In light of the Chicago Blackhawks’ recent Stanley Cup victory, Jan was once again invited to appear on WGN News to provide some insight on how to best preserve historic and sentimental artifacts. Generally, the most effective method of preservation is to frame your items as quickly as possible to prevent degradation from improper handling, storage, and UV light exposure. Remember that each item is unique - your framer can recommend the most appropriate framing method for your specific project.
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Spring cleaning time is fast approaching, and you may find treasures that you never knew you had. A look around the house could yield photos or objects hidden in an attic, an old trunk, or even a shoebox. These items often give glimpses into family history. What better way to preserve these memories than to frame them?

Snapshots and memorabilia tell a story, and are a nice way to remember a special person or activity. Embellishing the frame design with both a photograph and added certificate of recognition makes an impressive presentation. The person you are honoring or the family you are presenting to will have a memory to last a lifetime.

A nameplate with a description of the person’s accomplishments can also add to the design. Perhaps the person wrote something, and you want to use an excerpt beneath their photo. Collages of photographs or magazine articles can also be incorporated with a small commemorative plaque for a unique arrangement.

Whatever finished product you aim to achieve, we have the resources to create a beautiful custom-made mat and frame design for your project. We can frame your family photos using design styles and colors to achieve just the right look for your home. Whether your furnishings are contemporary or antique, we have the right design for you. A wall of family history is a pleasure for you and a conversation piece for your visitors.

Frames should complement both their environment, and the art they adorn. “From a design standpoint, our frames are seen as an interior finish,” says Marion, “homes employing finishes like hardwood, granite, real stone, custom millwork and designer furniture should have art and framing of a similar caliber.”

Whether the framing project is truly valuable or simply priceless, we are seeing a definite shift in trends regarding what clients are framing. More people are preserving or restoring family heirlooms such as antique photographs, hand-made textiles, and military medals. “We are seeing a nostalgic movement where people are reflecting on their heritages,” says Marion. He maintains this trend seems most prevalent with Baby Boomer clients. “When these clients come into the store, their aim is to surround themselves with framed memories, which tell a visual story, rather than an oral one.”

The right framing treatment not only enhances the presentation of your cherished items, it can also extend the life-span of items that might otherwise fall victim to damage from excessive handling and improper storage. No matter what your project entails, the Art Consultants at H. Marion Framing will ensure that the appropriate materials and preservation framing techniques are implemented so that your project will be around to delight future generations.

Local picture framer follows Andy Warhol’s prediction and gets 3 minutes closer to his 15 minutes of fame! Jan Marion of H. Marion Framing Studio recently participated in a promotional video for Tru Vue’s Museum Glass® Feeds America program, through which H. Marion Framing will help generate up to $25,000 in donations for Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity. Customers will have a chance to win up to $500 in-store, or $150 in Discount Certificates toward future art & framing purchases at H. Marion Framing Studio.

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H. Marion Framing Reaches Out To Creative Talent Of Local Junior High School

H. Marion Framing Studio, the North Shore’s premier art consulting and framing business, is hosting an art exhibition at its Wilmette location in the Edens Plaza Shopping Center for one night only on Thursday, March 12, 2009, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. But the artists there can’t stay too long: they’ve got homework.

More than 80 Marie Murphy Junior High students from the Avoca School District No. 37 will have an exciting opportunity to bring their artwork from the classroom to the showroom for all the public to view. Community members are invited to stop in the store and peruse this eclectic, original collection.

“This is a great way to give back to the community,” says gallery co-owner Jan Marion, who opened the chain’s second location in late fall ’08. “The kids are the real stars of the show.”

Jan Marion and his creative team of art consultants are known for giving back to the local community. In today’s scholastic world, where gym and art are typically the first programs cut from a budget, Marion realizes it’s more important than ever to foster art appreciation among schoolchildren.

Stay posted for information on upcoming art exhibitions at both H. Marion locations in Wilmette and Glenview, IL. - subscribe to our blog!