Hey, Framers: Together You Are Doing Amazing Things - Brief Article

DEAR READERS,

Since I became Editor-in-Chief of Art Business News three years ago, I don't believe I've ever had the opportunity to address the framing industry directly. Not until now did we have a forum reserved exclusively for you and your businesses. But that doesn't mean I haven't been watching, learning and listening. My eyes and ears are open.

You are a dynamic industry--one poised with opportunities sometimes well beyond those of your art counterpart. You are an industry of growth and creativity. You are trend-setters and innovators. As retailers you have freedom and responsibility to guide your customers through the process of placing value on art and its preservation. You are fostering the industry's growth every day by educating art buyers to look at their art and framing not as a product, but as a life enhancement.

On the heels of the fall trade show season, I made another important observation of the framing industry--its unity. Now, I'm not suggesting that the framing industry is utopia or that I always hear about harmonious dealings. What I am saying is that retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors are all involved in unified efforts to improve your businesses. The manufacturer-sponsored seminars were packed; the PPFA seems to be gaining support and membership as it strives to serve the market in bigger and better ways; and the donation of thousands of dollars to the Starlight Children's Foundation speaks volumes on the industry's priorities and future.

I think this is only the beginning. Togetherness isn't always a good thing, but the framing industry seems to have found a way to unite showing leadership and great potential. And as an industry, I think together we can do amazing things.

ALL THE BEST,

JULIE MACDONALD Associate Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Art Business News

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