Nov. 23th, 2009

DBA'ers,

With Thanksgiving at our doorstep and Christmas right around the corner, it seems like a good time for all of us to say thanks for the good things that have come our way over the last year. For some, it might be family and friends. For some, it might personal challenges faced down. For others, it might be new additions through marriages and births. It might also be sometime as simple as being thankful for the same old job you have had forever or the new one that you hope will last forever. Whatever your situation, there are plenty of things to be thankful for and plenty of reasons to stop for a couple of minutes and reflect on some of the good things that have happen over the last year.

And now having said that..........

Let us also say that if you are just dying to spend some money on gifts and framing, let us in on that also! In particular we love to frame the fun family stuff that means so much to everyone in the years to come. The old family photos, the diplomas, the wedding pictures, the family vacation picture.....all of it. You get it to us and we'll take it from there. Janice and VC have been doing it this way for years and we are thankful for your business and friendship. Simply said.....You are what We are thankful for.

Nov. 29th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Jerry and Kathy Chappelle have more stories, history, experiences, prolific production of clay, workshops, apprentices, and emotion tied to their several collective careers than most people could stand. Degreed, Juried, and Commissioned, Jerry left a tenured track Art professorship at the University of Georgia, and with his wife Kathy, created Happy Valley, a somewhat free form Co-op of experienced artists, newbies, dedicated craftsmen, apprentices, and various levels of hanger ons that have helped shape the creative community in the Athens and Watkinsville area for a generation. His quote of who he is and what he believes in when it comes to clay is, “I am traditionally a ‘romantic’ in approach while striving to incorporate my sense of humor. Over the years, designing functional and non-functional clay objects and marketing them has been a means of survival.” And once you meet Jerry and Kathy, you understand the depth, energy, color, and form of their work.

Jerry is celebrating his 70th Birthday this weekend. DonByramArt wishes him and Kathy a very Happy Birthday and are pleased to offer to our customers a very special Birthday Sale on Chappelle's Happy Valley Pottery. Our complete inventory of Happy Valley Pottery is now 25% off through Thanksgiving weekend (just in time for Christmas gift giving)!!!

Take advantage of this once in 70 year sale:) !!

Oct. 26th, 2009

DBA'ers,

We all played "Simon Sez" as kids. Most of us still have the majority of our fingers and toes to prove the game wasn't all that dangerous. Except for Little Billy in the 3rd grade. But that's a different story for a different email.....

Janice, VC, Donna and I were talking at the store the other day about Christmas orders and decided to update the game "Simon Sez" to "Janice Sez". Janice is concerned (thus VC, Donna and I are also) that people are going to wait till the last minute to get their Christmas framing done. You know, the family portraits, the picture of the great aunts and uncles from back in the day. Even that picture of your first car that your wife has kept for the last umpteen years. You know, all those perfect Christmas pictures. For the record, she was concerned last year also.....and was right!

So our new game this year is "Janice Sez" and it works like this:

Janice Sez......"HURRY!!! GET THOSE CHRISTMAS FRAME JOBS TO US NOW!!!"

See.....that didn't hurt, did it? Now, let's talk about Little Billy.....

Oct. 10th, 2009

DBA'ers,

In this fast pace time of year (Christmas is how far away??!!), when we are all running around like our hair's on fire.....we could all use a little relaxation, inspiration, and plain ole down time. We all could use a little "stop and smell the roses" time.

At DonByramArt, one of our favorite place to slow down is the Georgia Botanical Garden in Athens. Not only for the beauty and serenity of the gardens but also because we are in our last week of a 36 piece photography botanical exhibit entitled "Intimacy". The show will run through this weekend. Erin Rossiter and the Athens Banner Herald ran a wonderful article on it this last weekend. The article is located on the web at

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/100409/liv_500603790.shtml .

30% of the purchase price of the artwork will go back to The Botanical Garden and if you mention you saw the display when you get your next frame job done, 10% of your order will be donated to The Botanical Garden.

Also, Janice, who is still running around like her hair is on fire, wanted me to remind everyone to get your frame orders in now before the Christmas rush for framing. She said, "It's OK if they stop and smell the roses, but they need to do it now!"

August 28th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Deal With Cecile!!

Some of you have met my wife, Cecile. If you have, you know Cecile doesn't mess around when it comes to pottery. She loves the stuff and since DonByramArt is all about making things happen, Cecile decided to have a serious sale this weekend.

Christmas is coming, people always are looking for unique locally produced one of a kind gifts, we need to move some inventory, our potters want to sell us some new stuff....it all makes sense.

So.....This Saturday, between 11-3, we are having our first Deal With Cecile Pottery Event.

All pottery in the store will be on sale....at least 20 percent off!!!!

And knowing Cecile.....I wouldn't be too surprised if 20 percent became 25 percent or more....so visit us Saturday and

Deal with Cecile!!!!

July 21st, 2009

DBA'ers,

In our never ending effort to keep you, the gentle DBA email reader, informed and entertained, DonByramArt is constantly working on new and improved ways to keep you informed and entertained through our DBA emails.

What? What was that I just wrote?

OK, let me explain. A couple of weeks ago, a long time customer and retired magician brought in an honest to goodness, hand autographed picture of Harry Houdini for us to frame. We really get to see some wonderful things, not only collectibles like this photo (see attached), but also very personal and touching family photos and history. We recently framed a picture of an Astronaut getting his helmet screwed on by a ground control member, who just happens to be the Father of a DBA'er. How cool is that? We have done enrollment records from the Civil War forefathers and Janice does all kinds of wonderful, Back in the Day, shadow boxes with everything from old high school sports jerseys, to a couple of swim suits (see attached) from a Grandmother who could still come pretty darn close to fitting into them. The cool things people bring in just never ends!

The above paragraph, gentle email reader, is the entertaining part of this email.

The educational.....or sales part of the email is about vacations......

Summer is in full swing, but school is around the corner and vacations are winding down. Our vacation special is from now through the 15th of August. Anything that is even remotely, possibly might be, or should have been related to a vacation can be framed at 15% off using instock moulding!!!! Yep...you read right! So, bring in the family pictures, the silliness, sweetness, events, and even the sand of this years vacation and receive 15% off your next frame job at DonByramArt. We carry a huge amount of moulding in our store, so feel assured we have just the right moulding for you and your vacation memories!!

We also can print your best vacations shots on canvas for a fraction (like, 1/2 or 1/3 or 1/4....you know, one of those fractions) of the cost other folks charge. All we need is a digital file!

And as Harry Houdini was fond of saying, "Act now, before this deal disappears before your very eyes!!"

July 7th, 2009

DBA'ers,

DBA'er Ruth passes a tire and brake shop everyday that has advertised specials on a road sign. It frequently advertises Buy 3, Get 1 Free on tires, shocks, lug nuts.....whatever. She claims it always bothers her when she sees it. She thinks it is a little underhanded, among other things. "I mean, what if, the free tire you receive at no charge is the wrong size, or doesn't have the right amount of air pressure, or if that is the one tire that goes flat?? What then? How is that a bargain?" She says she would feel more comfortable knowing she paid a fair price for all four tires because she has a sneaking suspicion the garage makes their profit with the first two tires, sells you 3 tires and dupes you by making you think they are giving the 4th away.

Ruth (who never has been shy about sharing her thoughts with us) then brought her sentiments closer to home. She said it is the same in the framing business. When a retailer runs a 50% off sale on framing, what does that tell you about (A) their everyday prices and (B) what they really think about their customers????? Shouldn't the customer get a fair price and quality every day?!

So......

(With Ruth in mind,) instead of having a buy 3, get 1 side free (feels sneaky type sale), DonByramArt is having a BUY 4, GET 1 SIDE FREE (honest-to-goodness type) promotion!! Yes friends, you too can rest easy knowing all 4 sides of your frame will match -- there won't be goofy 4-inch frame on one side with 2-inch wide frames on the other sides. You'll sleep better knowing that all four sides of your frame will also match in color and quality. And as an extra Ruth-Bonus, you can even personally pick-your-own-5th-side (you know, the honest-to-goodness-free one!) fresh from our cutting saw bucket in the back!

