October is National Picture 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 and framing as a part of daily life.

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 framing, especially during the month of October. 

 THE GOAL IS TO GET MEDIA ATTENTION

The articles, photographs, and posters on this site are free for the use of promoting National Art & Framing Month.

Here are five ways to promote the “Month”:

1. Print a banner or poster to display in your store window.

2. Use the postcards for promotion.

3. Promote National Month to local TV and Radio Stations.

4. Promote National Month to local newspapers
         a) use press releases and photos from this site
         b) Provide an article to your local newspaper

5. Hold an Open House
A display of framed works will be the biggest attraction. This should be all newly created work, including fillets, special mat cuts, perfect frames, and any special services you offer (texturized canvas transfers, etc.) One of the easiest ways to fill the walls with the best work is to recall the favorite frame jobs from the past year, and ask those customers if you can display their piece for the month. You will pick up the piece from their home or office and return and rehang it after October. While the piece is in the shop, identify it with a gallery tag saying it is being shown courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Framing Customer. No price or details. Most customers are pleased to do this, and usually bring their friends to the event to show off their framed piece! While the framed piece is on display you have the benefit of showing it to others and the “endorsement” of that customer. This has been a very popular show for our customers; they feel they are appreciated by the shop and are flattered by our request. If you have an opening night each of the “contributors should be recognized on a list or pin a flower on their lapel. If you have an opening night event or other special event during the show, you can have a framer demonstrating French mats, or gold-leafing a bevel or making conservation hinges.