A collection of vintage doorknobs, keys and locks, dried hydrangeas and one perfect piece of art on a lone easel have been trademarks in the windows of her store on SE Pioneer Way for almost eight and a half years. The success of NANCY SANDERS’ NS FRAMES has been a good thing, but North Whidbey’s most creative woman has decided the work can be better done in a new shop at her home.
We met years ago at the old Ben Franklin store. The store closed, but the unsinkable Nancy struck out on her own. Word of mouth brought in people from the community and squadrons from the naval air station. She would greet customers up front and build custom frames in the back. This year the time just seemed right for her to move the business to her home. She speaks from the heart in telling the people of Oak Harbor what they mean to her. “It’s been a great time and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my customers and the community.”
Nancy believes we can all make art. After all, she became an artist at age 10 and claims she has never seen a bad piece of art. Creating art can be as easy as preserving a family heirloom or a child’s first painting. Customers like to come in and browse at their own pace. When they are ready, Nancy walks them through the project step by step, determining what mat, protective covering, ready-made frame or custom frame to choose.
Her sale is in progress. “We have an amazing amount of mat boards for professional artists and dabbers, Framed art and prints, workbenchs and some antiques.” For those who recall, her two Louis XIV chairs, circa 1840 and survivors of the Civil War, have found a home where they will be well loved. “They are in a home with a spiral staircase and a silver closet. How fabulous is that!”
It’s hard to think of her shop being dark. It has been a favorite hangout of mine and many others for a long time. She will be back in operation mid-September. Nancy’s phone (279-1329) is still connected. You may want to leave a message so she can call you back a bit later, or just wish her good luck in her new endeavor.
Right to risk …
Back in November the News-Times shared with readers the story of Coupeville resident Kathleen Jo Ryan and her documentary Right to Risk.
“Right to Risk” was filmed in May 2005 and accompanies eight individuals on a 15-day, 225-mile whitewater raft trip down the Colorado River through Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The film is about every individual’s right to choose what they are willing to do and risk in pursuit of their dreams.
Well, since we last checked in with Ms. Ryan, “Right to Risk” has garnered much support locally, regionally and nationally. It’s received airtime on local Public Broadcast Station KCTS, as well screen time at festivals and presentations around the nation.
The film’s message is definitely something to be shared. Learn more about the documentary, its national sponsorship and support and how to get your own copy, visit www.righttorisk.org. To learn more about the phenomenal Kathleen Jo Ryan, visit www.kjryan.com.
Help paddlers …
As many as 100 families will arrive by canoe July 30 at Lummi Reservation for the historic Paddle to Lummi Canoe Journey. These families will travel the traditional water highways in their hand-carved cedar craft for as long as 23 days for the gathering, coming from as far away as Alaska, Canada and Oregon. Each canoe and its paddlers are being accompanied on the journey by a support team.
The paddlers are expected to make stops on Whidbey some time between July 26 and 29.
Lummi Nation will welcome each canoe family with a food box to help support them for the following six-day potlatch and cultural celebration. Thousands of people from tribes throughout the Pacific NW, BC and non Indian-visitors will attend this event. When the canoes leave Lummi to return home on Aug. 5, they will be presented with a farewell box of non-perishable food for their journey.
Oak Harbor residents are invited to show their support for this event by donating food items at ALBERTSONS, 1450 SW Erie St., 279-8828.
Preferred non-perishable items include: cases of water, cases of Capri Sun or similar drinks, energy/rehydrating drinks, dry cereal, peanut butter, jam, soup and stews in cans or packages, beans in cans, canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, pasta sauce in jars, salad dressing, canned fish (tuna, salmon), energy bars, meat and fish jerky, dried fruit and fruit rolls/sticks, nuts, crackers.
Anyone preferring to donate funds for the purchase of perishable items instead, or for further information, should contact Betty Bastai at 675-7746 or Kara Black at 676-2300.
I’ll be back Aug. 1. Until then, be sure to send me your summer happenings. Email
lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.
