I am writing to update you on the latest news with the gallery.

After spending more time with the doctors last night, it became more and more clear that Mom’s recovery will be very long and involved.  Physical and occupational therapy alone will require months of work to make her strong enough to return to work.

 Considering both her long convalescence and the struggles of operating the business in her absence, our family has decided to close the gallery at the end of the month.  Our last day of operation will be Wednesday, February 29. 

From this point forward, we will not accept any new framing orders because the typical turnaround time can be a couple of weeks.  However, we will continue to sell art at the discounted rate of 18% that we announced previously. If you have finished framed work in the gallery, please come by to pick it up by 2/29/12. 

Although the gallery was so important to Mom, after 38 years of operation, the last few of which were in very difficult economic conditions, she needed a change of pace.  We had often discussed going into business together, and I hope we have that opportunity once she wakes up and recovers. On behalf of my mother and our entire family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your years of patronage, loyalty, and most of all, love and friendship.

Some of you already know, though many of you may not, Marian Berman, the owner, president, and heart of Gallery 44 is gravely ill. She is currently in the ICU in a coma–the result of extremely fast-acting and acute pneumonia and subsequent complications. She and her doctors have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks and months–and it will be months–to get her back to the smiling self we all know and love.

Everyone keeps asking what they can do. Unfortunately, there is little any of us can do for her at this stage–in the ICU, she cannot receive visitors, cards, nor gifts. However, in an attempt to help keep the cash flow at the gallery in her absence, we are holding a Healing and Hope sale.

In the Jewish tradition, all Hebrew letters have a numerical value. The total numerical value of a word is believed to have some of the same properties as that word. The Hebrew word for life, “chai” has the numerical value of 18. As we say “to life!” in Marian’s honor, we invite you to ”save life”: all in stock merchandise is now 18% off. You can also receive double-chai or $36 off all custom framing orders of at least $200.

If you are unable to stop by the gallery, but would still like to help, her friends and family have set up a special “Recovery Fund” for Marian. You can make gifts to support her here.

Additionally, I am updating a blog about her status–and the progress of my pregnancy (I’m expecting her second grandchild, my first child, in early April). Please feel free to check there for any updates. You can find the blog here: chutzpahfiles.blogspot.com.

Sincerely,

Tracie (Marian’s oldest daughter)

P.S. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Please consider stopping in the gallery as soon as you can. If there is a painting you’ve been thinking about, now is the time.

I declare the first ever (but probably not the last)

 “Give Your House a Present Sale”.

I bet that you think that it is too late to get beautiful custom frames like these in time for the holidays. Or, if you could, that there would be a huge rush charge.

But you forget that I am the Queen of Good Intentions, procrastinator extraordinaire. Which means that I thrive on tight deadlines; it makes me more creative. (At least that’s what I tell my husband who tries to have his Christmas shopping finished by Valentine’s Day). I understand your pain. Maybe that’s why we won “Best of Howard County” again.

So do not despair. We have extended our guaranteed Christmas delivery date to Monday, December 19. I have chained Bill and Ron to the framing table but I promise to feed them daily.

And to celebrate our kindred procrastination and winning the “Best of Howard County” award, we are giving a present to everyone who purchases art or framing between now and December 20^th.  You will receive a photo album of your choice with every purchase. They are perfect for you or as a gift.

So hurry in (or take your time, you have until Monday) for our signature custom framing, a photo album and a peek at the boys working hard.

Marian

P. S. Don’t panic if you won’t get that needlepoint finished in time. We always have gift certificates.

P.P.S. There are still some spots available on Sunday for “Make Your Own Present Day.”

Picasso said that children’s art is the only true art. I don’t know that he is correct but I do know that I still cherish the paintings, drawings, sculptures and even painted rocks that my girls made when they were young.

I remembered the fun of making those rocks recently and a light bulb went on over my head. Why not open the gallery on a Sunday and allow children to register to participate in art projects that I would then frame and gift wrap so that the recipient would even be surprised? At that point, I heard the voice of my organized and efficient, smarter sister, Paula:

“Have you lost your mind? What were you thinking?” (She really has been known to say that. Usually to my niece and nephew).

Undaunted, (she is a very benevolent sister) I have commandeered volunteers, bought enough plastic to cover the carpet and arranged a photographer, Maili Godwin, to capture the event for each child in order to produce the first ever “Make Your Own Framed Present at Gallery 44 Day” on December 18.

For a fee of twenty-five dollars per child, we will provide the materials and guidance for an age appropriate painting, drawing or collage. When you pick up your child, grandchild, niece, nephew,local waif, etc; we will whisk the masterpieces to our elves who will cheerfully frame, gift wrap and label each one and the package will include a photo of the child. Pick-up will be Wednesday, December 21st but earlier times can be arranged.

We will host 12 children at a time and registration is required. This is one time I can’t bend the roles; we only have 1 toilet! Parents (or guardians for the day) may hover or come back in an hour. So call me at 410-465-5200, text to 410-917-3544 or email me at marian@gallery44.com to reserve your child’s spot.

Marian

P. S. Insure your child’s space to make a gift by calling today. We will try to honor everyone’s request for a time slot.

P.P.S. Can you believe that I can do this for only $25.00 per child?