October 7, 2007

Contact: Tom Crawford E-mail: tcrawford@pmai.org www.ppfa.com, Mary E. Fender E-mail: mary@framenation.net, 804-643-7263                            mobile 658-6467

- 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 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.

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 15^th St. Richmond, VA 23219 804-643-7263 www.framenation.net -coming soon

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