RIP Framing Legend

News from The Grumble:

Vivian Carli Kistler passed away on January 6, 2010 in Akron, Ohio.

Vivian was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on January 4, 1945 to C. Isabella Cutini Carli and James Carli. She attended private schools in Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Canada. After she graduated with an Art degree from The University of Buffalo, she earned her teaching certificate and taught second grade at Prince of Peace. Vivian then married Richard Kistler and moved to Akron, Ohio where she founded Kistler Art Supply & Framing. Vivian was a strong advocate for women’s rights and fought local Title IX battles. She founded the Akron Arts Expo at Hardesty Park as a venue for college artists to showcase their art. Vivian was a former president of the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce and taught business classes at The University of Akron.

Vivian began teaching traveling seminars on picture framing and business which took her all over the world. Vivian was a well-known speaker and instructor for the picture framing industry and was known for her entertaining and informative presentations. Vivian founded Columba Publishing in 1984 and produced the Library of Professional Picture Framing in addition to authoring over 20 more books and hosting over 15 videos.



Over one million of Vivian’s books and videos have been sold. Vivian wrote articles for Picture Framing Magazine (PFM), Art World News, Profile Magazine and DECOR Magazine. She was also a former Senior Chairholder for the Color Marketing Group. Vivian’s work with the Professional Picture Framers Association included service at both the local and national levels. She created and developed National Picture Framing Month to promote public awareness of the craft.

Vivian held professional certifications of Master Professional Picture Framer (MCPF) from the Professional Picture Framers Association, and Guild Commended Framer with Honors (GCF), from the Fine Art Trade Guild in the United Kingdom.

Vivian was awarded the PFM Lifetime Achievement Award and the PMA (Photo Marketing Association) Distinguished Service Award. In 2010 the Professional Picture Framers Association honored Vivian by renaming their prestigious award to The Vivian Kistler Lifetime Achievement Award. Vivian was awarded the PPFA Award For Innovation in 1999, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

This lady wrote the book on framing. Literally. I enjoyed her column and often tried to channel her guidance (WWVKD?) RIP, dear industry leader and teacher.

GUITAAARMAGEDDON !!!

a guestblog by shop owner, Mark Muhlig

Every now and then, I get to do something I've never done before. A gentleman walked in with an autographed guitar, signed by Bruce Springsteen and the whole E Sreet Band. He had recieved it as a Birthday gift from his friends (nice friends!)

The client had a very special vision of what he wanted. Hard Rock Cafe (I'm sure you've been to at least one) frames and boxes their guitars in a very oppulent, rococo manner. This is what he was requesting, only not sealed. He wants to be able to play it. This challenge was particularly entertaining for me. It marries two of my favorite things...guitars and picture frames.

We decided on a hot pink, towards the red, suede matting for a very Regal look. After looking at many frame samples, the one that had that 'Hard Rock' look was part of a value line from Larson-Juhl. Oppulance and affordability!

This frame had to have strength. We started with a half inch plywood board. Placed the suede mat on top of that and then screwed and secured a wall hanger specific to guitars.

If you look close, we built a little suede bumper so the hollow body Gibson look-a-like would't smack against the hard wood when replaced. Popped the frame on and voila'.

Pretty stunning, no? I'm going to build a couple for my guitars.

Do Your Bidding

This, aside from being gorgeously framed, is a special piece up for auction to benefit a great cause. A local preschool is hosting an auction on Friday, March 5th to support its wonderful scholarship program.

The photo, taken and donated by Taylor Crothers, is an image of Bruce Springsteen in honor of Pete Seger's 90th birthday.

It's a striking and rare image and framed in one of our best: 4" Belmont Veneer.

Interested individuals should dig deep and contact: 215-563-6368 or click here.

This Stuff Cracks Me Up

Pop Culture & Mock-Museum Frames

Mark Mothersbaugh draws inside a Hy-Jo Museum RM on Yo Gabba Gabba!

my first art show playset

Have you seen this new one from Ikea? It's plastic. I've been eyeing it up for months and contemplating putting a mirror in it. Anybody know where I can get a convex oval mirror in a euro-standard size?

I saved the best for last. This stopped me dead in my tracks when I saw it in a local boutique's window. Tee-hee!

We frame only with real framing materials at the shop, btw.