Today we’d like to introduce you to Bekah Watson.
Bekah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband Carey is an artist and picture framer. He began working at, what was at the time, Atlanta’s largest contemporary art gallery, in the early 90s. After more than 12 years of honing his skills as both an artist and framer, he and I opened our own art and framing gallery in midtown Atlanta. (Watson Gallery on 14th St). For the first several years we juggled all the responsibilities between the two of us. We both wore many hats – website designer, advertisement and promotion, art curators, framing design, picture framer – you name it! On top of the many daily responsibilities, Carey continued to create and remained one of our top selling artists throughout our time in Atlanta. As Watson Gallery, we represented top local and regional artists and specialized in museum quality picture framing. In 2021, we realized our dream of opening a small frame shop in the much smaller town of Winder, GA. Winder is a small but growing community. It is centrally located between Lawrenceville and Athens. We operate as Framemakers Affordable Picture Framing and Art. Our small gallery space is filled with Carey’s original paintings as well as prints. We also have several local and regional artisans represented and offer fun and unique gifts. We now make our home in Winder and are thrilled to be involved with community events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When we opened our first gallery (Watson Gallery) in midtown Atlanta we faced many challenges. Establishing ourselves in the heart of Atlanta with competing frame shops and acclaimed art galleries all around us proved difficult. It is hard to stand out. We hosted gallery events, poured money into advertising and dedicated ourselves to curating an enviable stable of artists. It was difficult but rewarding.
Re-inventing ourselves as Framemakers was less challenging. We came into this new season with more experience and confidence. We stand out in our community as the only official art gallery and custom picture framing shop.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a picture framing designer. I love working with clients and helping to not only protect and preserve their art or special heirloom but doing it in a creative and aesthetically pleasing way. I enjoy hearing the stories behind the piece, what makes it special. It is so fulfilling to see a client’s joy when they pick up their finished piece and know that they can display and enjoy it for years to come. I also dabble in painting and have sold my work in our gallery. I work in acrylic and focus on landscapes.
My husband Carey is a very successful artist. His work is in private and corporate collections throughout the United States. He works in acrylic, oil and mixed media. He paints a variety of subjects – abstracts, landscapes, seascapes, and in more recent years – animals. Just last year he was the cover artist for The Laurel of Asheville magazine where is work was highlighted.
I believe that the quality of our picture framing sets us apart as well as our customer service. We love our customers and it shows!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We welcome new clients from all over! Our business thrives on referrals. You can also find Carey’s art online at Saatchi.com and in person at Red Wolf Gallery in Brevard, NC. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Pricing:
- Our framing prices are competitive with big box stores but our quality exceeds them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.framemakers.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/framemakers.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/framemakers.art
