FACES & PLACES
THE ARTS AUGUST 2006

Laura Wells
By Joseph Zogorski

With an artist mother and a father who was an engineer, Laura Wells combines both inherited parental skills in her dual careers as picture framer and owner-operator of Harrison Street Gallery in Frenchtown. As a young girl, grade school art projects such as a six foot long scroll of The Declaration of Independence with near perfect calligraphy, and a life size model of King Tut, were early precursors of an innate sense of aesthetics, precision and craftsmanship--traits that now serve Laura well, both in framing and in her gallery exhibits.

But these eventual careers were not in Laura’s plans while in high school. While working as a professional proofreader for Medical Economics Magazine, and then as an assistant VP of marketing for Warner Lambert, Laura began approaching area corporations with catalogues of fine art prints and posters to be used for office décor. Early success was achieved when Laura found that by producing framed artwork of a specific large finished dimension, she was able to satisfy a corporate décor niche. Eventually the hectic pace of work while raising two children and taking care of a home, led Laura in a new direction. She created a home business by appointment, in which she marketed art prints and provided framing services in her own gallery setting.

Her proudest moment came recently when a local family chose her business, Art Décor Frame & Gallery, to frame an American Flag that had been flown in Iraq in dedication of their family. “I was honored to have been chosen to frame their treasured item. I take great pride in my work, and use only archival materials to ensure preservation,” she remarked.

In April of this year, while driving through area towns such as Clinton, Lambertville, and Lahaska, Laura noticed that each had cooperative artists’ galleries. An idea was born: why not Frenchtown? As it happened, a building next door was available. Recently renovated, it offered a 10’ x 6’ picture window providing abundant natural light, ten foot tall ceilings, oak flooring, and track lighting - everything needed for providing an excellent venue for displayed artwork.

Laura decided to go for it, spreading the word by informing artists she knew, contacting ArtChatter.com, and placing an ad in The Bucks County Herald. The response was amazing, and in no time 23 enthusiastic artists were enlisted. The member artists work in a wide variety of media from oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, to pen and ink drawings, etchings, pastels, B&W and color photography, and wooden mosaics. Styles range from realism and impressionism to modern abstraction. Both original works, as well as fine giclee prints on both archival paper and canvas are offered.

Co-op participation levels are designed to fit the individual’s needs, and give the artist the ability to sell their work in a professional setting with a fraction of the costs of maintaining their own gallery. The cooperative structure also allows the artists to share in the running of the gallery, giving them more time for creative work. The amount of art displayed can vary between three and ten pieces per artist. All press and reception costs are paid for, as well as all utility bills and additional items needed for the gallery. A “personalized gallery” is set up on an established website of the gallery for each member.

An interesting trend that Laura noticed in area towns was the designation of one day each month in which galleries and stores would feature art openings, and celebrations designed to showcase the arts. With Doylestown having a “First Friday”, and Lambertville a “Second Sunday”, etc., Laura decided that it would be ideal to celebrate the “First Saturday” of each month in Frenchtown.

The Harrison Street Gallery’s “First Saturday” is designed to build on Frenchtown’s artistic character by encouraging other Frenchtown galleries and local businesses to schedule their special events on the same day. This coordination serves to provide a convenient and attractive experience for visitors, as they can attend many events all over town. Also integral to the First Saturday activities at The Harrison Street Gallery is a “Meet The Artists” reception, with many member artists present, complete with wine, cheese, coffee, and desserts.

An additional feature of The Harrison Street Gallery, designed to coincide with “First Saturday”, is the “Featured Artist Of The Month” in which an individual artist is specially showcased. The designated artist receives the benefit of having up to twenty individual works prominently displayed throughout the gallery for the entire month, including two large picture window easels, and full display use of a warmly lit exclusive room.

For more information on the co-op, please contact Laura Wells at 908-996-3325 or visit the website www.artdecorcustomframing.com.