Certain spaces breathe in a way conducive to art viewing. Whatever the formula may be, the Frame Gallery in Orcutt’s northeast corner of the Oak Knolls Shopping Center got it right, which should come as no surprise, considering owners Heidi and Robert Gruetzemacher have been framing and showing art for years.
Back in physical form after the economic downturn caused an unwanted but necessary hiatus, the gallery now sits just a few doors down from its old location, the Gruetzemachers explained.
“The framing is really where we want it to be now,” Heidi said, “so now we are focusing on showing artists.”
The Frame Gallery presents itself immediately as a great showroom, but as you reach the back of the space, you find the rows upon rows of frame corners, which are so numerous and varied, they prompt the question: How does someone choose? Luckily for locals in need of a framing, especially artists, the Gruetzemachers are more than skilled at helping pick the right frame.
“There’s always a perfect frame for a piece,” Heidi said, “and out of our enormous selection, there is usually only one perfect frame.”
Custom framing is an involved craft, including the sawing and cutting of wood, as well as glass. While plenty of the work is done behind a partition at the Frame Gallery, the real workshop is offsite, Robert explained.
“This is just where we do our fittings; our woodshop is located in another location,” he said. “We like to keep this nice and clean.”
Along with the currently featured Roxanne Kucera Sachs’ oil paintings, the watercolors of Betsy Jones and the motor sports-inspired paintings of Rob Fellows hang along with Heidi Gruetzemachers’ photography, which includes shots she did for Allan Hancock College’s Dance Department.
“I love taking photos of artists,” she said.
The space also includes some of the last works by the late Bill Shinn, including fired ceramic sculptures inspired by boats and submarines, a “church chair,” and Shinn’s lesser-seen paintings. There are also handmade Chic Saks purses as well as hand-crafted jewelry showing in the gallery.
The Gruetzemachers currently have a standing call for artists, with space available for all sorts of visual art and future “featured artist” spots.
Arts Editor Joe Payne is looking for something to frame. Contact him at [email protected].
