The studio has been humming this week with the kind of quiet, deliberate energy that I’ve come to appreciate. It’s the small shifts that add up: moving a flat file here, widening the gallery floor there, layering light just right to make each piece feel alive. These adjustments aren’t dramatic, but they set the stage for something larger—each small action aligning with the vision I’m building for Remnant Framing.
Chris Wade: Art in Motion
This Saturday, during Lowe Mill’s Open Studio Night, we’ll celebrate Falling Through Space, a curated exhibit by Chris Wade. What makes this show special is the collaborative process behind it. Each piece on display began with Chris’s existing prints, but the curation goes deeper than that—it’s about finding the frames that truly belong to his work.
When Chris and I started this project, I didn’t just look at the prints; I visualized the frames that would elevate them. From bold, structured lines to subtle tones that complement his palette, the goal was to create a synergy between his art and the craftsmanship of the frames. The result is a collection that feels complete—a partnership between artist and framer that celebrates the work in a new way.
Beyond the gallery, Chris’s involvement in the mural project at John Hunt Park reminds me of the many ways art can transform a community. From large-scale public works to framed prints on gallery walls, his creativity inspires movement and connection.
Framing Stories
A piece I recently worked on—a giclée print of a dog in a dress, lounging on a porch swing—wasn’t just a framing job. It was a study in balance. The client wanted a clean, straightforward frame, but as I worked, I couldn’t help but think about the stories these projects carry. Hanging it in the gallery before pickup felt like the right move, a chance for the client to see it as something more than just “done.” It was art, given a moment to breathe.
This week also brought a wave of pre-made frames into the studio. These are quick, thoughtful options for anyone looking for something unique but ready-to-go. I’m tweaking the selection constantly, and the holiday season has me leaning into pieces that will make perfect gifts—especially for the last-minute crowd.
Canvas & Connection
The blank canvases are moving steadily. There’s a satisfaction in knowing these frames will go on to hold someone else’s vision, their own work. This week, I placed an order for more pre-framed canvases to keep the shelves stocked. Artists at Lowe Mill are starting to take notice, and with tools like QR codes in the works, my goal is to make the process of getting a quality canvas as seamless as possible.
A Space to Belong
The gallery itself is shifting in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I started. Cheryl Busick’s Crows and Yuri Ozaki’s candlelit watercolors are waiting in the wings, and I’ve been experimenting with new ways to frame and present them. The studio is becoming a place where art feels at home—a reflection of the artists and the community that surrounds it.
Looking Forward
If you’re local, join us for Chris Wade’s reception tomorrow night. Stop by, see the work, and experience how this space is growing into something more than just a framing studio.
For those further away, keep an eye on the blog. Soon, you’ll be able to see and purchase gallery pieces online, bringing a little piece of Remnant Framing to your corner of the world.
These weeks can feel like a blur of cutting rails, hanging art, and juggling projects, but when I step back, I see the layers building. It’s a process, and while it’s far from perfect, it’s exactly where I want to be.
Until next time,
Ryan Diehl
Remnant Framing – A Space for Stories, One Frame at a Time