Vistra Framing & Gallery

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Vistra Framing and Gallery is a frame shop and gallery located in Eugene, Oregon that specializes in custom framing, ready-made frames, and art consulting. We also have a gallery featuring orignal art by local artists.

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Our Online Framing WebsiteLaVonne Tarbox-Crone
The essence of Vistra Framing and Gallery began in 1975, when owner Lloyd started a woodworking business in a one car garage workspace. He began selling bathroom fixtures and decorative wood products at the Saturday market and various fairs. In 1977, a year after the Fifth Street Public Market opened, the business opened a 40 square foot store front, in addition to the 800 square foot workspace in the backyard. Over the next four years, the business expanded again and soon Lloyd and his wife, Diane, were selling at a storefront on the main level patio at Fifth Street. Lloyd concentrated on bathroom fixtures and mirrors, while Diane was involved in making stained glass that could be incorporated into Lloyds wood products. In addition, they carried retail gift items.
In the eighties, the economy started to falter. Places were going out of business left and right, much like the situation in which we find ourselves in todays economy. A majority of the businesses at the Fifth Street Market went under as well, including a poster framing business, which gave the family the opportunity to take up picture framing. The business survived by taking on debt, some of which would take years to pay off.
In 1985, the business moved to 171 West 8th Street and opened Vistra Framing and Gallery. The new venue was larger and the rent was less expensive. Five years later, in 1990, Vistra moved to the corner of 8th and Charnelton, where they remained for the next 19 years. The family continued to own the business, while hiring on other professional framers to help keep up with the framing demand. Many of these practiced framers have some twenty years of experience each.
Growth was not quite as rapid as in earlier years, but gradually Vistra outgrew the space on Charnelton. After some looking around, they decided to move to the Quackenbush Building at 160 E. Broadway, a decision with which both customers and employees seem quite content. The latest move put Vistra in the middle of what might be the best specialty shopping street in Eugene. The space is also large enough to have a gallery space for ongoing art, framed posters and prints, and a large selection of readymade frames. Vistra will frame anything from originals and prints to three dimensional items.
Unlike the recession of the early 80s, the current economic downturn has not slowed retail sales and significant growth in internet sales is expected in the near future.

Vistra has always cared about its customers, desiring to fit their needs and surpass their expectations. Being a professional oil and pastel artist herself, co-owner Diane has always been particularly aware of the needs of fellow artists. About ten years ago, she was key in establishing a wholesale frame program, which allows artists to give their pieces that last touch at a reasonable price. Artists have two options now: they can either save a substantial amount by buying the frames and assembling themselves, a process in which Vistra employees are glad to train the artists how to do or they can receive a special artist discount for continuing to place orders with Vistra. Vistra is proud to provide frames for over 100 artists, which makes up about 1/3 of the business.

Vistra Framing and Gallery has also added an additional business model: a website at www.webpictureframes.com. Now, customers can order wholesale pre-made frames from anywhere across the nation and be sure it will be made with the same care as a frame that was made for someone across town. Long-distance customers have the option of ordering 3 frame samples to be sent to them to ensure they choose the right style. There is even an online forum, where customers can pose questions and have them answered by an experienced framer. We are still in the process of adding more products and features to the site, including a design option that will allow customers to upload images of their art and compare different framing options to choose the perfect one.

An additional service we also offer is art consulting. Kirsten Shende, the art consultant and store manager, works with businesses as well as individuals to find the perfect artwork that fits the space and compliments its surroundings. Then, she will also help with framing and matting needs.