Now that's a deal!!

I know, it's a concept that takes a little getting used to.....but wouldn't the world be a better place if you not only got better-than-what-you-paid-for, but a little extra?? While having a 5th side free might not be ranked up there with world peace or fixing global warming....it might make you laugh a little, and that has value also.

And who knows....a little laughter might really be the key to world peace and fixing global warming.

So laugh well, gentle reader, at DBA we have Ruth in Advertising!

June 30th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Janice loves summer and all the craziness it brings with kids and grandkids. Not only her own, but any and everyone who brings kids in the front door of the store.

When she suggested she spend a little time creating some mats to frame kid pictures…..VC and I were on board with the project 100%.

Wait till you see what she came up with!!!!!

She created personalized, school-color, cut-out mats for all the local High Schools: Commerce, Banks County, Madison County, East Jackson, and Jefferson—your mats are “run-ready” (that’s our technical term for leave the engine running while you sprint into DonByramArt and do a fast point and pick). Need a middle school or any other school? Janice can do that! She has you covered on your sports as well as special cut-outs for band and Senior picture mats!

She has mats for babies, horses, dance, gymnastics, puppy and cat mats. You get the picture! She even has a whole series of hunting and fishing mats. My personal favorite is a pink and white “MY 1st DEER” mat for the girl hunters! VC’s favorite is the green and yellow tractor mat. Says it reminds him of his favorite “back in the day” tractor. Janice’s favorite….well, whichever one she is working on at the moment!

And since these mats are the same museum quality mats as we use for our custom framing, they are archival, acid free, and will never fade. We have a technical framing term for this kind of mat…..it is called “The Good Stuff”. We have most of these mats available in standard 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20 sizes.

I’m attaching a couple of photos. One of them is Janice standing beside her mat rack holding some samples. The other picture is a wonderful little project brought to us by Lori Drummond.

Lori had an absolutely darling picture of her daughter drawn by an artist we represent, Deborah Cidboy. Lori couldn’t make up her mind which mat would be best. The pink mat brought out the color of the hat. The brown mats brought out the skin tones, hair and eyes. The blue mat brought out the clothing and background. So…..she just picked them all…..seemed like the best thing to do!! Once again, we have a technical framing term for this process. It is called “Really Cool Stuff”! The whole project was a lot of fun and looks downright fabulous! Proving it is sometimes good to let yourself go when creating the perfect mat and frame combination!

As for Janice and her mats?? It is all about kids, grandkids, and Mid-Summer Mat Dreams!

June 13th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Last week we received the infamous Nigerian email claiming a lost $15M fortune from our Father was ours to be transferred to the bank of our choice, they just needed $915 for the "Waiver Commission Registration Fee"......

We were a little confused, because Janice, VC and I didn't realize we were even related until we got the email. But, surprisingly, as we started comparing details of our lives, we discovered we had enough in common that maybe, sorta, kinda we could have had the same Father......especially for $15M.

Sadly, we couldn't come up with the $915 for the registration fee so we weren't able to claim our mutual inheritance from our Father (I never knew Dad was in Nigeria! Must have been during the War). But it was nice of the Nigerians to think of us and we sent them a nice little note back suggesting several things they could do with the $15M. I even added them to our email list. Seemed like the least I could do for them.

But it did get us talking about the wonderful Fathers we were blessed with (just don't tell the Nigerians we don't have the same one) and as Father's Day approaches we decided we would like to say Hi to all the special Dad's out there. Thanks for taking care of us and the $15M, even if we never see it.

Our Father's Day Special, by the way, is for any frame job that totals $915, we promise to cut you in on our $15M inheritance......just as soon as we get ours. We promise.

Also, don't forget we are running 10% off framing (mention the email......cause we forget!!) for the rest of the month of June!!!

June1st, 2009

DBA'ers,

Save up to $1M at DBA.

VC came into the store this morning and unveiled his DBA promotion for June. He says we will be happy to give you a 10% discount on any purchases over $10M. He pointed out all the wonderful things a customer could do with the extra $1M you would save by framing with us. Including new houses, lots of slightly used Lincoln Town Cars, funding scholarship programs, donating to hospitals and/or churches, saving the whales, spaceflight, etc., etc.

Janice was a little skeptical anyone would take us up on the offer. And, at DBA, when speaks, people listen. She was in favor of lowering the threshold from Janice$10M to a little bit lower......like $100.00. We discussed it more. I pointed out that even if we had one person take us up on the $10M offer, we could all pretty much retire. We all thought that was a good point. But like usual, in the end, Janice got us to listen......which is probably best. She pointed out that on a $200 order, the customer could save $20 and spend that extra money down the strip from us for gifts at Sassy Rabbit, new-old stuff at Fabulous Finds, really old stuff at Vintage Blessings or maybe yummy stuff from Nessa-Rays Bakery, a banner from Pak-Mail (new service from them), a pile of books from the Bookstands or even buy a bunch of crickets at FFS Pets for their pet Boa Constrictor. She also pointed out that if 5,000 people did that this month, then that would add up to the same $1M that VC wanted to save for our customers and a lot more people would get to share the wealth. VC and I thought it made sense.

When Janice is right......Janice is right. Our June promotion is 10% off all framing over $100.00!!!

Our goal is still the same. We want to save our customers $1M in June.....we just need 5,000 people.

So, if you know anyone who might need diplomas, wedding pictures, portraits, family shots, artwork, or anything else expertly and economically framed.....pass this email and this great June 10% off all framing orders over $100.00 along to them:)

May 15th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Sometimes.....in our busy lives, it is important not only do the things we know are right, but also take a second and remember why we do them. Please read the following.

The mission statement for the Boys & Girls Club is:

Our Mission is the Movement's Reason for Being

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

A Boys & Girls Club Provides

A safe place to learn and grow...

Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals...

Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences...

Hope and opportunity.

In Jackson County, close to 200 children are served by our Boys and Girls Clubs with facilities located in Jefferson and Commerce. Having double the everything in one organization is both a blessing to our communities and an extra responsibility. I won't ramble much about the blessings children bring to us or the responsibilities we have to them. All you really need to know is written in the Mission Statement and maybe a quick look in the mirror.

Last fall, DonByramArt sponsored the first YART SALE where our customers, communities, corporate partners, charity organizations, and just plain folk donated new, used, old, wonderful, meaningful, not-so-meaningful, extra, weird, personal art they had at their houses or businesses or in the old rusted school bus that they used to take to deer camp every fall. It was wonderful and a little amazing what came into the store in support of our Boys & Girls Club. We had everything from original oil paintings of flowers carefully painted by Grandmothers to prints of a surface to air missile system by Rayatheon. We raised $1100 in two days......$5 and $10 at a time. Not a huge fundraiser by a lot of standards, but not too bad for a first time out either. And Janice, VC, and I were pretty old fashioned proud of it:)

This Memorial Day weekend (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th) we are doing it again.

First, we need art donations. Whether you are reading this from home, work, school, or wherever, take a look around. We need art. All kinds of art. Whether it hangs from a wall or sits on a table or lives in the garden. If you thought it was art, cute, interesting or just a strange gift from a distant relative at sometime or another.....we want it! Most of us have "objects de arte" that we don't know what to do with or feel bad about throwing them away because of how we received them (or how much we paid for it!!!). That's what we are looking for! Not only do you get to feel good about recycling and finding a good home for some art, it is also tax deductible since it is considered a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs. We have a very broad definition of art, so very, very little will be considered "not art". We need these donations between now and next Thursday the 21st. To quote Larry the Cable Guy....."Get R Done!!"

Second, we need you to visit us over the Memorial Day weekend and shop!! Last fall, we had people who bought art to finish their game room in the basement, gifts for people they liked and some they didn't, they needed the frame the art came in, and art for their office and/or home. A little bit of it all!! We have also already contacted Jim Cantore at The Weather Channel and he has given us a green light for great weather.

The YART SALE is truly a win-win event for everyone. You win and feel good by donating and buying, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County win, and most importantly, the children we are blessed with and are responsible for in our communities win!!

