Fine Art in A Village

Good Evening Boys & Girls Ladies and Gentlemen

It was the kind of day you can really enjoy. Cool and crisp in the morning but all Florida sunshine to bask in between the breezes. With just a nip of what the rest of the country might be feeling on this February morning.  No hard winter here in San Marco, the village within the city. As you may remember we set off this morning heading from our central Florida coastal town straight north for a easy one hour drive to downtown Jacksonville area and a tour of Gallery Framery. There are you set now because I am trying to express that every now and then you have to take a drive miss a phone call and visit a non theme park area of our great state to get it. We have the blessing’s of a Jimmy Buffet sort of attitude here in this state and if all you ever see are the beaches and the Theme parks you are missing out on the best kept secret in Florida, Sunshine, beauty and a touch of easy yester year life.

            After dropping off the I95 run straight into 1950 Florida known as San Marco. Yes, you can see the sky scrapers of Prudential and Blue Cross and know that Jacksonville contains headquarters of some 100 something fortune 500 companies within its county lines. However in San Marco you are greeted by an old Norman Rockwell village right out of the 1950’s. Tiny town square, confusing small traffic lanes, which is why it is better to just park and walk, can not be in a hurry here. Several first edition books can be found in the Town square bookstore, on old fashioned sidewalk Italian restaurant, and a 50 seat 1950’s one screen town theatre for the “Picture Show”. But it has some of your modern chain sandwich shops and of course Starbucks has weaseled their way into the painting on the river side of town square. For you preppies that may have withdrawals if your cell phones don’t get a signal do not enter San Marco square. It is not for you, but if you can appreciate a good dose of walking your childhood streets from a different era when the world was simple, do not hesitate call in sick and run to San Marco.

            In amongst this hidden paradise are several family owned and operated village shops. One in particular to this writer is the Gallery Framery. Owned and operated by Son Ryan Buckley and Master Framer Father Jim Buckley. Jim established these business decades ago in this beautiful Americana village, and Son Ryan is carrying on centuries of tradition by following in his fathers craft. It is a beautiful mix of beautiful art gallery and master frame shop. The craftsmen displaying others who are equally skilled in their crafts sharing display space in a perfect unison and worth the walk thru. I literally could not help myself I spent hours looking at some of the artists original or limited editions on display in the Gallery. While at the same time, however subtle the fine craft workmanship of Jim and Ryan are for your view in the fine pieces hanging there. As an artist it is easy to see why other artists trust Ryan and his father to handle their professional wares. You see any piece, whether it is an original oil painting or your child’s first set of shoes are treated as if they are going to be preserved by the Smithsonian itself, while in the hands of these trustworthy artists in their own right.

They have a massive custom mill display that is easy to view while not detracting from the overall fine art gallery feel. Ryan points out that they are part of this community, and the importance of fair and honest dealings. He goes on to explain that it is their practice to tell you how to value your custom frame work to fit the piece. Meaning, in plain language just because you are saving it for posterity does not mean you have to spend a fortune to do so.  Honest people doing honest work wow what does that remind you of… oh yeah a simpler time.

            I have to say they have supplied a couple of generous offers to our readership. I can only return their generosity by telling you I have more to say and more to show you.   I am adding the Video today but I have coupons and special original piece prices to pass on to you that I will do tomorrow. Take an afternoon take a Saturday but do not miss the opportunity to Visit San Marco and The Buckley’s @ The Gallery Framery.

More to come I promise, and watch for the San Marco extra on Thursday. Any excuse visiting again how could I turn it down!!!

tom@ispreadyourmessage.com

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