It is always interesting to hear the claim "biggest in the world". Usually, this conjures images of incredibly tall skyscrapers or expansive spaces. So, its even more of a surprise to stop in a modest Downtown storefront and hear that same phrase. This time, "biggest in the world" referred to the store's status the largest dealer of prints by the late, great Cincinnati artist Charley Harper - a title Fabulous Frames & Art carries proudly.
As Fabulous Frames co-owner Carol Carl showed us through the store, her enthusiasm for the work was apparent. She showed us through prints upon prints by Charlie Harper and his wife Edie, as well as works by other Cincinnati artists such as Bev Erschell and Myra Baumes.
Of course, although the other works are well done and interesting in their own right, the star and immediate focal point is the Harper prints. Carol estimated that about 40% of Fab Frames' customers head straight for the extensive Harper section, which includes popular nature-inspired prints from Charley and Edie, along with rarer prints and prints from Charley's work with "Ford Times" magazine in the 50s and 60s.
Framed prints start at $130, a starting point that gets at the heart of Charley Harper's philosophy that everyone should be able to afford his work.
In addition to prints, Fab Frames also carries 7 books and a selection of home accessories by Charlie and Edie Harper, including a really cool $9 Charley Harper coloring book that we fell in love with. It might be worth it to stop by and pick up 2 of these, 1 to give to your artistically inclined niece or nephew and 1 to keep at your place....you know, for safe keeping.
Fabulous Frames has been a family owned and operated framing shop/art dealer for 28 years, starting with their first shop in the Northgate area, and then opening Downtown and Montgomery locations. It was the opening of their Northgate shop that brought Charley Harper to them. They purchase a framing shop already in that Northgate location, "Make a Frame" that carried Harper's work. Fabulous Frames liked the work and when they expanded, started to stock up on Harper art.
Recently Fabulous Frames opened 3 new locations, in Mason, Kenwood, and Tri-County, and all 6 locations carry Harper's works.
We recommend stopping into one of the stores to really gain an appreciate for the passion and knowledge of staff. But, if you live outside of the city, you can go to their website, charleyharper.com and, like many people have from Europe to Australia, order directly from the shop.
Of course, although the other works are well done and interesting in their own right, the star and immediate focal point is the Harper prints. Carol estimated that about 40% of Fab Frames' customers head straight for the extensive Harper section, which includes popular nature-inspired prints from Charley and Edie, along with rarer prints and prints from Charley's work with "Ford Times" magazine in the 50s and 60s. Framed prints start at $130, a starting point that gets at the heart of Charley Harper's philosophy that everyone should be able to afford his work.
In addition to prints, Fab Frames also carries 7 books and a selection of home accessories by Charlie and Edie Harper, including a really cool $9 Charley Harper coloring book that we fell in love with. It might be worth it to stop by and pick up 2 of these, 1 to give to your artistically inclined niece or nephew and 1 to keep at your place....you know, for safe keeping.
Fabulous Frames has been a family owned and operated framing shop/art dealer for 28 years, starting with their first shop in the Northgate area, and then opening Downtown and Montgomery locations. It was the opening of their Northgate shop that brought Charley Harper to them. They purchase a framing shop already in that Northgate location, "Make a Frame" that carried Harper's work. Fabulous Frames liked the work and when they expanded, started to stock up on Harper art.
Recently Fabulous Frames opened 3 new locations, in Mason, Kenwood, and Tri-County, and all 6 locations carry Harper's works.
We recommend stopping into one of the stores to really gain an appreciate for the passion and knowledge of staff. But, if you live outside of the city, you can go to their website, charleyharper.com and, like many people have from Europe to Australia, order directly from the shop.
Thank you, Sean and BuyCincy, for the article! It was great speaking with you about the store and our history. I want to encourage your readers to check out our blog for all of our latest news and updates:
http://fabframes.wordpress.com
Keep up the great work, and please let us know about any upcoming events and opportunities that might be appropriate for our involvement. We enjoyed being part of Cincinnati Unchained last year and look forward to participating again.