May 7th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Gentle reminder about the Athens Photography Guild Juried Show opening this Saturday with a reception at 11 o'clock. Refreshments will be served (good stuff from Burns-Teleford House in Maysville!) Come see us!

We have 21 photographers showing 32 pieces of work. The APG is made up of a wide ranging group of amateur and professional photographers who enjoy sharing their passion for photography, art, and wonderful fellowship on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Lyndon House in Athens. Their website is www.athensphotographyguild.com (works best with IE....firefox has issues with it). The show will run through June 6th.

Participating photographers are:

Tony Amdur
Richard Botters
OC Carlisle
Stefan Eberhard
Anne Edens
Lee Fox
Ben Hodges
Elizabeth McDaniels
Jim Midcap
Chris Mitts
Roger Moore
Franklyn Dee Myrick II
David Noah
Ralph Perdomo
Sherrie Pruitt
Phil Pyle
Randy Ross
Melissa Scott
Jim Strawser
John Weber
Shannon Williams

We are located across the parking lot from The Pottery on the way to Outback Steakhouse, just south of I-85 in the Commerce Crossing shopping center.

May 4th, 2009

DBA'ers,

Simple and straight to the point today......

You are cordially invited to the opening reception of The Athens Photography Guild Juried Photography Show this Saturday, May 9th at 11am at DonByramArt. We have 32 accepted pieces from the wonderful and eclectic group of photographers making up the APG. The Athens Photography Guild meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm at the Lyndon House in Athens. If you are a newbie photographer with your first point and shoot, or a seasoned veteran with thicker lenses than George Burns, you are invited to join in as we share images, learn a little technical stuff, and most importantly, share your passion for creating.

It is in this spirit DonByramArt is very pleased to be a member and partner with The Athens Photography Guild. We are proud to present the Juried Show which visualizes the emotions, spirits, moods, movement, colors of the world we live in. There will be light refreshments, provided by The Burns-Teleford House of Maysville and more creative people in one spot than should be allowed by law! The exhibit will be displayed though June 6. Please join us!

Our other big event for the month of May is the YART SALE to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County. It will be held over the Memorial Day weekend of May 23rd and 24th. We are asking all of our DBA'ers and the community to bring in all your art you are no longer using as a tax deductible donation to The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County. This is a great opportunity and excuse to redecorate and recycle your artwork, all for reasons you can feel good about! So, join us on May 23rd and 24th for the YART SALE and between now and then.....dig out all the art that has collected in all the odd corners of your house and life and bring it to us!!

April 25th, 2009

dba'ers,

This is an exclusive DonByramArt email concerning Matthew Stafford and his being picked overall number 1 in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.

Matthew Stafford was shocked today shortly after closing the 6 year $72 million deal with the Detroit Lions to discover his right arm (throwing arm) has signed with a separate agent than the rest of his body and flatly refuses to move to Detroit. His arm stated, through his own agent, that regardless of what the rest of Matthew decided, it was "insane" to physically relocate to Detroit and try to fix what "even Obama can't fix.....namely Detroit". His arm said it was willing to play in the NFL anywhere else and hinted that it had heard that Denver "might need another starting SEC quarterback". "I would be willing to play in Detroit, only if I was there to win games, which means I would be playing for any of the other teams in the league".

Matthew Stafford's agent was unavailable for comment when he discovered the terms of the deal Matthew's arm made with it's agent. Rumors have it that 85% of Matthew and his agent are renegotiating the terms of their deal.

In a related story, Lion's wide receiver and former Georgia Tech's Tallest All American In A Long Time, Calvin Johnson was surprised to discover a bullseye painted on the back of his helmet in Red and Black when he went to pick up this year's Lion's playbook. Previously, the always gracious Johnson was quoted as saying, "I would be happy to catch footballs from Matthew or anyone else for that matter, as long as they (Lions) don't re-sign Reggie Ball". Reggie Ball couldn't be reached for comment as he was working on a tight deadline to get the pizza delivered in less than 30 minutes.

Thanks for playing nicely....well kinda...

April 21, 2009

DBA'ers,
In a previous life, I had a friend named Jim Kaiser who owned a Ben Franklin store in West Memphis, Arkansas.

In the early 70's one of Elvis's "people" would give Jim a call every few months and ask him to open his store on Sunday afternoon or keep it open later than normal hours because Elvis wanted to come over and shop. Jim and his wife Francis would agree to a time and The King and his court would cross the river to Arkansas and shop for 2-3 hours all by themselves. Jim and Francis would sit behind the counter, keep to themselves and at the end of the shopping trip ring out Elvis and his entourage. Elvis would always make it a point to personally come to the counter and thank them for keeping the store open for him. Jim said sometimes it would be $200-$300 and sometimes it would be $2,000-$3,000. He never asked for Elvis's autograph and Elvis never offered it. Jim always got the feeling that Elvis enjoyed the chance just to be normal for a few hours.

I was sharing this story with Janice and VC and we decided we should do the same thing. So we are offering "Shop like Elvis at DBA". Here is how it works. You call us and tell us when you want to shop. We will be happy to be there anytime between 9am-7pm, Monday through Saturday. You come in and browse all you want and we won't bother you. When you get done shopping, we will ring you out and not ask for your autograph on anything but the charge slip. And as an added bonus, we will softly play Elvis tunes on VC's record player and say things like, "you ain't nothing but a hound dog" and "don't step on my blue suede shoes". We might even say, "Dance like no one's watching, love like you've never been hurt" in an Elvis voice. While that's not really an Elvis quote, the conspirators say he said it to either Ann Margaret or Priscilla....when no one was watching. Lastly, for the true Elvis treatment, we will make sure to have a peanut butter and banana "samich" handy so you can not only shop like Elvis, you can munch like Elvis.

In other DBA NEWS, we have just a few days left of the Alex Chambers April Special. Alex is a wonderful watercolor artist from Homer and for the rest of the month we are offering any of his prints FREE when you frame it. Quite a deal and we have done several great pieces this month. You can see his work at www.donbyramart.com/carpediem.

May is a huge month for us.

On Saturday, May 9th, we will be opening The Athens Photography Guild's Juried Show at the store. The APG is a passionate group of local photographers, both professional and amatuer, who meet monthly to share their work and experiences with each other at the Lyndon-House in Athens. It is a great way and setting to learn a little and get the creative juices going. The APG website is www.athensphotographyguild.com for more info. We will be showing some of the APG member's current work and we are proud to be both a member and partner with The Athens Photography Guild. Most of the work will be for sale.

May 23rd and 24th is the YART SALE to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County. It's officially time to bring into the store all the art you don't use anymore as a donation to the Boys & Girls Club. We have a fairly large concept of what art "is", so don't worry if you're not sure if that weird wall thing you got for a birthday 10 years ago is really art. We promise it is. On the 23rd and 24th, we will have the actual YART SALE and all the goodies will be for sale at yard sale prices! It is a great way to redecorate, recycle, and reevaluate your art!!

I know we covered quite a bit in this email....thank!!

April 7th, 2009

DBA'ers

We've done another study.

And people who read our emails are more likely to frame with us.

Thank you for reading this email.

See you soon!

DBA EMAIL: 4/2/2009

April 2 , 2009

DBA'ers,

VC said I better stick to the facts in this email. Said we had too much real information to communicate this time around, so I should back off on the normal stuff I make up. So, you will have to wait til the next email before you find out why there is a bowling trophy on the front page of our website and what that has to do with Easter. But....I promise there is a connection....next time you are there, wiggle the cursor around it:) (donbyramart.com)

OK, let's get to the important stuff.

1. We still are running our Alex Chambers special through the end of April. Because people like his work (and Alex) so well, we are giving away his artwork when you get it framed with us. We call it the "Frame Alex for Nothing.....well, Kinda" promotion. To see his work, click www.donbyramart.com/carpediem.

