Artists, students, and art enthusiasts are invited to an Art Talk: “Best Practices In Storing, Matting, and Framing Art” on Thursday, May 16 at The Gilt Complex.  This free event includes a prize drawing and will cover topics such as affordable framing options, tips on protecting and storing your art, styles & trends in displaying art, and photography frames that have a WOW impact!  The Gilt Complex will offer an Art Talk each third Thursday of the month.  We interview Duncan Hurd about this intriguing art resource. The Rickie Report shares the details and a few sneak peeks.

 

 

608 Colorado Avenue  Stuart, FL  34944

772.463.0125     www.TheGiltComplex.com

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 5 

 

 

 

 

 

P R E S E N T S :

 

 

 

Art Talk:

“Best Practices In Storing, Matting, and Framing Art”

 

 

Thursday, May 16

5:30  –  8  pm

 

 

Free admission          Free parking

Free refreshments         Free prize drawing

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rickie Report knows that art is all around us – and we just have to stop and notice!  I was checking out what was happening along Colorado Avenue, known as the “artbeart” of Stuart,  and came across a frame shop called The Gilt Complex. Intrigued, I went inside and had a fascinating conversation with Duncan Hurd, the owner.

 

 

TRR:  So, what’s with the name?

Duncan: 

Our business was founded by a gilder and art restorer in New Jersey in 1982. He has a great sense of humor and rather than call his business something like “Ye Olde Frame Shop,” he decided to have a little fun and call it “The Gilt Complex.” We took over after he retired a couple years ago, and we just love the quirkiness of the name. If nothing else, it’s a conversation starter.

 

 

An example of art restoration: You can see the more vibrant colors (left side) after this piece of artwork has been cleaned.

 

 

TRR:  Tell our readers more about your business.

Duncan: 

The Gilt Complex is a custom framing and art restoration business.  We frame everything from original art painted by the masters to your child’s masterpiece. In our restoration service, we mostly remove dirt and blemishes from the painting’s surface and repair minor damage.  Although we have been known to reline and restore significantly damaged historical works of art. 

 

 

 

TRR:  I’m in love with all your frames!

Duncan: 

Thanks.  We have what we consider to be one of the most diverse collections of frames in the area.  From historical reproduction 22-karat gold leaf finished corner frames to modern unfinished corner frames.  In order to avoid mass confusion, we organize our samples by style, with room between each frame so you can distinguish one from the other.  We have traditional, ornate gold and silver, wood veneer, contemporary and eclectic, and rustic styles, among others.  We even have a bright and colorful Coastal Collection.  

 

 

The thin black liner inside the mat opening on “Blue footed Boobies” by Katie Gianni, heightens the space and distinction between the artwork and the matting. It gives the eye a space to rest and appreciate the artwork, without being too crowded.  This frame further intensifies the feather of the subject matter, while the frame’s corners capture the look of webbed feet.

 

 

 

 

 

TRR:  What’s unique about your business?  What sets you apart?

Duncan: 

Three words: selection, service and smiles!  We have well over 2,000 frame samples in our showroom.  Beyond that, we will never compromise on quality.  We only use acid-free mats and papers, and all our glass is UV protected.  We are very careful about how we handle your art, and we take the time to fit your frame the right way.  That doesn’t mean that everything we do is expensive.  Quite the contrary.  We’re happy to work within any budget, but the quality of our work will be consistent no matter what you pay.  

TRR:  And smiles?

Duncan: 

We have a lot of fun doing what we do.  Our customers often comment about what a happy place this is.  It’s much more rewarding to establish relationships than to squeeze every nickel out of every sale.  So, we talk to you and laugh with you.  Life is too short not to enjoy what you do, and we like to share the fun we have doing it.  Thus, the smiles!

 

 

The dark mat took attention away from the art itself and the orange-toned frame was a distraction.

Now, the artwork is the main focus, bringing the blue from the art piece into the mat lining.  Look at how much brighter this piece seems!

 

 

 

 

TRR:  Who else works with you?

Duncan: 

My wife Pam is an engineer and she does everything in our workshop.  She operates our computerized mat cutter, cuts the glass, assembles the frames and puts it all together.  What I love about her approach is that she spends as much time on all the little things you will never see as she does on what’s in front of you.  Katie Gianni is an accomplished artist who brings that level of creativity to designing the ideal frame for your art, whether it’s an original or a print.  Finding the perfect marriage between the art and the frame is what Katie and I most enjoy.  

 

 

TRR:  You said you’ve been around since 1982, but I didn’t even know you were here.

Duncan: 

For about a dozen years we were tucked away in a strip mall on South Dixie Highway near Port Salerno.  Last year in February we moved the store to Colorado Avenue.  We love, love, love being in downtown Stuart in what is rapidly becoming known as the arts and entertainment district.  Someone recently called it “the artbeat of Stuart.”  More and more people are finding us every day due to our more centralized location.  Just like you did!

 

 

 

 

TRR:  How else can people find you?

Duncan: 

Probably the best place is through the internet.  Our website tells our story pretty well at TheGiltComplex.com.  We are a big supporter of the Arts Council of Martin County and you can see our ad in their magazine, as well as in the Lyric Theatre’s magazine.  One of the great rewards of owning a small business is becoming an integral part of the community.  In addition to the Arts Council, we are active members of the Stuart/Martin Chamber of Commerce.  It’s hard to go anywhere without recognizing someone, and we think that’s wonderful.  

Note the red line incised around the middle of the frame and how this accentuates the outlines in the artwork.  This and the color of the frame itself offer subtle touches that enhance the artwork. 

 

 

 

 

TRR:  What framing advice can you offer our readers?

Duncan: 

An expression I often repeat when choosing a frame is, “What does the art want?”  In other words, what frame will best compliment the art and draw your attention to the painting or print?  The advantage of custom framing is having many options available to you – not only the frames, but also mats, liners and all the other components that go into creating beautiful artwork.  You can almost always find something appropriate within your budget.  But if your decision is driven by price alone, you may not even give yourself the opportunity to consider the best design solution.  

 

 

TRR:  Do you have any concluding thoughts?

Duncan: 

If you surround yourself with art, every day will be filled with joy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information:

The Gilt Complex

608 Colorado Avenue    Stuart, FL 34994

772-463-0125     www.TheGiltComplex.com

Facebook

Instagram:  @thegiltcomplex

 

 

 

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Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

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