RYE BROOK, N.Y. -- Matthew Bayer stands before a dizzying wall of frame samples in all types of textures and colors and it becomes apparent that framing is an art in itself."There are a lot of components that go into a frame," said Bayer, owner of Washington Square Framing & Art in Rye Brook. "It can make a good piece of art look spectacular if it's done right."
Bayer has been in business for about 25 years and sees his work as the final touch to any piece of art that passes through his doors.
In addition to framing, Bayer also sells original artwork from both high-profile and local artists. Bayer's shop is the exclusive dealer in Westchester County for internationally renown pop artist Charles Fazzino, for whom he also provides framing service."His work is fun and generates a lot of energy," said Bayer, pointing out a 3-D silkscreened tableau of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. "You always find something different when you look at it."
Bayer recently acquired several welded steel sculpture pieces from New Rochelle artist David Tobey. A Tobey sculpture titled "Lyre" is displayed in the front window. It is a clash of elegant curves and bold edges.
"I seek out art that people are not going to be able to find at other places," said Bayer.
As a framer, Bayer's profession is one of highly attuned aesthetic taste but also of modesty. His goal is to enhance a piece of art without imposing on it.
"It's how I express myself artistically, through framing," he said.
Do you know any local artists whose work you would like to see sold in Bayer's shop?
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