2. It's time to start collecting art for our YART SALE in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County. If you remember, we had one last fall and raised $1100 in two days for the Club. Our date this year is Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday the 24th. We are hoping to kick it up a notch or two from last year and we need your help to do it! Dig in your attics, basements, closets, behind the sofa and find all the art you can and bring it into the store. It will be a donation to the Boys & Girls Club. On May 23rd and 24th, you can come here and find new art treasures or just rebuy the ones you donated! We're good with that also. In fact, that almost happened last YART SALE. I won't mention any names (Jon Massey) cause I wouldn't want to bring it up to him (Jon Massey) again, but he (Jon Massey) did pretty good giving and receiving this last YART SALE. But seriously, this doesn't happen without your participation, so bring in your art and help our own Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County. Children are too important not to.

3. This note is also for May. We are very pleased to be hosting the Athens Photography Guild Juried Show starting on May 9th. More details to follow, but some of the best work of some of the best photographers of the Athens area will be on display here at DonByramArt. Mark the opening day on your calendar.....before you forget like you did with Aunt Sophie's birthday (may God rest her soul).

4. Check out one of our customers, Linda Springer and her artwork at www.southernshopper.net . Linda is on page 7. She lives in Jefferson and these are some of her oils. She doesn't sell any of them (the story will explain), but they are outstanding!

5. Lastly, I want to tell a true story that happened a couple of Saturdays ago. We had a Mother and Daughter come in with a large oil painting (32x48) on canvas. They were looking to frame it (we do those kind of things here). We found the perfect frame for it and the whole process was quick, easy, and painless. When I figured the price, it was $188. They were thrilled. What I hadn't known was that they had just left a big box retailer....I won't mention any names (Michaels) and the quote they had been given was $350 for a frame they didn't like as much and was much skinnier (you need a decent size frame for such a large piece). VC got the artwork framed today and it looks fabulous! Folks, I don't know how to say this any clearer, we are proud to be the best framing value in Northeast Georgia, maybe the whole state. Not only are we the best price value, but Janice and VC have been framing for a combined 40 plus years here. We are the best value in quality, price, and old fashioned niceness. To quote a lady I won't name (Cheryl) I used to work with in a previous life, "We got it going on".

As always,
thanks for playing nicely!
Janice, VC, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 3/24/2009

March 24, 2009

DBA'ers,

After his retirement from the Post Office, Alex Chambers took to watercolors like strawberries to dark chocolate. It was a really really good thing.

So, DonByramArt is extremely pleased to offer it's first Alex Chambers special!! As many of you know (cause you have bought them!), we carry Alex's prints unframed. Remember them? We keep them all messy on the desk in the front of the store cause after a 30 plus year career keeping the Athens Post Office organized, he's allowed to shift to the other side of his brain a little and it just feels right to allow him to finally have a messy desk!

Now, through the end of April, we are offering any of Alex's prints FREE when you frame one! And as a visual aid to help you make your selection, we added a "Carpe Diem" section to our website donbyramart.com/carpediem. We have most of his watercolors pictured here.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Alex, here is a short history. He was born and raised in Banks County. He served a tour in Nam and after returning home, began and finished a 33 year career with the Postage Service. After his retirement in 2001, he was looking for something useful to do and his beautiful and talented wife Aneila taught him to crochet as a hobby. His cousin in England encouraged him to try his hand at watercolor. He took a course and discovered his passion. Since then, he has created a wonderfully consistent and delightful body of folk and primitive work.

He loves doing local landscapes, such as downtown Maysville, Homer in the 1950's, the Methodist Church in Jefferson, a swayed backed barn in Clarkesville, and Prather's Bridge in Toccoa. His skies are transparent with clouds and birds floating across the surface of his prints. The earth, trees, water are grounded in the colors of life long experiences. One of his first paintings was of Cardinals. It proved to be so popular he started adding a tiny one to most of his landscapes. Now, one of the first questions that come from his customers when he paints a new piece is, "Where's the Redbird"?

There is a "warmth" to his watercolors that is hard to describe and unusual. My best stab is saying you receive a feeling of joyful experience when you study his work......kinda like dipping a fresh country strawberry into a double boiler of dark chocolate when surrounded by friends and family.

Take a look on the website for his work or, better yet, come visit us to pick your print and frame.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
The Double Boiler Gang at
DonByramArt


PS....VC wanted me to let you know we just topped 900 folks on our email list. He wants to have "You are our 1,000th DBA SpamNet Customer" sale. So if you know of anyone who might want to be on our email list, pass this along to them and tell them to let us know....never can tell what they might win!

DBA EMAIL: 3/3/2009

March 3, 2009

DBA'ers,

VC, in his role as VPVC of Marketing for DonByramArt, has been studying the internet marketing process.

He analyzed over a thousand "Forward this email" messages he received yesterday and came to this startling, yet undeniable conclusion. If you forward this email along, something will happen. Somewhere. Somehow. Sooner or later.

Like death and taxes, sunrises and sunsets, can't change it......something will happen. Just a matter of time. Hopefully, it will be something good. Like finally getting the money that guy from Nigeria promised you when you sent him the check for postage, or Aunt Mary will not need that operation, or your kids will finally call. Might be something complicated, like finally proving Elvis and UFO's are not real, discovering you have supernatural powers to back off hurricanes (like Jim Cantore!) and old age. Or something simple, like finding pennies in the parking lot. But, Ima telln you, VC has a big chart with big chunky lines in red and blue that prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt......something will happen. He even added a soundtrack of the 1812 Overture to the chart, to make it really important.

We were so overwhelmed with this conclusive study and data (not to mention deaf when the cannon went off behind the mat cutter) we were also concerned with what wouldn't happen if you didn't forward this email. Don't want you to worry.....too much, but what if:
-Brad Pitt and Angelia Jolie do or don't do something that affects you?
-Commerce and Jefferson start getting along?
-The moon isn't really bleu cheese or swiss.....or is it?
-You don't remember what happens when you add your birthday to your SS number and send it to us?

So, after careful consideration, we have come up with a solution to this stressful forward/not forward national question. We, at DBA, want you to forward this message to yourself as many times in the next ten minutes as humanly possible. If you do that, something will continue to happen, somewhere and somehow, at some time in the future. We guarantee it. Personally, we highly suggest you use it as a reminder to bring something in to get framed.

Now DBA'ers start hitting the forward button and get ready for all the good things that will happen.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
Janice, VC, Don and Elvis

DBA EMAIL: 2/27/2009

February 27, 2009

"Humbled and astonished."

Those were the words from VC Perry, the Vice President of Marketing for DonByramArt after he was informed by Someone Important that DonByramArt was named "Retailer of the Year" for Commerce Crossing.

During the Lavish Awards Banquet, held in the space formerly known as Georgia Leathers, DonByramArt was awarded this prestigious award recognizing the retailer as being the Retailer that "Upholds the Highest Standards Known to Mankind....and All That Stuff".

In the past 30 odd years the winner has always been The Pottery, so the emergence of DonByramArt as the new "Retailer of the Year" is noteworthy. While there is no monetary award to go along with the former Bowling Trophy, the employees of DonByramArt will have the option of parking of where they want, when they want and don't have to care one whit what anyone else says about it. The award also awards them the honor of throwing away any personal trash in any of the numerous trash receptacles that surround the shopping center for the next year. VC was overheard to say he was planning on parking in the first parking space in front of each of the current (and former) stores, starting at the Chinese Restaurant and working his way around the center during the upcoming year. Don Byram, owner of DonByramArt, was heard talking to his wife on the phone directing her to cancel their trash pickup at their house. Quote, "Hey sweetheart, guess what? I can bring all that crap up here for the next year!!" Janice Adams, Manager of DonByramArt, was seen just shaking her head as she listened to VC and Don's comments. Her quote was, "What a couple of Yo-Yos. I really miss The Pottery".

Notably absent from the banquet was any of the other retailers in either this Commerce Crossing or the other Commerce Crossing located down Hwy 441 at....Commerce Crossing. Also missing were any representives from the Ownership Group of Commerce Crossing. In fact, upon being reached for comment, they said they were as surprised to hear that DonByramArt won as the employees of DonByramArt. One, unnamed tall female leasing agent said she was "going to review DonByramArt's contract cause they didn't have to put up with crazy made up stuff like this."

