H. Marion Framing Studio
Gives Back to Local Community

WILMETTE, IL  —  The stars of the most recent gallery opening at H. Marion Framing Studio were student artists from Avoca School District 37’s Marie Murphy Junior High School. Gallery owner Jan Marion, an alum of the district, hosted the event in an effort to give back to the community.

“Fostering art appreciation among schoolchildren is vital,” Marion, who supports local artists of all ages, says. “There is a strong link between kids who make art and their level of focus and success later in life. It’s also a great way to give back to the community.” (more…)

Pam Rosenberg, IIDA, ASID

featured in the Winter ‘08 issue of ASID’s
Inside Illinois Newsletter

by Peter Gianopulos

Sometimes the difference between a stressful and acceptable hospital stay is the simple matter of the right art being on the walls.

There was a time, not too long ago in fact, when every hospital waiting room in the land seemed to be painted in mint-green hues. Pistachio and lime as far as the eye could see.

The prevailing wisdom said that cool greens had a soothing effect on patients, but Jan Marion, the current owner of H. Marion Framing stores in Glenview and Wilmette, knew better. He spent many years visiting hospitals with his ailing father, Harold, and saw the spaces for what they were: “scary,” “cold” and “institutional-looking.”

It’s one of the reasons Marion has devoted so much of his time and resources to the “healing art” movement, which seeks to comfort health-care patients (and their families) via soothing design schemes and inspirational art. (more…)

by Alyssa Taylor

The choice of frames on artwork makes a strong impact in the design of your home.

Jan Marion of H. Marion Framing and his team of designers have been in the framing business for over thirty years and has acquired a lot of useful knowledge on the subject.

Lead Design staff of H. Marion Framing at the grand opening of their new frame studio in Wilmette's Edens Plaza.

“There are certain techniques and materials that need to be used so that your art will last,” he says. “Both from a preservation standpoint but also from a quality of raw materials, we need to make sure that your piece will look as good in 5, 10, 50 years as it does the day you pick it up in the frame shop.”

When framing a collection of prints, drawings, or photographs, it’s wise to frame all of the pieces in similar profiles, giving the collection more impact, drawing attention to the work itself.

Many designers select simple black, ebonized frame profiles or a soft nickel or gold-leaf finish.

Marion explains that frames should complement their environment, as well as the art they hold. “From a design standpoint, our frames are seen as an interior finish,” he said. “A home that has exquisite finishes like hardwood, granite, real stone, custom millwork and designer furniture should have art and framing of a consistent quality.”

In their new Wilmette showroom Marion and his head designer, Pam Rosenberg offer numerous options for frame moldings and pictures. (more…)

by Chris Gaerig

Jan Marion, owner and founder of H. Marion Framing Studio, understands that green design involves more than just meeting the latest industry standards. “Specifically for healthcare design, not only must it look good, but also it needs to reflect the values of and reinforce the brand image of the facility.” says Marion. Such is the philosophy behind the firm’s latest project at St. Francis Hospital’s Wolf Gallery, in Evanston, Illinois. 

Read the full article in Healthcare Design’s Aug. ‘08 issue