Located in Richmond's                                                                 804.64.FRAME

Historic River District                                                 804.643.7263
In The News

Here is the latest on Frame Nation and Staff.
Thank you for your interest.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mary Fender MCPF, GCF
Frame Nation
804.643.7263
 
 
Richmond River District Picture Framer @MaryFramer
on the cover of National Magazine
 
 
RICHMOND, VA, March 8, 2010 -- Mary E. Fender MCPF, GCF, president of Frame Nation LLC, is featured in the current issue of DECOR Magazine, the Art and Framing Business Resource. Fender and her company, Frame Nation were selected to be featured by DECOR’s editors because of the company’s use of social media in marketing their art & framing business.
 
The issue arrived Saturday, March 6, 2010 and an Internet version is available online at
http://decormagazine.com/ 
.
The article contains an introduction with the 3 year long history of Frame Nation in Richmond‘s river district, the process of how the company began using social media and different successes that can be attributed to such use. At the closing, Fender was asked to add a glossary of common Twitter and Facebook terms as well as tips for other art & framing professionals to use, if they too decide they would like to use social media to engage their own communities.
 
The Richmond locals have taken note of Fender’s use of social media. Frame Nation was nominated in the RVANEWS 2009 Internet awards for Best use of Social Media by a business and Fender spoke on the social media panel for the Retail Merchant Association First Friday Forum in February 2010. Fender was invited and honored to be one of three “guest twitterers” for the recent Times Dispatch Public Square on jobs in Virginia with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, at which event she was able to share concerns followers shared on the Internet.
 
Fender attributes much of her success in part to being located in Richmond, VA’s hot bed of early adopters of social media and learning from many of them. She has attended New Media Seminars hosted by Richmond Ad firm, Madison & Main and maintains her active membership in the Social Media Club of Richmond VA (SMCRVA), so as to continue to learn and participate in the conversation.
 
About DECOR Magazine
As the art-and-framing industry’s oldest and most respected trade publication, DECOR
has witnessed and reported on emerging trends, picture-framing techniques and business practices for more than 128 years. DECOR magazine was first published in 1880, beginning life as The American Picture Trade. The magazine has always adhered to one purpose: to help art and framing retailers succeed in business.
A monthly publication, DECOR serves all segments of the art-and-framing market, including art-and-framing retailers; picture framers; interior decorators; home-furnishing providers; OEM/volume framers; gift retailers; photo studios; suppliers; distributors; and manufacturers. The magazine features articles and columns from longtime and well-known industry experts and top art-and-framing retailers.
 
About Frame Nation

Founded in 2007 by Mary Fender, Master Certified Picture framer (MCPF) and Richmond’s only Guild Commended Framer (GCF) Frame Nation offers unparalleled service to its clientele and award winning frame design using frame styles from around the world and close to home.
Frame Nation is Richmond VA’s Custom Framing Boutique and is located in historic river district, at 11 South 15th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. It offers innovative framing services, local artwork, pre-framed art, and dedicated parking. The store is open Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4.
www.FrameNation.net 
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DONAGHE ¦ CONTEMPORARY ¦ ART

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate release

CHAD ANDREWS: A Quick Visit to Anytowne, U.S.A.

EXHIBITION DATES: February 5 March 20, 2010

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, February 5, 5-9 pm

Donaghe Contemporary Art, in collaboration with Frame Nation, is pleased to present Chad Andrews' A Quick Visit to Anytowne, U.S.A. his debut solo exhibition in Richmond, VA.

 The works in the exhibition explore Andrews' fascination with contrasts and commonality. The hectic and repetitive aspects of our daily lives balanced by the beauty and harmony of the moments in between and all around. The work is constructed by the balancing of two opposing sides. The Western half of the image is layered with highly representational drawings on Andrews' daily calendar pages and tracing paper as a kind of daily diary. Andrews says of the work, We are bombarded with imagery every second, and I want to compact the entire day of imagery into a still image." These images of flowers, children, the Golden Arches of McDonald's, traffic lights and strip malls are taken from everyday life in Anytowne America and from Andrews' personal life. The opposite side of the piece, the Eastern side, is painted with free and spontaneous abstract marks of the brush that reveal space and evoke a sense of tranquility and breath. It suggests all of the quiet moments needed to see and experience the beauty in the chaos of daily life.