Gilbert Martin from Vintage Old Things was heard to say....."wait til next year.....just wait til next year".

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our friends and fellow retailers at the Center formerly known as Banks Crossing, I mean Factory Outlet, I mean....well, you get the picture!

Please see attached picture of this year's winners.....

Not only was DonByramArt "Retailer of the Year" for Commerce Crossing, the Commerce location of DonByramArt was also the number one ranked store in the vast DonByramArt chain.

As always,
thanks for playing nicely,
The Number One Retailing Team of
DonByramArt, LLC, ABC and XYZ
To quote Reece Bobby from Talladega Nights, "Remember, if you're not first.....you're last!!"

DBA EMAIL: 2/24/2009

February 24, 2009

DBA'ers,

VC has a new "product" he's wanting us to highlight and advertise. Actually, it's been around for a long time, but as all the white lab coat marketing types will tell you, these things run in cycles.

When you come to pick up your frame job, we always pull the plastic off your artwork so you can see it. We do this, in part, because we want you to take a good look at the finished product before it goes out the door. If there is anything nutty with it, we want to know about it before you leave. Like the one time I inadvertently put one side of the frame on facing backwards.....honest, I didn't do it on purpose. Don't know what happened. Our Quality Control Division (Janice) is still reviewing the matter. If someone else starts sending you emails, you know what the findings of the QCD were.

We also do it for very selfish reasons. We love seeing people's faces when we pull the plastic off and flip it around with a flourish and say something intelligent like, "Ta-Da"! We love seeing people's faces, because we are just as proud of it as you are. And we get just as excited about how good it looks as you do. Especially those of you who spend an hour picking out the moulding and matting (you know who you are!). It truly is one the fringe benefits of our job....we get paid to make people happy. Good stuff for Good Work (GSGW!)

VC calls this "product" Swagger. It's not boasting about something you can't do. It's not boasting about something you can do. It's not making stupid stuff up that didn't happen (that's my job). You can't spray it on and it doesn't come out of a can. It is about doing. It is old fashion pride and knowledge that you have done something right, for the right reason.....and the look on the customer's face is the right result. That's called Swagger.

All you have to do is watch VC and Janice work and you know what it is. Might not be able to quite define it, but you know it when it is genuine and real. VC has probably measured a million miles, 1/8 and 1/16 inch at a time with his sad worn out plastic ruler, to make sure the print is centered and the matting is exactly in the right place. Janice has probably gone through a million miles of thread, one stitch at a time tying down needlepoint and shadowboxes. And both have done it consistently for years. When we get a re-frame job in from years ago, they can take the paper off the back and tell who did the framing, just by looking at how it was put together. That's Swagger.

And guess what? When you walk out the door with your newly framed pictures of your Grandkids or the artwork your Grandmother did when she was a teenager......you get to keep the Swagger....no charge.

In the Customer Swagger Department check out the Valentine's Day article in the Athens Banner-Herald on one of our customers, Selina Hayes of Maysville about how her Grandfather proposed to her Grandmother. That's Swagger! The picture shown in the article is one we framed for Selina.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/021409/liv_387684864.shtml

Thanks for playing nicely,
The Swaggermeisters of
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 2/9/2009

February 9, 2009

DBA'ers,

GENTLE REMINDER about this weekend coming up. REMEMBER what happens this weekend. WINK, WINK.... No, not spring forward. No, not signing day for the Bulldogs. No, the oil in the car doesn't need to be changed (well, maybe you need to check on that).

Remember FEB. 14th and NATIONAL GET YOURSELF OUT OF TROUBLE DAY. Somehow, you have managed to be insensitive or forgetful or simply inattentive. I won't get into all the reasons....you know those all too well. And even though, we all believe you when you say it wasn't your fault, the fact remains, you have done this to yourself....again.

So we are here to bail you out. Since we can't show you everything in our store in an email, we suggest you review our Super Bowl Ad again on YouTube. Just click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZszNEPNIYA

and we will walk you through the store in 2 minutes and you will get to see a bunch of what we have for gifts. The last shots are of VC. He's not for sale, but might be available for Feb. 14th.....you would have to ask him. One interesting side note. We did actually have about 20 people watch our ad during the Super Bowl......and we appreciate it!

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!! (He said in his best Billy Mays voice.) Our gift to you is....

25% OFF ALL GIFT ITEMS!!(excluding tax, title, registration, and custom framing)

Now, through the end of the weekend, all artwork, pottery, poems, and whatever else we have is 25% off. Here's your chance to make good for a long time to come!!! Make the most of it!!!

(And since the whole M&M's gig seems to be working fairly well for us, we will keep a supply of funsize M&M's handy, as a back up for you. Depending on the weather, they will be either melted or frozen.)

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely with the
Cupid Types of DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 2/4/2009

February 4, 2009

DBA'ers,

We have decided not to go out of business.

Anyone can go out of business. Don't get me wrong. We weren't seriously thinking of going out of business, but that does seem to be the trend lately. All the business books at Barnes and Noble say it's always good to stay up to speed with the current business trends. So, we took a look at it. We ran some algorithms, studied some graphs, turned on The Weather Channel and listened to Jim Cantore, then called some guy named Buffett. I was excited cause I thought we were calling Jimmy and instead, it was some guy named Warren that VC talks to. We talked about all the things we would do and all the free time we would have to pursue hobbies and sleeping late and generally being bums, but in the end, we just didn't think it was going to work out all that well. We like what we do.

Of course, the one really great thing about going out of business is the fabulous sale you have when you bite the big one. There is no way around that. You just can't generate that kind of excitement if you stay in business. Look at Denny's. Lord, it looked like they were going out of business yesterday. Gave away food all day. Couldn't stir 'em with a stick. I drove by today and they looked normal again. I think they may have been counting their chickens before they hatched. They may have to work harder at going out of business. I don't think a one day sale will do it.....even if it is free.

Janice brought up a really good point. We haven't been in business long enough to be going out of business. The 2nd of February was our 1 year anniversary. She said we really needed to be in business for 15-20 years first, then go out of business. We decided that it makes a lot more sense. She just isn't ready to quit framing needlepoint yet.

So, to make a long story even a little longer, we apologize for not going out of business and giving away the store, the frames, the art work, the carpet, VC's trash can....all that stuff. But, it would be nice to have our parking lot look like Denny's. We will try and make it up to you though. Our Annual 1st 1 Year Anniversary Sale of our Anniversary of our 1st 1 Year 10% off Sale was so good this last weekend, we are going to run it through this weekend also. So, bring it all in, especially the needlepoint you've been working on all winter. Janice is excited.

Now, I know what you are going to say.....Denny's was free and we are only 10% off. Well, VC's buddy Warren says that's the difference between staying in business and going out of business. But don't forget, we are giving away those little fun size bags of M&M's. Absolutely free. And that's food, too.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
The 10% Off Crew at
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 1/29/2009

January 29, 2009

DBA'ers,

As of Feb 2nd, DonByramArt will be open for 1 year.

So, we are having a sale!

Our First 1yr Anniversary Sale. We thought that was an odd thing to name it. We tossed around our Annual Anniversary Sale. That was awkward. Considering the economics of the last year, maybe it should just be called Still Standing Sale!

We talked about having a gala to celebrate. You know, caviar. Black tie. String Quartet. Didn't seem like our style. We talked about a pig roast.....think Jimmy Buffet. Not really right either. I suggested we ask our customers to bring a sandwich or pizza and just hang out. Maybe we could get a big bowl of M&M's for dessert. Janice and VC looked at me like I had three eyes. Also talked about raffling off a car. VC has the nicest one between us and he wasn't willing to give his up. So, we were a little stumped as what else we should do.

So, we are going to stick with having a sale. Well.....OK. We can do that. Sounds like a good solid retail thing to do.

While we don't have a lot of sales, it's not that we don't like sales. We are rather fond of them. In fact, when we visit our competitors, we realize our regular pricing is pretty close to their sale prices. So, in the normal DonByramArt thinking, we think everyday around here is pretty much a sale. Add to that, over a thousand choices in moulding, people who have been framing for the entire century (and beyond), and our general laid back demeanor about life.....and it's much better than "the other guy's" sale......everyday!

