Sanford is growing up and out. Downtown is extending it's grip down Sanford Avenue with fun and new restaurants and shops. Last night was the 're-opening' of Framing 508 Gallery, Rae Marie's frame and art shop. What makes it very special is the place is a magnet for locals, both artists and people familiar with her work. I was there Thursday afternoon and faces kept appearing on and off, some with artwork, some just for conversation.
Rae Marie has been in the same shop for 5 years and has quite a following. Plus she is one talented lady, she can frame with expertise and she can paint! Shirley Fox who at one time was Rae's business partner is another talent whose specialty is working with foil. The texture in her work is vivid, the trees roots looked so 'rooted' I wanted to touch their trunks and leaves just to feel the depth.
There were others who contributed, one woman had handmade jewelry, and there was another who had handbags made from split coconuts, they were even lined and zippered and so detailed one has to wonder how she has any eyesight left after making one of those bags.
Local artists works such as colorful sea-scapes, animals, big vibrant flowers, and an assortment of prints greet you from the the door of the lively green and pumpkin colored walls. And one can't ignore her huge bear-of-a-dog whose name is Nogoose.
The assortment of framing materials is overwhelming. You need something framed, Rae Marie's your lady! She also does work for the local, large colorful magazine, Maggie Mae. She has done posters for Heathrow Art festival, she paints powerful portraits and has been commissioned to do work all over the 'states'. And with all that she finds time to give back to the community she loves by donating time to many projects. Rae Marie also coordinates the artists for the "Alive After 5" monthly shows in Sanford.
Go up and look around, The gallery is at 508 Sanford Ave. You will meet someone who
is knowledgeable, fun, and a delight to know, in fact, 'de-light' from Rae Marie will continue to shine long after you leave her.
Photos
1. handmade jewlery
2. (shamelessly flaunting my own work, but forgive me, I have never had anything exhibited before.
The yellow flower and fish are mine, the cat below is Rae Marie's
3.my dimensional fish and an iquana eye
4. Nogoose, a hug gable dog/bear who loves attention
5.Ostrich by Rae Marie
6.coconut handbags
7. Shirley Fox's foils
8 Garan's flowers
9.details of coconut purse
