Eric Krimmel with members of his experienced staff make the difference for customers at Crofton Fine Art & Frame. Photo by Ann Evankovich.

The Right Accent for You                    

Sponsored by Crofton Fine Art and Framing

By Ann Evankovich

“I knew this was what I wanted the moment I walked in,” explained Eric Krimmel, owner of Crofton Fine Art & Framing about the moment in 2005 when he decided to purchase the store at Staples Corner in Gambrills. 

Having emigrated from England in 1983, Mr. Krimmel worked in sales and marketing for a variety of English and American companies before deciding to go into business for himself.

A broker pointed him toward the gallery up for sale by previous owner, Eric Zacharias, who had decided to focus his energies on the creation of custom frames. The gallery spoke to Mr. Krimmel’s love of art and architecture, a field to which he had aspired in his youth and suited his honors degree from Nottingham University.

While Mr. Krimmel has taken the lead in adding new artists to the gallery’s impressive inventory of framed artwork, he has relied on the artistic ability and combined 46 years of experience of his staff.

“They are all artists in their own right,” Mr. Krimmel said of the three gallery employees who assist customers with their framing needs. “They bring an artist’s eye to the framing.”

Andrew Mosedale, a photographer who also restores photos, has ten years of experience in the framing industry. He compares the assistance he gives his customers to an interior decorator. “I pull out what I like first,” he explains. “The personality of the art and the owner are important factors.”

Andrew describes some of the more challenging objects they have framed, from brittle, dried works of art, to kimonos and rare tapestries, medals, sports memorabilia, and even a nightstick and handcuffs.

Don Burkes, who has worked at Crofton Fine Art for 13 years, says, “I want a framed piece of art to look like it is all one thing rather than art in a frame – like it was born that way.”  Mr. Burkes, who is a water color artist, explains, “I enjoy making sure customers get something they will enjoy hanging on their wall and looking at for many years to come.”

Terry Bryson has worked at Crofton Fine Art for 11 of her 23 years in the framing industry.  She says that the experience of their staff is important because, “it’s so personal.  It’s difficult to leave items that are irreplaceable.”  She is currently producing mixed media collages in her personal artistic endeavors.

The gallery’s experienced team of framers is not only knowledgeable about color selection and conservation quality, but they are also eager to meet the challenge of framing usual objects that are difficult to frame.

The gallery offers a wide variety of mats and frames to work within customers’ budgets.

Since taking over the gallery, Mr. Krimmel has added the word “Fine” to the gallery’s name to reflect the original art that can now be found at the gallery. He acquires artwork for the gallery each year at the Art Expo in New York City.  In the spring and the fall, Mr. Krimmel hosts a trunk show to display even more original art.
 
“It is a beautiful, relaxing space,” Mr. Krimmel said of the reason he has opened the gallery as a gathering place for community events. The gallery has hosted several business mixers for the Crofton Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International. He hosted a singles mixer for Suburban Singles Scene this past September.  Last summer, he hosted his first young artist gallery event in conjunction with Abrakadoodle’s art education programs.

Customers can stay apprised of visiting artists, gallery events, and sales through an electronic newsletter available on the store’s website: www.croftonfineart.com. Mr. Krimmel plans to continue expanding his collection of original and contemporary artwork.  

Crofton Fine Art & Frame offers its customers the best value for the money: the area’s best experience at the area’s best price.