Just a quick post of an article from the Wall Street Journal concerning the Taubman Museum in Roanoke, VA. This article confirms my belief that the common Joe might be intimidated by so-called "High Art", or in this instance contemporary architecture. My self being a common Joe however is very interested in the low-brow work of Mark Cline. What do you think, King-Kong standing on top of the frame shop?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903703604576584583050203682.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Jackie Pittman, Hampton House:

We had just stepped on the Virginia Creeper Trail when I noticed the lone swallowtail perched on a leaf by the path. We both knew the relationship was ending and had gone for a hike that day to clear our heads. He was up ahead about 20 feet. "Look" I said, pointing. And then, I held my breath as about one hundred butterflies started circling me...around and around. I stood there, perfectly still, with my arms held up knowing how wonderfully special this was.

That year for my birthday, he gave me a framed print of four swallowtails. The final breakup came just before Christmas, but he gave me another print of two swallowtails on a butterfly bush. This one was unframed and because of the heartache, I stuck it in a drawer. The event of that day on the trail was too closely related to him and I didn't want the reminder.

Some months later I started working here at Hampton House. On my first day I was admiring the work of Susanna Pantas. We have several of Susanna's pieces and it was her style that I found fascinating. Whether the painting is of a tortoise shell, sand dollars, a conch shell, a moth or a bird's nest, they are all realistic, close up, and with minimal background and framing. And then I saw it, her painting of a swallowtail - but not just any swallowtail, but one whose wings are torn and tattered. Pantas has titled the piece, "Remembering the Wind". This butterfly has come out on the other side of his storm, very much worse for the wear, but even still, a thing of beauty. I then saw Susanna's theme; an empty tortoise shell, an empty bird's nest. The sand dollars are bleached from the sun, not the gray of live ones from the ocean floor. All of these things were once a home...had given refuge and warmth. Even the remains of the tattered butterfly had once sheltered a soul on the wing.

I realized then that what happened on the trail that day was mine. It was my time when the universe had asked me to be still, to calm my heart and mind and just watch. I may be a little worse for the wear - a little torn and tattered but I've learned to look for those moments that are mine. I took the print out of the drawer and brought it in to be framed. It hangs in my house and every time I look at it, I can still feel that faint breeze of butterfly wings.

This is my first blog. Susanna is our featured artist this month and I wanted to share with you the reason I have a particular work of art hanging in my home. I hope you'll share with us your stories of why you chose a certain piece for your own home - the ones that touched your heart, that spoke to you and you knew it was meant for just you.

Amy C. Miller, Interior Designer, Hampton House:

Everyone likes nature, right? Well, most people. I get asked all the time by curious clients why there is such a push in interior design towards all things natural.... I don't think it is as simple as some people just liking nature. I think it is a desire that all of us humans have to stay connected to the natural world, & that this desire has been enhanced by our knowledge of the environment & how to preserve it. As a designer, I have a responsibility to my clients to present them with products, finishes & accessories that are safe for the environment, as well as being green whenever possible.

Amy C. Miller, Interior Designer, Hampton House:

Right now as I type, I am sitting in a tiny garden courtyard. I have a nice breeze, a laptop, & an obscenely delicious strawberry smoothie.
I am taking this moment to write this important post because being outside is my perfect way of clearing my head, & that's the first step to finding inspiration.
Inspiration is the most important part of Interior Design, & it is essential in turning out an absolutely perfect room. Inspiration allows me to feel the character of the room & what potential the room has. A room is not just a space of a certain shape & size. It should be an experience that is created from the function it serves, & the people who inhabit it.
I most easily find inspiration in the smallest fragments of time, that if you're not careful, you can miss. Staying inspired is easy if you notice these moments & let them soak in. A garden, a door, a color, a fabric pattern, the crackled facade of a building, a collection of stones, ...I want to take something that excites or intrigues me when I see it, & make that feeling into a room. How can a room go wrong when it starts with that?

Big news (for us at least)!!!!

It seems the powers to be in major media for the Triad have finally wizened up. After years of one-hit-wonders and fly-by-nighters, they have once and for all found a media poster child worth more than the average fifteen minutes of fame. Dying to find out who it is? Well, die no longer click the following link and be amazed:

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2010/05/24/smallb1.html?b=1274673600^3381711

I hope this works for you all, and I hope you all have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend (and don't forget the whole "Memorial" thing either).