 Andrews received his BFA from Kutztown University and his MFA in printmaking from the University of Pennsylvania. He was recently featured in a solo exhibition at the College of William and Mary and has been exhibited extensively along the East Coast and in Michigan. His work is held in many national private and public collections. He works and lives in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

 An opening reception will be held at Frame Nation in conjunction with First Fridays, Friday, February 5 from 5-9 pm. A Quick Visit to Anytowne, U.S.A. will be on view continuing through March 27, 2010. Frame Nation is located at 11 South 15th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. For parking and directions contact Frame Nation at (804)643-7263 or visit www.FrameNation.net. The gallery hours are Monday Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4 pm. For additional information or to request visual material please contact the curator, Colleen Donaghe at Donaghe Contemporary Art. For more information about Frame Nation, please contact Mary Fender at (804) 643-7263.

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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRAME NATION Receives 2009 Best of Richmond Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the
Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- FRAME NATION has been
selected for the 2009 Best of Richmond Award in the Picture
Framing category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes
outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year,
the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved
exceptional marketing success in their local
community and
business category. These are local companies that enhance the
positive image of small business through service to their customers
and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category.
The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on
the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local
businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote
local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our
organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations,
chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be
an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT: U.S. Commerce Association
Email:
PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
                            
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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Mary Fender MCPF, GCF
Frame Nation
804.643.7263
Mary@FrameNation.net

        Frame Nation Introduces Certified Forest Friendly Frames and Matboards to Richmond, VA
                             Local Retailer introduces new certified “green” frame and matboard products!


Richmond, VA August 4, 2009 - As more Richmond residents work towards living a “greener” life, the need for eco-friendly products and services grows. Today it’s almost impossible to walk down a store aisle without seeing some reference to earth-friendly products. But how do you know which products are actually green? The number one answer is to shop for certified products and
services. Frame Nation is now offering a selection of certified forest friendly frames and matboards for your next custom framing project.

Frame Nation is now offering Larson-Juhl frames from the Biltmore and Sorrento collections that are PEFC certified. PEFC, which stands for the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is the world’s largest forest certification system ensuring the chain of custody from forest to final product meets sustainability standards. Through third-party certifications, such as PEFC, Richmond’s consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a product that is from a well-managed, sustainable forest.

In addition to offering PEFC certified frames, Frame Nation is also offering the Artique collection of FSC certified matboards. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is the fastest growing forest certification system in the world. Products carrying the FSC label are  these
products also carry the Rainforest Alliance certification. The Rainforest Alliance works with the FSC to ensure that products do not negatively impact indigenous populations, come from conservation areas, come from genetically modified trees and are not illegally harvested.

“We are excited to introduce these eco-certified framing products to Richmond! By purchasing certified forest friendly products from Larson-Juhl, we are showing our commitment to ensure that we are making a difference in protecting the future of our natural resources,” says Mary Fender, owner of Frame Nation.

For additional details on how you can source certified “green” products for your home, or to see these certified products, please visit Frame Nation or call 804.643.7263.

About Frame Nation:
Founded in 2007 by Mary Fender, Master Certified Picture framer (MCPFindependently certified to assure consumers the products come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. In addition to FSC certification,) and Richmond’s only Guild Commended Framer (GCF) Frame Nation offers unparalleled service to its clientele and award winning frame design using frame styles from around the world and close to home.
Frame Nation is Richmond VA’s Custom Framing Boutique and is located in historic river district, at 11 South 15th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.  It offers innovative framing services, local artwork, pre-framed art, and dedicated parking. The store is open Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4, and is closed Sundays. The informative website address is
www.FrameNation.net.

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June 1, 2009                                                                                
                                                                                                        
http://decormagazine.com/2009/06/01/working-the-web/

Decor Magazine article on social media and picture frameshops. Frame Nation president, Mary Fender MCPF, GCF is quoted regarding twitter, facebook and other web 2.0 site she uses to share about art, framing and herself.


