GOOD Morning Wilton is starting a new business feature, showcasing the people behind the local businesses. Let them know you’ve read about them on GMW.com!
Today we’re spotlighting Judee Beardsley, who has a great Wilton-based business called Beardsley Traveling Art Framer.
Business Name: Beardsley Traveling Art Framer
How long have you had your business in Wilton? I started in Wilton at 263 Danbury Rd. in 1995. For the past 21 years I have had the pleasure to serve the Wilton community!
What do you love most about your job? What is so great about my business is the interaction. I truly enjoy the one on one time. Framing is an art in itself. My customers and I, we work together……
What sets your business apart from any other? A few years ago I changed my business model from a location to where my customers had to come to me; now I come to them. I spoke with many of my customers and it was evident that with their busy schedules that it was difficult to visit a frame shop between the normal business hours. As the Traveling Art Framer, I work with my clients to come up with a time that is convenient for them and I travel to their house or office, and view the area where the work will hang so that I have the opportunity to frame not only for the artwork, but also for the décor.
What would people be surprised to learn about you and your business? I provide over 25 years of professional framing experience and bring my expertise to them. I am available seven days a week and evenings too. Also, a lot of people do not know there are many different price ranges of framing. For example, glass type—such as non-glare vs. museum vs. conservation—can affect the price greatly, and many times customers are not aware that they have these options. I want my customers to know their options; framing does not have to be as expensive as other “brick & mortar” type frame shops charge.
What was the most memorable work experience you’ve had in Wilton? After September 11th, the former Wilton police chief, Michael Lombardo, asked me to frame the Memorial 9/11 Flag to hang in the Wilton Police Headquarters. I took great pleasure in this honor, and the framed flag is still there today.
What is the most challenging item you have had to frame? About 10 years ago a customer brought in a 7 ft.-by-5 ft. map of the world. The map was huge! I remember thinking to myself, “Once I am done, can I get this out the door?” As the map was so large I had to use Acrylic instead of glass to protect the piece, especially for transport. To deliver the piece, I rented a van as it wouldn’t fit in my SUV!
What do you love about doing business in Wilton? I love giving back to my town. Something that many people don’t know about me is that I take a portion of the proceeds and donate to our local animal shelter, Animals in Distress. They are a great, no-kill rescue operation. I adopted three of my cats from there.
What do you hope to teach/give your customers? I hope to give my customers a product that they will enjoy for many years to come, something that they might even pass along to their children. Art is an extension of my customers—it could be a beloved family photo, a cherished oil painting, or a fun drawing by their kids.
How can people reach you? Anyone can reach me on my cell phone at 203.505.9186 or by my email address. Other than framing, I also offer oil painting and frame restoration.