NEWS RELEASE – October 21, 2006

October is National Art & Framing Month

Contact: Christine Richards at 712-338-4155

October is National Art & Framing Month—and if you’ve been debating whether or not to custom mat and frame your blue ribbon photo or art work from the 2006 Clay County, you might want to give it much more serious consideration.

Dedicated to enhancing the art of photography, CR Gallery & Custom Framing in Milford is run by owner and curator Christine Richards — an artist who is dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists.

CR Gallery is also home to the NW Iowa Photographic Center and membership comes with many benefits to the beginning photographer as well the professional. Members can attend discussion sessions on informative topics like “So You Want to Show Your Photos – What Are Your Expectations?” and “Photography as Art vs. Snapshots of My Vacation” or attend a Workshop on topics such as “Mat & Shrink-Wrap,” “Knowing Your Framing Sources,” or Presentation of the Perfect Photograph.”  Members are also able to us the facilities and framing tools as well as purchase materials at discount. There is a no cost introductory meeting being held on Wednesday, Nov 15^th at 7pm and the public is invited to come and learn more about membership.

“Offering custom framing is the heart of CR Gallery,” says Richards. “It makes perfect sense that if you’re taking photographs and editing images to produce prints, you want to display those prints on a wall somewhere, we make this process easy and accessible.”

CR Gallery is located on Okoboji Avenue, which is also Highway 71. The location was formerly the Great Lakes Harwood Floor storefront, so the flooring of the Gallery is a wonderfully warm design throughout. There is a comfortable sitting area to the right as you pass thru the front door which adds to the relaxing and comfy atmosphere Richards prefers for her clients and visitors. Unique antique pieces can be found adorning the Gallery, and most are for sale.

While the Gallery is home to the NW Iowa Photographic Center, it showcases local artists working in a variety of mediums from original oil and watercolor paintings to prints, to jewelry, and of course, photography.

Currently the Gallery is showcasing the work of local landscape photographer Dan Ruf of Melvin, Iowa.  The exhibition began on Saturday, October 14 for The Artsians Road Trip and will be available for viewing through Friday, November 17^th. Richards encourages readers to take advantage of the opportunity to view Ruf’s collection of over 60 pieces of outstanding photographic art, because this size of show featuring one photographic artist is rare in NW Iowa. “I invite you all to get to know this man, this photographer. Spend time wandering through his vision of this land he calls home,” said Richards.

If you are a photographer of any level, don’t miss this opportunity to view Ruf’s work. His images have a sense of drama and demonstrate another way of seeing, capturing, and re-presenting the rural Iowa landscape. And, if you’ve been working on your Christmas shopping list, his work is a perfect choice as his images will enhance any home or office with enduring beauty.

While visiting the Gallery, you can also visit with Richards about membership in the NW Iowa Photographic Center. Membership is open to photographers of all levels – beginners to professional.

And, if you’ve recently had a treasured old photo with significant sentimental value restored, Richards is the expert that can help you select the perfect mat and frame for gift giving to family members this holiday season.

For more information about CR Gallery and Custom Framing or to become a featured artist contact Christine Richards at 712-338-4155 or stop by the location at 912 Okoboji Avenue in Milford. 

# # #

NOTE: If you would like an interview with someone for this news release, some possible contacts include:

Christine Richards at 712-338-4155

Dan Ruf at 712-758-3248

 *The above photograph was taken during The Artisans Road Trip as Dan and Christine worked together to answer questions of the large number of visitors. More photos from the event are available from Dan Ruf by request.