Local art canvasses stores

By JEANNE COHEN
Collegian Arts Writer

When one walks into New Frame of Mine, the majority of pictures on the wall scream "nature." So the painting of a Mona Lisa with a metallic arm across her face is a standout.

This is one of the pieces that was displayed as a March "artist of the month" selection in the store. New Frame of Mine, 147 S. Allen St., is one of several local galleries that provides local artists with a chance to display their works.

Emily Jamison, manager and co-owner of the store, said someone within the community is chosen to be an "artist of the month" and word of mouth that there is space available provides an almost constant supply of willing artists.

The gallery carries works in mediums such as print, fine art print, film and clay. Some students do come into the store to see a friend's display, but for sales, the store depends more on young professionals such as University staff and faculty, Jamison said.

Another gallery that carries student and local work is The Artisan Connection, 206 S. Allen St. When the store opened just before Thanksgiving, Allan Sutley (senior-sculpture) was contacted about selling his work there.

Sutley was approached at his booth at the People's Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts and Crafts in Boalsburg last summer by a representive from The Artisan Connection.

But few works in the shop are by students, said Linda Thiel, manager and a partner of The Artisan Connection, adding that there are works by about 80 local artists in the shop.

The consignment shop carries a variety of works, including ceramics, wood jewelry, prints and originals. And although students stop in to browse, most business is from permanent residents.

"We have both older residents and students that come in," Thiel said. "Students come in to look at the quality of the work."

Sutley, who has had limited success selling his works in the area, said he believes that his works may be overpriced for the shops where they are featured.

However, Robert MacIntyre (senior-sculpture), a New Frame of Mine employee, points out that it is important to realize the market and the location when pricing pieces of work.

"We're not in Philadelphia and we're not in New York," MacIntyre said. "What you might be able to sell for $800 there, you might need to bring to $300 or $350 here."

And so, a piece by the artist of the month priced at $3,000 is not necessarily expected to sell. Rather, MacIntyre said, it's a chance for local artists to show their work.

That work does not need to fit into the style of the shop either. By varying the styles of the works they carry, New Frame of Mine is trying to draw more students into the shop, and although the majority of the works seem to have a nature theme, the personal taste of employees such as MacIntyre is more contemporary.

Both shops have many works that cover a range of prices. The Artisan Connection has pieces priced from $5 to $900, and New Frame of Mine range of work starts at greeting cards and continue upward from there. Located somewhere within that range are the student and local artist works. And whether it sells, it is a good opportunity.

As Sutley points out, right now he is "more interested in the exposure" than a sale.

Although many students pass by both of these South Allen Street stores every day, that does not guarantee that they go in to browse or to buy works.

Andrew Coy (senior-theater) goes by New Frame of Mine fairly often, but although he has seen the shop, he has never gone in because he said he has no interest.

Lisa Walter (junior-management science and information systems) said she passes both galleries almost everyday. She is never been in New Frame of Mine but has stopped in The Artisan Connection.

"It was open one night and there was some cool stuff in the window," Walter said, adding that she looked but did not buy anything.