Choosing art for your home

Interior Designer Carol Friedman of Design Resource in Harvard refers to art in a home as “the frosting on the cake”. For the past 18 years she has been buying and framing artwork for her clients which she believes is a necessary component of a room, completing the big picture.
“Art is all part of the finished product,” said Friedman.
She works closely with owner Lawrence Powers of Powers Gallery in Acton to select art that not only coordinates with the color and style of the space where it hangs; but also something which feels right emotionally and visually.
“Don’t settle unless it’s really moving you,” she said. Powers couldn’t agree with her more.
His business started in 1964 and has grown over the years from a simple home-based frame shop into a gallery representing over 100 artists from all over New England.
“Artwork is a reflection of yourself,” said Powers who compares art to music.
“Everyone likes to listen to music. When you surround yourself with artwork, it is like having visual music,” he said.
Acting like psychologists, Powers and his staff guide and educate customers during the process of shopping for a frame, a print, or an original work of art.
Quality art and frames is what Powers is proud to provide. “Buy something lasting, that brings you joy and will get handed down. It won’t end up in a yard sale,” said Powers.
Framing equally important as the art
David Smith, owner of Winchester Art and Frame specializes in conservation framing as well as frame and art restoration and the sale of fine and decorative art. He is past president of the New England Professional Picture Framers Association (NEPPFA) and currently serves on the board at the national level. He is also an international judge and has participated and won several international competitions for the PPFA.
Customers seek his expertise in deciding what kind of frame or mat to choose for their artwork. He always asks where it will hang to get a feel for the room’s setting and decor.
“Most of the time, frames cost more than the art,” said Smith.
He uses ultra-violet glass and alpha-cellulose mats which are paperless. This helps maintain the quality and life of the artwork. “Inferior materials will create acid burn or cause fading,” said Smith.
Both Powers Gallery and Winchester Art and Frame provide full service to their customers, from helping them choose the artwork and/or frame to putting the nail in the wall and hanging it in their home.

Powers Gallery “Do and Don’t” Recommendations:

Don’ts

1. Don’t be afraid to mix abstract with representational artwork. The unexpected adds a powerful and refreshing note of interest to a room.
2. Don’t hang artwork that is too small for the space. Consider scale; small pieces can be grouped together to create a bold look that fits the space better and breaks it up so that it no longer seems too large.
3. Don’t neglect older artwork. Restoration and/or reframing can breathe new life into old artwork.
4. Don’t hesitate to take artwork home “on approval”. It is the only way to know if the artwork is right for your home.
5. Don’t let friends talk you out of something you really love. Art is so personal. It should speak to you, trigger an emotion, remind you of something you enjoy.
6. Don’t choose a frame which overwhelms the artwork; choose a frame which coordinates with the environment of the room, but doesn’t distract from the art being displayed.

Do’s

1. Do hang your artwork at the appropriate height; 60” from floor to the center of the painting is a good standard used by many installers.
2. Do use archival framing materials and conservation glass when framing your artwork. Also, use custom framing to enhance your artwork and complement the style of your room.
3. Do mix media in a room. Consider mixing oil paintings with works on paper and sculpture in the same room. This adds interest and is the beginning of a collection!
4. Do let original artwork be the finishing touch of style to your room. Just as jewelry makes an outfit.

To learn more, visit www.powersgallery.com or www.winchesterartandframe.com.