Artists Choice

I dropped off a vintage chalk painting 3 weeks ago to have it re-​framed, telling the gentleman I wanted the most professional job done on it. He said it would be about 10 days, and I said «no rush — just take your time and do a good job.» So yesterday it occurred to me that hmm, I wonder how my frame is doing? So I called and left a message. And today, with no call back, I called again, and they said it’s done — and that they normally call when something is ready. Fine, so I head over. When I pick it up they say not to move it around, because the chalk is delicate, and it wasn’t sprayed. And I look and see chalk dust all on the inside of the frame. So I ask, «Should it have been sprayed?» And she said, «Well, a lot of artists don’t like them sprayed because it changes the color.» And I said «Well I suppose it’s too late to spray it because now it’s framed.» And she said, «Well, he (the framer) probably didn’t know.» And I said it would have been nice to be consulted on this option before or during the framing process. And she was completely indifferent about it. I frankly told her what a bad experience this was, and she said «All I can do is apologize for that.» I would expect to be guided through a process of framing fine art, or chalk, or whatever it is. And hearing all the options necessary to protect and display a piece of art, that I can enjoy for years to come. Now when I look at it, I’ll likely shake my head in disgust.