Introducing the new FrameWorks gallery

The corner of Commodore Plaza and Grand Avenue was the place to be Saturday night for the re-opening party for FrameWorks. After a full renovation and move upstairs, Cris Sweeny and Claire Gardner showed off their new space. Chris, far right, was giddy showing people around. She is so proud of the space. And it's first class. I don't think I have ever, in all these years, seen Cris without a smile on her face.

Downstairs will be Atchana's Thai resturant, which is scheduled to be open in the spring. But the clean, upscale look of the building and the site of people, eating, drinking and viewing art, adds a special touch to that corner and to Coconut Grove.

The night started slow, but by the time I left, which was early - about 7:30 pm. you could barely walk, there was a backlog at the stairs to get up and down - just the problem you would like to have at a grand re-opening party. Very Wynwood/Williamsburg, especially with a lot of the younger Millennials in attendance. 

Madeliene Abling's art took up one wall; she is the Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster artist this year. FrameWorks is the festival's official framer, has been for years. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is February 13-15.

Other artists had their work on display, as well. Lisa Remeny, local Grove artist, had  a few pieces up, this is Lisa in front of "Through the Koi, Darkly," oil on canvas. Speaking of poster art, Lisa's art is the art for the Boat Show's poster, which is this coming weekend, too. Not this koi piece, but an image of boats on the bay.

Lots of friends were present - Louis Del Borrello, Kent  Tate, Jack Feldkamp,  Manny Gonzalez, Karen Deilke (who took a break from the drum circle to come by),  Atchana Capellini (who showed some folks here upcoming restaurant downstairs), Curtis Crider, Ed Leeds, Donna Sweeny, Sue McConnell,  Peter Studl and family - who else, so many - our new commish Ken Russell, who has a new "constituent liaison" for Coconut Grove, Grovite Anthony Balzebre. I asked Ken if he's the one I deal with for questions, quotes, etc. He is.

So many friends of Cris and Claire came out to show their support. It was a beautiful thing.

I also met quite a few readers, who seemed to all congregate at the gallery last night. They came up to me to introduce themselves separately. It's such a great space, large, clean and space for lots of exhibits. 

Louis Del Borrello, Clarie Gardner and Maite Urrechega.

Nancy Boggio and Lisa Remeny.

Part of the space.

FrameWorks is open daily at 3196 Commodore Plaza.