Picture Perfect Framing: Making, Matting, Mounting, Embellishing, Displaying and More - Book Review

Arts & Activities, June, 2003 by Jerome J. Housman

(2002; $14.95, paperback) by Katie DuMont. Lark Books, 50 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

There is more detailed and technical information about framing than would likely be needed by classroom teachers who wish to frame student artwork. Nevertheless, this book would serve as a useful reference for a teacher resource center; it provides clear and detailed instructions for matting and mounting artwork. It outlines the steps in assembling wooden and metal sectional flames. The book also includes discussion of arranging and hanging works of art. A glossary of terms is included at the end of the book. Overall, this book calls attention to the important functions performed by framing a work of art: a picture frame helps define the artwork by separating it from its surroundings; it helps to make the work more portable as well as secure; and lastly, the frame helps present the art to its best advantage.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 395 on the Reader Service Card.