(not quite) FREE MONEY

This offer comes to you legit from Hampton House!! There are no Nigerian millionaires to send bank account info to, nor oil fields in, well let's face it, Nigeria that need to give you piles of cash. The only thing you need is to come in and get something framed (or re-framed) for that matter and use either Conservation Clear glass for a $5 refund, or Museum glass for a $10 refund.

This offer is good until Saturday, April 24th. So what are you waiting for, come on in and take advantage of this offer.

Yes, I'm still alive(again).

Let me go ahead and apologize for this blog. There will be no pictures, links or any other exciting blog-type material. I know what you're saying, "Just when I thought he couldn't make it any more boring, BAM!, he steps it up a notch on the boring scale".

Basically, I'm just sending this out to the army of followers (I think we're up to six now, which really amazes me), to let you know that the times they are a changing. Tomorrow April 1st will mark our 33rd year in business, no foolin'. We're so excited to still be here and have loved almost every minute of it(except the past year, that's been somewhat challenging). To ring in this new era, you can expect some things to change and some to stay the same. We should be communicating more frequently with you via email, facebook and blog, as well as other ways. Also, at some point we'll be unveiling a new look for our gallery so keep on the lookout for that. Now, what won't change is the service, quality and design you know and love. Whether it's fine art, expert custom framing or photo restoration, we will still strive to offer you guys the best we can. Why do we do that you ask? Because after 33 years of operation, you guys are the reason we're here.

Thank you!!!

Yes, I'm still alive.

New year (a little late), new entry.

What better way to celebrate my first post of 2010 than to announce a party. This Friday night from 5:00-8:00 in our Winston-Salem gallery we'll be hosting our 3rd annual "Small Art, Big Heart" show to benefit Aids Care Service of Forsyth County.
This is a small works show featuring local artists working in a variety of media. Once again, we're proud to co-host this event with Burgin Ross (so come early because Burgin will be providing the food) and her cast and crew of thousands.

A portion of sales through the weekend will go to benefit ACS.

50% off soapbox

Okay, here goes. I try to stay civil as well as factual when talking about most anything and figure I can manage to do the same here, but my ire gets pretty worked up when falsehoods are used to promote well... anything.

The big box craft stores have a habit of spending big advertising dollars to let you the customer know about their fantastic 40-60% off custom framing sales. Just think of how much cheaper that is than the standard local frame shop. How nice of them to care about you so much they are willing to cut their prices this deeply. I mean that's huge, I couldn't cut my prices(week after week) by that much and stay in business. I guess it's because they are so large they can buy in bulk quantities and pass these savings along to you...think again.

True, they offer (most always) a massive discount on this service, and that invariably leads one to believe they are getting a deal over what they would pay at the mom and pop's frame shop. The truth of the matter is that after these discounts, most local shops (you know the ones where the folks donate to your local schools, churches, etc; the ones who are highly trained professionals constantly reeducating themselves as to how to properly handle your valuables) wind up being within 10%, usually lower. Yes, that's after their "generous" discount. If someone is in our shop getting a quote, and decide to check out the big boxes (because everybody knows how expensive local shops are), we are sure to mention to them to wait until the big sale so they can get a quote at 50% off. They almost always come back, most of the time they come back angry at the craft store for luring them in with the old bait and switch.

Let's face it, custom framing is not inexpensive. It is a truly hands on product from the time we help you choose your matting and framing to the time we hand over your finished little bundle of love. You will always be able to find a cheaper price, but with that usually comes a cheaper product.

Just remember, the next time you want something near and dear framed, try the local guy. If you try us, I can guarantee not to discount my quality or service, and you'll probably get a better price.

PS. It'll also help Santa be able to find his way to my kids this year if you know what I mean.

Visit us at www.hamptonhouse.net for more info.

Jack Hernon show

We are pleased to host Jack Hernon in our Winston-Salem gallery this Thursday Nov. 5th. The reception will be held from 5:00-8:00 and is free to the public.

View Jack's website at www.jackhernon.com.

Or, as always check in to www.hamptonhouse.net for more examples of Jack's work as well as contact info and directions to the gallery.