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May 2009

Mary Fender, president of FRAME NATION LLC, had the pleasure of being on the "Girlfriend We Gotta Talk!" radio show that was originaly broadcast Mother's Day 2009 at 3:00 pm on Richmond, VA local station WLEE News Talk 990. Guess what the subject was?! Picture framing your memories!
If you missed the original broadcast, you can listen by clicking below.



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For Immediate Release 
From: Frame Nation, Mary E Fender, 804.643.7263

Picture the possibilities: October is National Art & Framing Month
Frame Nation of Richmond’s 1st Anniversary
Frame a Memory - Help Create a World Free of MS
 
October is National Art & Framing Month, and thousands of frame shops and art galleries will be celebrating
with a variety of special events and programs designed to promote the enjoyment of art as part of daily life.
Frame Nation of Richmond’s river district will also be joining in the nationwide celebration with a giveaway,
in-store specials, and month long donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 
Founded in 1997, National Art & Framing Month is an opportunity to “Picture the Possibilities” that art and
framing can bring to homes, offices, and public spaces.
The National Art & Framing Month Council helps frame shops and galleries develop programs and marketing
plans to bring awareness to the value of art and custom framing, especially during the month of October.
 
Vivian C. Kistler, director of the Council, believes that individual businesses can play a key role in generating
interest in the arts. “For the past few decades, budget cuts have forced schools to reduce or even eliminate
art programs. It is now more important than ever for frame shops and art galleries to help the public
understand and enjoy art.”
 
Art has been an important part of human society since the earliest scrawlings on cave walls, and picture framing
preserves and displays artwork to hang on the walls of homes, offices, and public spaces. National Art & Framing
Month shines a spotlight on this essential aspect of our culture.
In addition to the month long events, Frame Nation will be donating a portion of October‘s custom framing sales
to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The NMSS is a favorite charity among many, for the company.
 
This is so since Frame Nation founder, Mary Fender‘s, significant other has been suffering from the disabling
disease since 1997 and has been completely disabled since 2004. It is Fender’s hope that this month of
donation will become an annual event, resulting in ever increasing funds going to the NMSS.
 
October 2008 will also mark Frame Nation’s first year anniversary of operation in Richmond’s historic river district.
The fact the anniversary falls with National Art and framing month is a happy coincidence.  Founded by Mary E.
 Fender MCPF, GCF,  Frame Nation will celebrating with month long in-store specials and a celebration near the
end of October, as the grand opening was on the 25th of October of 2007. The first anniversary celebration will be
the evening of October 24th and coincide with Manchester’s Fourth Friday’s events. The night also marks the fifth
anniversary of Art Works and the 10th Anniversary 1212 Gallery, both of Manchester and will celebrating in their
own artsy style. 
 
About Frame Nation
 
Frame Nation is Richmond VA’s Custom Framing Boutique and is located in historic Shockoe Slip, at 11 South
15th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. It offers innovative framing services, local artwork, pre-framed art, and art
commissions. The store is open Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4, and is closed Sundays with
dedicated parking. The informative website address is
www.FrameNation.net.
Founded in 2007 by Mary Fender, Master Certified Picture framer (MCPF) and Richmond’s only Guild Commended
Framer (GCF) Frame Nation offers unparalleled service to its clientele and frames styles from around the world
and close to home.
 
For more information about National Art & Framing Month and Frame Nation contact Mary Fender at 804.643.7263 

 
For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Richmond Chapter please contact Lisa Simpich
at 804.591.3030 
NMSS Richmond Chapter
2112 West laburnum Avenue
Suite 204
Richmond, VA 23227
(804) 591-3030

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Tuesday, December 11, 2007             
Article written for Richmond.com about Frame Nation and Recycle Style. 
Click the tltle below to go to the article. 

 From: Frame Nation, Mary E Fender, 804.643.7263 Tuesday, December 11, 2007              Article written for Richmond.com about Frame Nation and Recycle Style. Click the tltle below to go to the article. 