In honor of our 1st Anniversary, we are going to have a 10% off sale for all new framing brought in Friday the 30th and Saturday the 31st. Don't forget....we darn near give the stuff away everyday, as it is. So, our 10% off is like everyone elses 40%-50% off.

Why? We want you to feel good about using us everyday, not just when we have a sale.

And I still think I'll bring in my big bag of M&M's I have sitting on my car dash. I just hope they aren't all stuck together and gooey.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely!
Janice, VC, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 1/6/2009

January 6, 2009

DBA'ers,

In these trying economic times, we all need a little reassurance that we are making the right decisions to protect the things most valuable to us. We all need to Recession Proof our assets.

We, at DBA are here to help. In fact, It's quite simple.

First, walk around your house and/or office and determine what assets you need protected most. It could be your child's picture or that artwork from a future Van Gogh (you can keep the ear). It could be diplomas or certificates proving you might be able to do what you are currently getting paid to do or would like to do when this gig gets outsourced. It could be needlework or that weird string art thing from the 70's. It could be a baby dress or Blinkie from the sweetest and smartest Grandchild this side of the Mississippi. It could be the first dollar you stole......earned. If you live close to us, it might involve an autographed Bulldog, Yellow Jacket, or Elvis print, photograph, or old stinky High School Glory Days jersey. It could be....anything that is one of a kind, precious, valuable only to you, valuable to all of mankind, makes you cry when you look at it, oddly important, beautiful and perfect, and definitively irreplaceable.

Second, bring those irreplaceable assets, artwork, photos, family treasures, needlepoint to us at DonByramArt and we will apply a generous coat of DBA Recession Proof to it for you. We have highly trained, motivated, and experienced Recession Proofers (I hate to use the words, "framing geniuses" but....if the shoe fits....frame it) specializing in covering the assets of others. The DBA Recession Proofing Process is proven to be effective and guaranteed to make all your precious work totally 100% Recession Proof. We are so confident of our process that if you aren't 100% satisfied, we will double your recession back!

All you need to do is bring us the things you need recession proofed the most. Generally, Janice, our Chief Asset Evaluator....evaluates your chief assets and suggests the proper recession proofing procedures which includes the correct number of mats and their colors. This patented process protects and enhances those hard to cover part of your assets. The proper glass (example-regular recession proof glass or non-glare recession proof glass). And most importantly, she convincingly "frames" your asset in the proper context of your values and variables. That, along with a surprising modest, but reasonable amount of cash, checks, or charge cards starts the process of protecting your valuables for years to come!

Next comes a two week period of in depth review and analysis of your assets, lead by our Chief Economic Asset Analyst, VC. After an exhaustive evaluation including precise measuring and in depth inserting of flexi-points, VC systemically closes all the economic loop and air holes that traditionally have surrounded unprotected assets. In this age of crucial transparency, he will make your assets perfectly clear to all who will audit your them in your home at family get together or goofy birthday parties. If needed, he will "wire" the necessary amount of protection to the backside of your asset, which is sufficient enough to impress even the most critical of auditors....the inlaw auditors.

As for me, I stand around a lot and yammer trying to look like I know what I'm doing, while basically trying to stay out of the way of the people who actually are working and are also protecting my asset.

As an added value, Janice has been known to say a prayer over a frame job, especially shadowboxes, but that is only once in a blue recession moon and we don't charge extra for that.

So, let us Recession Proof the things that are truly the most valuable assets in your life.

As always, thanks for playing nicely,
Alan Greenspan and the Analysts of
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 12/11/2008

December 11, 2008

DBA'ers,

We just want all your money this Xmas.

Well, maybe not all your money, just a large portion of it. You probably still need some of your money....but we will take the rest of it. Why? Because it is good for the economy. And just so you know, we won't keep all of it either. We will do our part. We will pay our electric bill, rent, phone bill, etc. Oh, yeah.....we will certainly pay our potters and artists. In fact, we will probably pay them first. We really like them. But, all the people we will pay, need the money too. See how all that works? Together, we can fix the economy!! Don't want to put any pressure on you.....but it starts with you spending money with us!

And to make it easier to justify this position with your spouse or accountant, please consider the following:

• You can't take it with you.
• We have unique, one of a kind gifts .
• ALL of our artists and potters are local. Not a single gift item from Mars or some other foreign country.
  
• We like to think we are pretty easy to deal with.

So let's all pull together this Xmas season and spend money at DonByramArt. It's OK to spend a little in other places, like Fabulous Finds, Sassy Rabbit, FFS Pets, and Vintage Blessings, but you are getting this email of encouragement from us, so we want most of it. OK?

By the way, Xmas is not the same thing as Christmas. Xmas is more about money. Christmas is something much more important than money. Please never confuse the two.

The Economic Stimulus Committee of
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 12/2/2008

December 2, 2008

dba'ers,

The caller ID said Warren Buffet when Janice handed the incoming call to VC.

After a brief conversation, VC put the phone down and said, "That was a Bridge partner of mine from Augusta National and he said he thought a Super Bowl Ad would be good for us."

Janice and I looked at each other with blank expressions......"Oh, really?"

"Yep, and he said the sooner you get it done, the better, since everyone will have one by the time the Super Bowl actually gets here."

That was a couple of weeks ago. Since then, we have priced out the cost of an ad on Super Sunday. By my calculations, we would have to be open for the next 143 years before we could afford to pay for one ad this year. VC was undeterred by this information and suggested I wasn't thinking big enough.

So, we produced a TV ad.....sorta.

It doesn't have any sound (that was extra) and it isn't on TV, it is on YouTube. Which, in case you are wondering, is considerably cheaper than a Super Bowl Ad on real TV. By my calculations, about 143 years cheaper. But it still does several things. First, it highlights some of our unique one-of-a-kind pottery and gifts....just in time for Christmas. Also, it shows off some of our wonderful framing customers (love that part....the look of people's faces when they get to see the end result....absolutely wonderful!), and our new message for 2009. You will have to watch the video to see it. And of course, we put it at the end of the 2 minute clip so will have to watch all of it.

One suggestion Janice and I have for watching the video. Since it doesn't have any sound (remember, that was extra) we think you should hum your favorite tune as you watch it. VC leans towards "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Janice hums the theme song from "Lawrence of Arabia" (the part with all the French Horns). Milli says "Chinatown" from the Doobie Brothers. I hum either classic Frank Zappa, or Johnny Cash (with a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers thrown in for seasoning). My point is, have a good time with it!!

The link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZszNEPNIYA

Or you can just go to YouTube and put in DonByramArt into the little empty white spot at the top of the page.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely!
The Production and Advertising Division of
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 11/26/2008

November 26, 2008

dba'ers,

Commerce artist Kevin Burchett walked into the store this morning and dropped off the two attached original acrylic paintings (the bulldog and rabbit). The other animals are also available (cow, owl, and pig). He also is interested in doing other animals, but this is so new, he just hasn't gotten to the rest of the animal kingdom yet! In respect for everyone's email inbox, I'm attaching the following link if you want to see the other animals.....www.drop.io/ kevinsart .

When we saw what he brought it, it was an "Oh my...." moment.

This is a brand new style for him and very few people have seen it. We weren't planning on sending out another DBASpamNet email til next week, but these got our attention and got us excited. So excited, VPVC said ASAP!!

So, here we go.......

This series of paintings Kevin calls "Quilt Animals". They are 18x24, acrylic and numbered. No two will be exactly the same and we are the official spot in the universe to buy them. They are $350. They can also be bought for $340 plus a home made pie (yes, we can still be bought with treats). We are taking orders and since these are originals, the sooner the order is placed, the better for Christmas.

A short Kevin history is probably appropriate at this point for those of you who don't personally know him.

