The Harbor Framers space in the Small Mall always made me recall a watering hole I used to vist during my teaching years, on Bleecker Street in New York City. There was something about the character of the place. Like when you go to a bar never quite sure who you will find or what might be on display!

Bob and Susan were sort of the like bartenders. Serving up new drinks, trying new combinations, offering a little emotional sanctuary in a variety of forms. You've got your pina' colada frame, or your Jack Daniels matting with a twist of soap that looks like a rock. Perhaps you'd like one of our recent new offerings of Crystal Rock beer that will not rot your teeth. They were happy to chat and generally able to come up with something a bit more creative every time you stopped in. The varieties and combinations seemed endless. I sometimes thought a good stiff drink before entering their shop may have helped the decision process. If all else failed, there were oriental rugs, antique furniture, notecards and two black labs to further realign your thinking.

Over their 25 years of operation Bob and Susan, aka “The Framers,” have handled some pretty extraordinary projects. Some of the things people wanted framed would startle and amaze you. Some remain better left to the imagination. But, there was always something new and entertaining to explore. Not to mention some of their interesting clients.

Every now and then I might catch a glimpse of a Fritz Rockwell painting floating about the room. Ruth Rhoads Lepper Gardner was a frequent guest at the table — Always a special treat. One never quite knew where that adventure would end. I saw some remarkable Harry Day black and white fashion photos at the frame shop that were breathtaking. Richard Wiggin Johnson stopped in occasionally and his work was often displayed on a wall or two. Allan Walton's work was a substantial collection. So many area artists and residents got their work framed and displayed with Bob and Susan. It was like a traveling show of local and world wide art. Pull up a stool and sample some of the special treats.

I will miss the frame shop, as I think many will. Not just for the excellent work that covered the walls and filled the bins, but for the reception and the charm. Bob and Susan have a lot of things going on in their lives now and it is a good time to refocus. I'm sure we will bump into them at Hannaford from time to time, but they won't be looking to frame any of the produce.

Good luck with it all ex-Framers. Imagine life without large panes of museum grade sheets of glass to inspect and clean!