CJR Fine Arts & Frame’s retail gallery and framing facility is offering wholesale framing prices to the public. Finding the piece of artwork you love is only part of the hunt. And, while many people think of framing as a necessary afterthought, this article looks at how framing can enhance a piece of artwork or take ordinary objects and elevate them to cherished heirlooms. The Rickie Report speaks with master framer, Richard Mauseth and owner, Jack Rosen about taking the fear factor out of custom framing. Now is the time – Graduations, Father’s Day, Proms, Senior portraits, Diplomas, Wedding invitations, Sports items, War memorabilia…and of course, artwork! This article is for art lovers AND artists!

CJR Fine Arts & Frame
514B North State Road 7 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Tel 561-333-9472
Email mail@cjrfinearts.com
WHOLESALE FRAMING TO THE PUBLIC!
WE BEAT ALL COMPETITOR’S COUPON PRICING!

“Vista Italiano” by Alex Zwarenstein
TRR: Tell us more about matting and its importance when having artwork or memorabilia framed.
CJR:
CJR Fine Arts & Frame offers artists and art lovers economical and professional framing services. Using only acid neutralized matting (Conservation matting) turns out to be a better value when framing.

Gary Benfield, “Spirit III”
Instead of using the regular liner, a small frame was placed next to the piece, and then the liner was added. It makes the piece stand out even more.
TRR: We hear from many artists that they want to save money when framing pieces for exhibition. While understanding their fiscal issue, there are many exhibits we attend and believe that art pieces could be more sale-able with better matting and framing choices. What do you recommend?
CJR:
We understand the predicament of artists trying to frame many pieces and still staying within their budget. We offer professional and economical framing at wholesale prices and are eager to help artists not only frame their work appropriately but within their budget. One suggestion is for artists to use the same size canvas or paper and offer framed and unframed prices, using a universal type of frame. That said, first impressions ( of the framed piece) can make or break a sale. If the client does not like that particular frame, they can take the artwork unframed and choose framing more to their liking. Now, the artist can use that frame for another creation of the same size.
We offer “family style” framing. Our customers are like friends, with whom we share good advice. It is a huge asset just being in our space as we offer over 700 art pieces on the walls as real life examples of possibilities. Richard Mauseth, our in-house master framer, is our “frame psychologist”. Framing objects can be a very emotional experience, depending on the item. He grew up in the art world, with a grandmother who was a successful artist and art professor. Her work is in museum collections throughout the Mid-West. Richard’s mother is a graphic artist and his father a dark room printing technician.
Richard has a vivid imagination! He’s worked on cruise ships’ art auction programs and in galleries around the world. Jack Rosen and Richard met while Richard was the gallery manager of Art Marketplace in Delray Beach. As Jack says, “the rest is history…”

Silver frame, black mat, silver filet

Gold frame, black mat and gold filet
TRR: Take us through the process of choosing a frame.
CJR:
We pride ourselves on our personalized customer service, so spending an average of 45 minutes to work out the logistics is not unusual. Finding a piece of artwork you love is the hardest part – framing is the easiest! You can make a $5. poster look like a $5,000. piece of art and visa versa. Our part of the equation is to get to know our customer, find out more about the space where the art will hang, and do whatever we can to enhance the art itself. A good framer acts as a guide. Richard says, ” My name and reputation is on the line. No place in our building is off limits. We want you to feel comfortable exploring the art we are displaying because it may spark an idea about your own framing project”.

Silver Frame with black filet and red liner. Artwork by Shawn Mackey

Black Frame with silver frame. Artwork by Shawn Mackey
Notice that the inner silver frame’s hatch marks echo the feeling of the artwork itself.

Silver frame corner on left, with narrow silver frame.
Gold frame corner on right, with black linen liner.
Artwork by Yana Rafael
There are a number of option in varying price ranges for frames. We have to see what works and we like to offer the customer different options. We keep your artwork and budget a priority. For example, the difference of a 1/4″ in a mat size can take you up to the next pricing level. Is it worth it, if the artwork looks good without that extra mat? It is something we’ll discuss with you.

This piece has 6 openings plus the words cut out using the computerized Wizard Mat Cutter. The drama of the matting catches the excitement of the game!
TRR: Can you explain different mat and glass options?
CJR:
There are acid neutralized and archival mats, which are the only type we use, as we provide framing for galleries around the world as well as local clients. Our Wizard mat cutter offers multiple openings and designs within the mats themselves. There are glass options, plexiglass, UV Plexiglass, and Museum Plexiglass. Again, it depends on where you are hanging your art and what the art is.

“Love” by Peter Max
This Peter Max piece has been floated on a colored mat, then bordered by a filet, matted and framed.
We frame everything and anything, including 2 dimensional art and 3 dimensional objects. There are other components to enhance your works of art beyond mats. Filets and liners can add depth to a piece of artwork. We also custom frame beveled and non-beveled mirrors. We don’t want you to become overwhelmed, so once we see what you are framing, we can guide you to the best option.

Close-up of Charles Fazzino “Along The Sunshine State”

Charles Fazinno “Along The Sunshine State” This internationally renown 3D artist’s images call for matting and framing that do not distract from the intricate design.
Framing takes time and we want to make sure it is right for the art and for you. We will come to your home or office to consult about location, space and dimensions to take the worry out of the process. We’ll also come and hang the art for you!

Mat colors offer the opportunity to pick up a color or tone in the artwork, to highlight it. Choosing a neutral toned mat can bring the viewer right into the artwork without distractions. CJR literally has hundreds of mat choices including fabric and suede. However the 80/20 rule applies here. In 80% of our framing we use only from 20% of the selection we have. This is because they are more economical and are quite beautiful. Also too may choices sometimes clouds things and makes a decision very difficult.
TRR: Tell us about some of the more unusual items you have framed
CJR:
One of the most outstanding experiences was framing wedding invitation, reception menu and bridal veil! Taking part in the process of creating a future family heirloom was so meaningful for all of us. Creating a unique montage of baby shoes and a christening outfit was another special moment. Creating a collage of photos and special memorabilia is truly gratifying. Recently, we framed a full size American flag that an artist hand crocheted in wire, with 3D stars. Her artwork is a masterpiece! We love challenges like golf clubs, golf balls, baseballs and bats or tennis rackets. We get as much pleasure from our customers’ happiness with a finished framed photo or original piece of art.

President of Rotary with Sneakers Shadow Boxed

This frame with special mat makes a statement about professional pride in displaying a diploma.
TRR: Any words of advice for professionals about framing diplomas or special awards?
CJR:
What is the first thing clients look at when they are in a professional’s office? The diplomas! We want to be part of your professional success, meaning the care you take in framing the documents showing your professional expertise says a lot about you. Half of a first impression is perception…do your professional documents look impressive?

“Remember When” by Pino. Framed with an off white linen liner and ornate gold frame.
For more information please visit:
561.333.9472
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Rickie Leiter, Publisher
The Rickie Report
P.O.Box 33423
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420
561-537-0291