good time to check the pieces of artwork you have already had framed.  Make sure the matting has not yellowed or dropped within the frame itself.  Use acid free matting to protect the longevity of your favorite picture or curio. Remember that three dimensional items can be framed to make an exquisite statement and be protected from the elements at the same time.  And if you have been meaning to change the frame that you never really liked, this is a good time to do it!

Frame corner samples

Maggie has worked in the Boca Raton area since 1980. ” I had a frame shop / gallery in downtown Boca from 1980-1992, then converted my garage & moved shop home while raising twin girls. I worked with So. Florida Art Services through the 90’s who did all the framing for The Gallery Center, The Boca Museum of Art, and Flagler Museum in Palm Beach,” Maggie tells us. “Since 2001 I’ve been the framer for Cacace Fine Art. Sometimes people like to meet there to choose framing, which is fine, however my shop in Boca is even better since I keep all materials there”.

She comes highly recommended from artists themselves.  While Maggie has been framing primarily for artists Vincent Cacace, James Kerr, Valerie Vescovi, Jean Hutchinson, Genia Howard, Pati Maguire, Melissa Pope-Scott, Jerry Glickman and Pat Boldizar. And just as we would want to be cared for by a diploma certified physician, all consumers should be aware that the Professional Picture Framers Association certifies qualifications in that field.  Maggie is a CPF (certified picture framer).

Dramatically framed painting in Cacace Gallery

The Rickie Report would like to note that too often, artists are thrifty when it comes to investing in framing their pieces.  If a client likes their artwork but not the frame, issues can arise.  While it is easier to leave the frame choice to the client after the piece has been sold, art looks finished and is given a more polished presentation when it is framed.

We love to have choices, don’t we?  For us it is a matter of not only seeing a frame corner or a mat sample. We urge you to try several combinations of different mats and frames before choosing.  In the accompanying photo, you can see that Maggie does the same thing. What does a double mat vs. a single mat do for the picture?  Does the mat color draw your eye into the picture or do you only notice the frame? While you may have thought this particular piece might hang well in a hallway, if you change your mind ( and we hope you move your art pieces around much like any museum or gallery does), you no longer want to have matting that “matches” that wallpaper.  Because there are so many little decisions , it is reassuring to have a professional to rely on for suggestions.

Notice the number of choices Maggie is testing as she measures for the matting

Maggie’s standard discount to artists of 25% of 1-3 pieces; 30% off 4-6 pieces; 35% off 7-9 pieces and 40% off 10 or more pieces framed with the same materials.  She even allows you to combine with friends so you can get the best deal!  Maggie also picks up and delivers and offers hanging and consultation services.  You can call or email her with questions and she will gladly give you an estimate for your framing needs.  Maggie Walker Milstead, CPF can be reached at:  561-716-7709 or magframer@aol.com

For coverage of your events, to place an advertisement, or speak to Rickie about appearing in The Rickie Report, contact The Rickie Report at:

Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291