 

 From: Frame Nation, Mary E Fender, 804.643.7263 Tuesday, December 11, 2007              Article written for Richmond.com about Frame Nation and Recycle Style. Click the tltle below to go to the article.  
                                             Framing the Past
                                                       by Kent Jennings Brockwell

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Professional Picture Framers Association, 3000 Picture Place, Jackson, Ml 49201
Phone (517) 788-8100 to (517)
788-8371 PPFA homepage http:.//ppfa.pmai.org
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2007
Contact: Tom Crawford www.ppfa.com, Mary E. Fender  804-643-7263                          

              
Mary E. Fender, awarded MASTER CERTIFIED
                     PICTURE FRAMER Designation

Mary E. Fender of Richmond, VA has earned the MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER (MCPF®) designation from the Professional Picture Framers Association.
This achievement, the first awarded to a Richmond, VA framer (another was awarded later that day), permits Fender to use the professional designation MCPF. This designation was granted after Fender met established qualifications. The
Certification Board worked with a number of conservators and utilized existing published methods of framing to develop a set of criteria on which to base the evaluation of candidates.
Fender, of Frame Nation, located in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom, was a successful candidate, among the five
possible, who took the examination administered by the PPFA in Crofton, Maryland, in October 2007. The exam, comprised of the disassembly and inspection of 5 framed pieces, covered works of art on paper, works of art on canvas, objects and textiles. The fifth piece was a randomly selected work of art framed on-site under the supervision of two examiners. Prior requirements included having earned the CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® (CPF) designation, four years of hands-on experience as a picture framer while a CPF and completion of a CPF recertification course during the past four years.
The CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, all of which reflect the knowledge and skills required of a professional picture framer and the CPF recertification course ensures that current CPFs are up to date on changes in the technology of the framing industry.
PPFA initiated the MCPF program in 2003 to raise the standards of the framing profession, improve education within the industry, and recognize those framers who prove, through written examination and practical demonstration, acceptable knowledge of established professional criteria and outstanding ability to properly identify and preservation frame artwork.

PPFA is...
PPFA has served as the trade association for professional, custom picture framers, art galleries, and framing and art
manufacturers and distributors since 1971. With more than 3,000 members, PPFA provides a full array of services and
benefits including the professional designations, CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER® (CPF) and MASTER CERTIFIED
PICTURE FRAMER.
PPFA leads, unifies, and serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs
that elevate professional standards, enhance profitability, and expand sales.
PPFA affiliated with Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) on October 22, 2001. PMA has more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries and provides an annual convention and trade show typically drawing more than 700 exhibitors and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 registrants.

FRAME NATION is…
the new frame shop in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom. Founded by Mary E. Fender MCPF, GCF, Frame Nation
is a unique frame shop that features the largest and finest selection of custom picture frame styles in metro Richmond.
Ms. Fender has over 16 years experience, and greatly values education in the picture framing industry, as well as forward thinking design. Frame Nation offers frames unavailable anywhere else in the Richmond area and participates annually in framing competitions. Ms. Fender has won nationally and placed regionally in competition a number of times.
Design global. Frame local.
Frame Nation, 11 South 15th St. Richmond, VA 23219 804-643-7263 www.framenation.net -coming soon
                                     
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                                                                                                             PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                                        Contact: TOM CRAWFORD
November 21, 2006                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                   http://www.ppfa.com

                                      
VA FRAMER COMPLETES RECERTIFICATION COURSE

Jackson, Mich.
- Mary E. Fender CPF,GCF of Richmond, VA, has updated her certification by participating in
the Professional Picture Framers Association's Recertification course in Tele Ed.

Recertification is the continuing education component of the CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER program. Initiated
in 1986 by the PPFA, the CPF program recognizes those framers who prove, through written examination, mastery of principles essential to both picture framing and meeting customer's needs.

The Recertification course was developed to ensure that framers maintain the CPF designation by covering the latest industry innovations and currently accepted framing concepts. CPFs certified after 1993 are required to take part in this refresher course every four years to retain their status.

PPFA is...
For 35 years PPFA has served as the trade association for professional, custom picture framers, art galleries, and framing and art manufacturers and distributors. With more than 3,200 members, PPFA provides a full array of services and benefits including the professional designation, CPF.

PPFA leads, unifies, and serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and offers
programs to elevate professional standards, enhance profitability, and expand sales.

PPFA affiliated with the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) on October 22,2001. PMA
has more than 20,000 members in 100+ countries and provides an annual Convention and Trade Show
that typically draws more than 650 exhibitors and 25,000 to 30,000 registrants.

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