June-July 2026
Summer is in full bloom at Frame Gallery Gifts & Art! From Lendon Noe's thoughtful watercolor exhibition inspired by the beauty of flowers, to a hands-on workshop, favorite custom framing project, and the launch of our new Makers Market, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with art, creativity, and community. We hope to see you soon!
To Sit With a Flower: Paintings by Lendon Noe
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art is delighted to welcome Jackson, Tennessee, artist Lendon Noe back to Sewanee for a solo exhibition, To Sit With a Flower: Paintings by Lendon Noe, opening on Friday, June 26, 2026. A reception for the artist will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view at Frame Gallery Gifts & Art through July 25.
Inspired by Sewanee professor David Haskell's book, Flowers Made Our World, Noe's latest body of work explores the practice of giving a flower one's full attention. Near the end of the book, Haskell invites readers to "play" with flowers and suggests a variety of ways to engage with the natural world. One of those invitations is to "sit" with a flower.
Noe says, “I placed quotation marks around the word ‘sit’ because the experience resembles a form of meditation—a quiet act of observation and presence.” Through watercolor, she has embraced this practice, creating paintings that reflect both the beauty of flowers and the deeper act of seeing them.
For more than twenty-five years, Noe's artwork has explored themes of natural history, ancestry, and place. A sense of curiosity, observation, and connection to the natural world characterizes her paintings.
Watercolor Painting Workshop
As a companion to the exhibition, Noe will lead a watercolor workshop on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Frame Gallery Studio. Participation is limited to eight students, who will have a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Participants may bring their own lunch or enjoy a meal at a local Sewanee restaurant.
Workshop participants will gather in community to "sit" with a flower and explore a fluid, spontaneous, and expressive approach to watercolor painting. No prior painting experience is required, making the workshop suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike seeking a fresh approach to watercolor.
Custom Framing Feature
Our latest Friday's favorite framing project is an autographed photograph of Joan Crawford inscribed to Clark Gable. The warm matting complements Joan's beautiful, flawless complexion, while the subtle floral pattern of the ivory frame hints at her elegance and grace. A delicate gold inlay further enhances the image, drawing attention to her stunning gown and adding a touch of Hollywood glamour.
What a treat it is to imagine that remarkable era—filled with style, romance, and cinematic magic. Framing pieces like this allows us to preserve not only a photograph but also a glimpse into a fascinating moment in history.
Bring us your treasured photograph, old or new, and we’ll help you choose a frame that beautifully enhances its character and preserves its story.
First Makers Market on July 3!
Our first Makers Market will be held on Friday, July 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Frame Gallery. Visitors can enjoy:
Handmade artwork and fair-traded crafts
An art demonstration by Connie Keetle
Independence Day Chalk the Walk activities
Face-making art for children and the young at heart
Frame Gallery's new Makers Market is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the joy of making things by hand. The market brings together artists, makers, and creative thinkers to share their work, ideas, and inspiration with the community.
At its heart, the Makers Market embraces the belief that creativity is for everyone. From handmade gifts and original artwork to creative art kits and one-of-a-kind treasures, the focus is on exploration, connection, and the simple pleasure of creating. It's a place where process matters as much as the finished product and where experimentation, play, and discovery are encouraged.
We hope to welcome additional makers throughout the summer to display and sell their handmade work. Artists working in any medium are encouraged to reply to this email or contact us to participate.
Stop by, shop small, meet local makers, and celebrate creativity with us!
Product Features: Handmade Table Decor
We're proud to feature products by makers near and far, including these gorgeous hand-printed table runners, tablecloths, and napkins from Natural Habitat! Visit our collection of Sewanee Gifts or click below to explore unique decor and gifts to brighten any gathering.
