I discovered THE VILLAGER a few years ago, shortly after relocating to Auburn, Alabama from Colorado.  If you've ever moved to a new area, you might understand the feeling that can seem like little pieces of you are missing in the new landscape. For me it was the height of mountains and crystal clear streams, colors captured in waterfalls & rocks, animated forests & forms and the seeming magic of changing seasons and skies... Pablo Picasso once said that Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. One day (and many thereafter) I walked through the door of THE VILLAGER and found breathing room, or, as some might call it, 'a breath of fresh air'... I slowly turn the pages of surroundings and impressions that tend to trigger a soulful resonance, listening to everyday words in forms of paint & glass, wood & fired clay, color, light, textures, paper, metals, inspired designs that have been drawn from inner stillness, offerings of gratitude and grace. From the classical and fantastic to the whimsical and heavenly... displayed are studies in simplicity, recycled rhythms, pieces of prose and pewter, lyrical ladles and other poetic utensils, gardens of grace, gorgeous gems and jewels that each seem to be an ode to joy... there is even a wall of cats...you just have to be curious!

THE VILLAGER had its beginnings as a do-it-yourself frame shop in 1971, growing into a custom frame shop and distinguished art gallery, today featuring artists from across the States and Canada.

Purchased in January of 2001 by Frank and Ingrid Brown from Frank's mom, The Villager continues the family tradition of fine craftsmanship and exquisite custom framing design on which the business was founded.* 

Frank and Ingrid, both Auburn University (AL) graduates, were marketing majors and attended Auburn at the same time, but they did not meet each other until 12 years later while both were working in Atlanta. After a chance meeting [was this Art imitating Life?] in a frame shop in Roswell, GA, Frank and Ingrid brought their personal and professional lives together in Auburn.*

The Villager began its 36^th year in 2007. Frank and Ingrid claim that "the Villager is 36 years young," describing the challenges and knowledge gained each day the gallery is open.  Together Frank and Ingrid have transformed The Villager into a gallery and custom frame shop that is a destination for shoppers who enjoy art and the talent of artisans.*

On Glenn Avenue, You'll notice the unique sign for THE VILLAGER, which was a custom creation by Massachusettes artist, Dale Rogers. This same artist created the dog of sculptured metal, who stands guard over the front entrance gardens, garnished with ceramic mushrooms by an artist from Utah.

Please...Step Inside...   

 *excerpts from press releases and other published information, reprinted with kind permission from Jessie King, Marketing Manager for THE VILLAGER. She can be reached by email or phone (334.821.8174)

THE VILLAGER's new website is about to launch. You can visit their website HERE.

© Copyright 2009 - Except where noted, this posting is the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved.

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

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Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.