A Framework For Success
West Annapolis Art Works Displays 30 Years of Expertise
By Monica Resa
West Annapolis is the type of community where interesting things aren’t always right out in the open. Here, it is worth slowing down and looking around a corner or two. You never know what gems you’ll find.
TOTB found one such gem tucked in the quaint Gas Light Square around the corner from Art Things on Annapolis Street. West Annapolis Art Works and Fine Framing (WAAW) is a professional framing shop and art gallery operated by owner and artist Su Anne Lasher and her husband Richard, who built and transformed the space into a stunning gallery and workshop.
This year marks the one-year anniversary of WAAW, but the 30th year anniversary of Su Anne Lasher’s entry into the fine framing industry. “My framing experience has come from hands on, on the job training as well as [from] my family,” said Lasher. For the thirty years she has been in the business, twenty years were spent as a manager of Framing & Art in Parole. Three of her siblings are also in the framing business, ensuring that the topics of mats, frames and mountings are brought up at least once at family gatherings.
The Art of Business
When Lasher was ready to make her dream of entrepreneurship a reality, she struck gold when she found her current location. “The village of West Annapolis seemed like the perfect fit for my business. Located next to Art Things, and being in an area that attracts customers interested in the arts, has enabled me to work with many area artists,” she said. The building itself with its pink sign, rod iron railing and flowerboxes is reminiscent of something you’d find in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Ample free parking makes access a breeze. The inside is spacious and open with large windows, allowing morning light to spill into the gallery, ensuring the paintings, sculptures and mixed-media that Lasher exhibits stand out. As an award-winning artist herself, Lasher designed the space so that customers can also view her pique assiette- (broken ceramics) style mosaics.
The back and side wall of the gallery are covered with hundreds of diverse molding samples while the large workspace table with angled mirrors allows Lasher to do what she loves best. “Being in the business for thirty years has given me the expertise I need to run my own successful picture framing business,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoy the business and I think it shows in my work, designs, and customer service.”
As a full-service framing shop, WAAW carries a wide selection of moldings, mats, and glass. WAAW offers higher end quality moldings, but also an extensive selection of styles in their “economy line,” enabling clients to get a professional look without the cost of custom framing. Mat, glass, mirror and cutting, frame repair, dry mounting as well as conservation framing are all part of the services offered. From needlepoint, to sports jerseys and seashells to golf balls, Lasher has framed it all.
“She has a very keen sensitivity to color, an artistic eye and knows how to enhance what’s being framed,” said Crownsville-based artist Raleigh Schein, who has hired Lasher on more than one occasion to frame paintings for her art exhibits. “She did the most magnificent job of really understanding my work and showcasing it beautifully.”
Expert design advice rounds out the services WAAW offers. “When a client brings in something to frame; the fact that they have taken the time to bring it in to be custom framed means that it is important to them. You cannot put a value on a precious memento.” Whether a client is looking for a high-end product or something simpler, they get the same sage advice from Lasher, who encourages customers to take their time, take frame samples home to ensure that they are making a good decision. “I’ve observed how Su listens to her customers and finds what’s right for them, their style and their budget,” said Schein. “It’s just in her DNA to get it right and make her customers happy, even if it means going back to square one.”
For more information on West Annapolis Artworks & Fine Framing, visit 4 Annapolis Street, call 410.295.7045, or go online at WestAnnFraming.com. Information about art events and gallery receptions are update regularly. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wed 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
 |
