Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom, Jessie, Patrick, and Murray. They and their team shared their story with us below:
When San Clemente Art Supply and Custom Framing closed in 2019, the custom frame shop joined forces with the framing division of Linda Jones Enterprises and Chuck Jones Galleries. Linda Jones is the daughter of the Chuck Jones, perhaps the most famous animator in the world. She started Linda Jones Enterprises in 1977. Currently, the business has a Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Diego, and San Clemente, California. That business has always had an in-house framing operation to provide framed work for its galleries. When the opportunity arose to add an already established retail custom framing element open to the public, the opportunity wasn’t missed. Linda Jones moved its framing operation to San Clemente, and San Clemente Art and Custom Framing was born. The space now serves a dual function. It provides picture framing for Chuck Jones Galleries as well a custom framing for the general public in South Orange County.
Tom, Patrick, and Murray have all been in the framing business for 25-plus years and pride themselves on the quality of their work. It is rare that you find this level of experience under one roof, and there really isn’t a framing project that they haven’t done and cannot do. All three are exhibiting artists, Murray having exhibited in The Festival of the Arts for 14 years. He started framing in 1990 in San Diego, ultimately owning his own shop, Cutting Edge Art Framing, in Laguna Niguel, which serviced some of the top galleries in Laguna Beach. Tom started framing in San Clemente in 1982 at the Art Center of San Clemente, after which he worked for The Frame House and then San Clemente Art Supply and Framing. He is also an accomplished artist, having exhibited regionally, including the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach. Patrick’s serious endeavors in art started at the College of Charleston in South Carolina in the early 90s, when he also started his first framing job. After graduation, he continued to pursue his artistic passion, attending graduate school in St. Louis, where he graduated with an MFA in painting in 2000. He continues to create art and exhibit regionally. Jessie is our newest member of the team and, over the past two years, has learned and continues to develop her expertise in the art of fine art framing.
Most importantly, they are all passionate about framing, ensuring that every project is given their utmost attention from the design stage through its completion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like all businesses, there have been ups and downs. In the beginning, we were in a small space, which was difficult given the amount of framing needing to be done with the merging of both companies. Then covid hit, which brought its own challenges. After 18 months of working in a small space coupled with the stress of covid it became clear we needed a larger space. We eventually found a perfect space at 415 N. El Camino in San Clemente. The space was large enough to accommodate the amount of production we were doing as well as offering great retail exposure for the custom framing side of the business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Murray Kruger is a digital artist. He exhibited his work at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts from 2005 to 2022. He creates surreal imagery using 3d digital modeling software. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Festival of the Arts.
Patrick Servedio started to seriously pursue art in college at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. He later received an MFA in painting and drawing from Fontbonne University. He continues to paint and draw regularly.
Tom Elliot is a mixed media artist and was also and Laguna Beach Festival of Arts exhibitor.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Outstanding customer service goes a long way and is essential in maintaining a loyal customer base.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sanclementeartandframing.com
- Instagram: San Clemente Custom Framing
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Image Credits
Jessie Prince
Murray Kruger
Patrick Servedio
Tom Elliott