Kevin Burchett is a Commerce native and has been drawing since he can remember. He recalls, as a child, laying in the floor, in front of the TV drawing. We have met past teachers who said he drew through their classes as a kid (Now they smile about it. Not sure they did then). We've met old friends, who said they never knew a time he wasn't drawing something. Past co-workers at The Pottery, always admired his work, often on scraps of paper or napkins. In fact, it is hard not go into a place of business in Commerce and not see at least one "Kevin" print on the wall. He is a product and proud son of Commerce Georgia.

Most of his years have been graphite, which arguably, is best summed up in his very successful "Munson Radio" print. It is an autographed, limited edition print of Georgia's famous Larry Munson and a tribute to his place in Bulldog history.....Kevin style. Starting this year, Kevin has expanded his palette to include color folk art prints focusing on Commerce, reminiscent of Maysville's Mattie Lou O'Kelley. The originals of these prints are done in oil. He also claims Charles Wysocki as a major artistic influence.

All his originals have recently been sold to a collector, which is a very important event in an artist's career. The moral of our story is, if you own Kevin's work, especially originals, hang on to it (think Mattie Lou O'Kelley giving her stuff away back in her day and what it is worth now). If you don't own some of Kevin's work, now is the best time to buy some before it becomes crazy expensive. And, of course, we wouldn't be telling you all this if we didn't have it or have it available! We may be "Friends of Kevin", but we also are in business to sell stuff.

Give us a shout if you are interested. We can work out the details ASAP....just like VC says.

Thanks for playing nicely,
The Friends of Kevin Club (Commerce Chapter)

DBA EMAIL: 11/24/2008

November 24, 2008

dba'ers,

VC, our VP of Marketing, has given me permission to make some public comments about the economy in our neck of the woods.

The economy of the spirit.

Three weeks ago, we approached a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County with an off the wall idea of having a Yart Sale.

This weekend, we were the location of a fund raiser for the Boys &Girls Club. In two days, The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County raised over a $1100 from donated art. From the beginning of the blue sky concept to the execution of the fuzzy verbal plan, individuals and companies from Jackson County and beyond all "bought in" and made it happen.

I'm not going to name names or point out any individuals or companies who spent their money and time, both personal or corporate to make "something out of nothing" in such a short time frame. First, I would leave people and companies out, and that wouldn't be fair to them. I don't even know all the people who were involved. Second, that wasn't what this event was about.

This event was about the teamwork of an organization and community that believed it was doing the right thing. It was about people supporting each other, their local community, and their own beliefs. It was about being creative and finding the one right reason to make something happen as opposed to letting the fourteen wrong reasons to rule the decision making process. It was about doing the right thing for the right reason and getting the right results.

Thanks to the people who donated art.
Thanks to the people who bought art.
Thanks to the people who worked the event.
Thanks to the people who made things happen.
Thanks to the people who believed.

And this.....is what makes Dollars and Sense in today's economy.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely.

DBA EMAIL: 11/18/2008

November 18, 2008

dba'ers,

Help is still wanted with the Boys & Girls Club YART SALE. What we need is quite simple. We still need your art. Yep, we are off to a good start, but we still could use more. Bring more!! We have received some wonderful items, all the way from portraits, to posters, to numbered prints, to train pictures, to pottery, to just frames, to antique art, to a really big fun wooden Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel! No art will be turned away!! Not sure if what you have is art? Bring it anyway! Chances are....someone will think it is!! We are anxious to make as much money for the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County as we can, so scour your walls, your closets, your...."where evers" that you have stashed your old art and bring it to DonByramArt in Commerce Crossing this week for a tax deductiable donation to The Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County.

The YART SALE will be this Saturday and Sunday in front of our store in Commerce Crossing. Make plans to visit us and you might just find that one piece you have been missing from your life!

(And thanks to all the folks that have already dropped off artwork!!)

Don

DBA EMAIL: 11/10/2008

November 10, 2008

dba'ers,

Question: (take a deep breath for the next part....)

What do you get when you clean out all your closets, attics, basements, garages, old pickups behind the barn of all the perfectly good but no longer used artwork that you used to love but now seems a little dated or the wrong color for the freshly painted walls or Aunt Bobbie from outer space gave to you 14 Christmas's ago and you just can't bring yourself to throw it away or the crazy stuff left over from the last crazy marriage or how ever else you have collected more art than you can possibly use in this lifetime with one of the best causes in Jefferson, Commerce, and the entire Jackson County area????

Simple.....A two day old fashion

YART SALE

When? On November 22nd and 23rd The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County is having a "YART SALE" in front of DonByramArt, located at 249 Pottery Factory Road in the Commerce Crossing Shopping Center (on the way to Outback Steakhouse). All proceeds from the YART SALE will benefit the Boys and Girls of Jackson County. These are the same folks that serve over 150 kids a day. They present a well-balanced approach to youth development; focusing on education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation and character and leadership development.
.
How do you help? Dig out and drop off your wonderful but unused tax deductible art to DonByramArt between now and Nov. 19th as a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County. And if you have pieces that you would willing to part with....but are worth serious money, we will have a silent auction inside the store both days. If the reserve you set isn't met, you get it back!

So you see, a YART SALE is a great way to raise money for The Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County, a great excuse to part with some extra art (and get a tax deduction), and a great place to buy great art (no offense to Aunt Bobbie) at Yard Sale prices......!!

Don

DBA EMAIL: 11/4/2008

November 4, 2008

A Group of Leading Normal People Have Given the "All Clear" Sign to Frame Again

Commerce, GA. Nov. 4, 2008

With the Presidential election of 2008 all but over ("Only thing left to do is to count the vote") a panel of leading Normal People have declared it now OK to go forward with life and do normal things like wash dishes, bathe the dog, deer hunt, and frame things.

It was this last item that excited VC from DonByramArt in Commerce, Georgia. VC, who is Vice President of Marketing for DonByramArt, said he overheard this comment while filling his car up with gas on his way to work. "First thing I noticed this morning was people talking to each other again about stuff that was Normal. Things like, how's your family, missed you at Church last Sunday...everything OK?, and we really could use some rain. It was like Common Sense was starting to make its way back into Normal everyday life. But, what really got me excited was when I was paying for my gas and I heard a nice middle-aged lady, who was buying a gallon of milk, say she was going to drop by that frame shop in Commerce to get a Christmas present framed for her sister. She said she had a family picture from when they were kids and she thought it would be a nice gift to frame for her sister for Christmas that now lives somewhere in the Midwest."

VC then started to listen to the other conversations of Normal People. It quickly dawned on him that Normalcy, which seemed to him to have fled the country for several of the last few months, was going to return....slowly, but surely. "It was like people seeing each other again after a long illness," VC said. "I was very excited to see people acting Normal again and grouping together to discuss what they have put off framing for months and months."

He continued, "The real kicker for me was when I realized I was paying less than $2.20 for gas. That felt good. Not as good as a few years ago, but Normal for today. I paid the cashier (and told him to have a nice Normal day), jumped in my car and drove Normally to the store. Once there, I opened the door and turned on the lights. I was excited to see them come on...just like Normal."

Finally, VC wants all the dba'ers to know, "It's OK now to come out of the house and frame again. Things are coming back to Normal so you need to bring all those family pictures, football jerseys, baby clothes, documents, artwork (remember that thing you got on the cruise?), out of wherever they have been collecting dust for the last year and get them into DonByramArt ASAP!!"

Janice, who had been listening quietly to VPVC's assessment of today added, "Amen to the ASAP. Beat that Christmas crunch because, just like Normal, Christmas will will be here before we know it! "

Thanks for playing nicely,
Your Normal Friends at
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 10/16/2008

October 16, 2008

dba'ers,

Count 'em!!!

Not one, not two, but three winners!!! Last contest, we had one winner. This "It Must be Art, if....." contest we planned on having two winners, but the winds of fate were blowing out of the park this series and we ended up with three winners of "It Must be Art, if...."!!!

In our "Portrait" category, Vernon won with his beautiful portrait of "Emily".
In our "Everything Else" category, we had a tie between Adela's "Last Drop" and Mike with "Fall Fish Bowl".

All three of our winners will receive a canvas-printed-super-deluxe-ou trageously-elegantly-really cool-framed edition of their winning image from DonByramArt valued at $199.

