Victorian City Art & Frame has been in downtown Franklin since 1994 and will celebrate 25 years in 2019. Kyla Mazurkewiz, a Certified Picture Framer, bought the shop in 2011 and has grown the business annually, adding new services, design ideas and support.

Kyla, along with Amy Ivell, has gained a trusted reputation for framing our region’s most treasured items, from family heirlooms and photos, to items that are best suited for shadow boxes.  

Kyla explains she sees her role as a historian or preservationist. “Our duty is first to the art, as each piece has a story and must be treated individually. As it is likely that the framed piece will be passed on from the original owner, we are passionate about using correct materials and framing techniques to ensure it is protected, regardless of its value,” she said.

One recent project they worked on was a t-shirt and shovel to complement articles about Franklin Industries—now displayed in the business.

Victorian City Art & Frame has also gained the trust of many local businesses.

“We are currently working on 26 pieces for UPMC Northwest’s new Cancer unit, all photograph’s taken by Dr. John Karian,” she told us.

Brian Durniok, President of UPMC Northwest, adds: “UPMC Northwest is fortunate to have local access to such a great small business. They do a superb job framing artwork that is used throughout our Hospital. The artwork is enjoyed by patients, visitors and employees and helps promote an environment of healing and caring.”

Komatsu and Honeywell are also valued business customers, who proudly display artwork throughout their buildings. Honeywell holds an annual photo competition among employees, with winning pieces framed by Victorian City Art & Frame and displayed in the halls.

Almost all materials used by Kyla and Amy are 100% archival quality.  While Kyla values the opportunity to preserve pieces from the past, she is excited to be preparing pieces for the newest of businesses, including Trails to Ales Brewery, which will open in June of this year.

Victorian City Art & Frame is NOT one the area’s best kept secrets, as word is out far beyond the region. “Our customers travel for our services, especially when they call for unique treatments.  We are continually training and learning about new materials,” said Kyla. “We love a challenge regardless of how small or large the project.” She also added that she once built a frame large enough for her to stand in.
Recently, Kyla won first place in the Best Assembly category in Larson-Juhl’s annual framing competition – Design Star: Chopped Edition.

Hundreds of custom frame designs from around the country were submitted to the framing competition held at the world’s largest event in the picture framing industry—West Coast Art & Frame in Las Vegas.  Photographs were sent in of projects utilizing designated required materials, including a universal art print for all to frame.

Kyla won Best Assembly for her piece, “Shipwreck on the Nona Sea.” Inspired by family ties to the boat industry, she used the print as the anchor and built a porthole to surround the sea-like abstract art and carefully finished the piece in a beautiful frame.

To learn more about Victorian City Art & Frame, please visit www.victoriancityart.com.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s June 2018 edition of the VenangoWorks! Newsletter.