What's in a Name?

For the past seven and a half years, many people have come by The Framery/Helios Gallery to view outstanding fine art and experience the best in custom framing. Starting in January 2003, a new name for the same business was launched - Houston's Custom Framing & Fine Art. Owners Tom and Stephanie Houston say they made the change to reflect their personal commitment to quality and service. "The Framery was the name of the business when we took it over back in 1995" says Tom. " While it clearly stated what we do in terms of framing, it was totally generic. We want to be known as so much more than generic! Plus we felt we had to add Helios Gallery to the name to let people know that we were also a serious fine art gallery in addition to being a frame shop. Our new name not only merges the two aspects of our business, but it lets people know that we stand personally behind what we do".

The personal touch is a key factor in Houston's approach to their business. " In terms of framing, we want our customers to be 100% satisfied with what we provide. And that means if a finish on a moulding needs to be altered, we can do that. Or if they want a totally unusual custom frame, we can create that from scratch. Communication is so important. I try and glean from our customers what they really want - and sometimes that's a process of discovery for them and us. With over 1000 mouldings, from natural wood to 23k gold to choose from, we can go in any number of directions. And if the customer gets a piece home and decides they don't really like it, they can bring it back and we'll redesign it."

In addition to custom framing, Houston's represents some well regarded fine artists, both regional and international. Printmakers Russell Chatham (original lithographs), Yugi Hiratsuka (chine colle), Stephen McMillan (aquatint etching), Laurent Scholnyk (mezzotint) and this months featured artist Mayumi Oda (silkscreen and etching) are represented. Fine artist B. Bayard currently works almost exclusively in digital media, and owner Thomas Houston exhibits his own works in chalk pastel.

The featured artist for February and March, Mayumi Oda, will be focusing on silkscreen prints and etchings from her recent book "I Opened the Gate Laughing". In the book, Oda recalls her personal journey from growing up in post-war Japan to becoming an acclaimed artist living next to the Zen Center's Green Gulch Farm, in California. Her images, both sensuous and playful, reflect her love and reverence of nature and gardening. The exhibit will be up through April 1.

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