VC was initially concerned with this trend. At this rate, he figured, we would have more winners than entries in about 5 contests. After we discussed it a bit, we decided we were good with that. In fact, he immediately began working on ways to accelerate the process so we can have more winners than entries in two contests......talk about overachieving! To quote VC, "Winning is good."

Janice wants to thank everyone for "playing nicely"! In fact, we think all the entries were winners. We were very pleased with what people submitted and we sincerely appreciate the contestants of both contests.

Milli wants all the dba'ers that voted to know.....you rock.

From the overachievers at
DonByramArt,
Thanks for playing nicely!
(did I mention.....in our spare time....we frame?)

DBA EMAIL: 10/9/2008

October 9, 2008

dba'ers,

The original title of this email was The Top Reasons to Vote. But it was decided to drop the "to Vote" part because, this close to the general election, we figured half of you would delete the message before you read it and the other half would argue about it!!

We are coming down to the last days of our current "It must be Art, if...." contest and we need your help to decide the winners. We have two categories this time and some wonderful work posted. Take 12 seconds to click on donbyramart.com, view the images under "Contest" and then take another 73 seconds to think about it and drop us an email at don@donbyramart.com with your vote for each category. We promise there will be no hanging chads and this will be great practice for next month. Do it now before you forget!

And after you have voted for the winners in the "It must be Art, if....." contest, then read the following reasons to vote next month.

1. The Queen has decided we have mucked it up enough and she wants her colonies back.

2. Way too many people are using the term "mind boggling" to describe current events.

3. Bill Clinton has decided it is time to inhale (I can say that, I'm from Arkansas).

4. There may be no undefeated college football teams by the time half time gets here, if you don't vote.

5. The amount of bandwidth being used on the internet and TV to promote candidates is mind boggling (see....there that phrase is again to describe current events).

6. Elvis called. He said to.

Thanks for playing nicely,
The Electoral College of
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 10/2/2008

October 2, 2008

RARE ORIGINAL UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HORROR MOVIE POSTERS ON DISPLAY THIS SATURDAY 10/4

INCLUDING:

1931 Dracula, 1925 Phantom of the Opera, 1931 Frankenstein, 1932 Murders in the Rue Morgue, 1932 Old Dark House, 1932 The Mummy, 1933 The Invisible Man, 1954 Creature from the Black Lagoon.

DONBYRAMART-249 POTTERY FACTORY RD-COMMERCE-ACROSS THE PARKING LOT FROM THE POTTERY-706.336.8080

SHOW HOURS 10-6

DBA EMAIL: 9/29/2008

September 29, 2008

dba'ers,

In the Spooky section of DonByramArt SpamNet this week is dba customer Kerry's World Class Rare Monster Movie Poster collection that will be on display this Saturday, October 4th, between 10-6 at the store. Kerry has had his posters framed by Milli, VC, and Janice for years. He is a self described "obsessed" collector of very rare Universal Studios Monster Movie posters, mainly dating from the 30's-40's. On display will be approximately 40 posters including 1931 Dracula, 1925 Phamton of the Opera, 1931 Frankstein, 1932 Murders in the Rue Morgue, 1932 Old Dark House, 1932 The Mummy, 1933 The Invisiable Man, 1954 Creature from the Black Lagoon. I admit there are some things I will try and pull your leg on (see VC below), but this is not one of them! This is the type of collection you would normally only see in museums. If you like movies, Halloween, spooky stuff, antiques, art, spiffy framing, and/or guys named Kerry.......we are the place to be this Saturday!!!

In the Gifted section of our newletter is Stephanie Grafton. Many of our local dba'ers have seen Stephanie's work at our store. Besides being one of God's special people, she is also one of our best selling artists. She has produced 3 new works, which I'm attaching to this email. There is a confidence in her new work that is exciting to see! The really big news for Stephanie is she is having the opportunity to show her work in a show at Robert Lowery's Visionary Growth Gallery in Madison County. The name of the show is Visionary Growth and the dates are November 23rd-January 8th. Robert is well known for his art, activism, and really big pigs! Please take a moment to check out his Visionary Growth website at www.visionarygrowth.org. It's good stuff that needs to be encouraged and supported in the world.

In the "It Must be Art, if....." section today, we are very pleased to annouce the next "It must be Art, if......." contest!! The first contest was lots of fun and this one is shaping up the same way! In fact, we have decided to double the fun and have two categories this time round. There is a "Portraits" category and a "Everything Else" catergory. Check it out on our website, donbyramart.com. Just like the first time, we are encouraging you to vote for your favorite image....but this time, you can vote in each category!! Email us your vote at don@donbyramart.com. We are running the voting through midnight on October 10th. We are "framing" our winners with a canvas print and frame job of their winning entry, which in pre-finanical market meltdown days (like a couple of weeks ago) is valued at $199!

What would a SpamNet email be without a mention to what our VP of marketing, VC is up to? Janice, Milli, and I were concerned last week because he couldn't stay off his cell phone. I swear he was getting 87 phone calls a day (not that I was counting, of course). After the 43rd call on Friday, we asked what was going on. If you know VC, you also know he is a pretty humble guy. We had to drag it out of him. So, we were stunned to find out.....well, you will just have to see for yourself.....and VC....you have our vote!! Click on the link below for the TV news story.

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres. php?id=46832&altf=WD&altl=

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely!
Janice, VC, Milli, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 9/22/2008

September 22, 2008

VC said, "We always have to do whatever it takes to take care of people, cause if we don't, they won't come back. Gandhi said that."

Janice and I looked at VC to see if he was serious. His face said he was.

"Well, I guess he could have said that....maybe not quite that way, but yeah, I think that was kinda his point," I replied.

Janice followed up, "And, yes, we like being nice to people and taking care of them...like family....and you know, everyone is family. So yes, VC, we have to take care of people because that's what we should be doing."

Suspense hung heavy between the three of us in the little frame shop in Commerce, Georgia.

VC looked at both of us seriously for a couple of seconds and then turned on his heels and strolled back to his table with a new frame job in his hand. "Y'all are crazy, quit taking all this so serious. Gandhi wouldn't say stupid stuff like that."

But seriously folks.....

-Janice wants me to remind everyone that the holidays are within sight. Now is a great time to not only line up your gift-giving framing, but to also treat your walls with something to be thankful for.

-We had a wonderful time this weekend at Art in the Park at Hurricane Shoals. I can't express how much fun it was to see so many dba'ers and get caught up a little on life outside of the store. Attached are a couple of pictures from the Duck Dash. Much fun was had by all and it was perfect weather. If you haven't been to Hurricane Shoals...drop what you are doing and go. Life won't be complete without it. My Gandhi quote for this paragraph is, "There is more to life than increasing it's speed."

-We have a couple of new artists at the store. One is Ricky Jackson who does wonderful floral watercolors. Love his stuff. Working on getting pictures of it on the website. Another artist is Emilia Borawska. She does oils. I can't keep her stuff around long enough to get pictures. But she promises me more paintings as soon as she can get them done. I'll keep you posted. My Gandhi quote for all the artist types out there is, "The only tyrant I accept in this world is the still voice within."

-Coming for our October (Oct. 4th and 5th) Arts and Antiques Festival at our shopping center. Along with the craft and antique vendors, here at DonByramArt we have a fabulous Halloween treat. One of our long time customers, Kerry, has an honest-to-goodness world-class collection of rare Universal Studio horror movie posters from the 20's and 30's. He is going to bring them out and we are going to stuff the store full on them that Saturday. See attached for a sample of what he has. Folks, you don't want to miss this one. Mark the calendar, make a note, put it in your phone, set the alarm clock, or post a ghost.....don't miss this. My quote for this paragraph is, "Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before." (OK....not Gandhi; Edgar Allan Poe.....couldn't figure out how to tie in a Gandhi quote with world-class horror movie posters. Poe made more sense.)

-Last, but certainly not least.....Our next "It must be Art, if....." contest is kicking off later this week. We will have the pictures posted on our web site by Friday (www.donbyramart.com). We are breaking it down to two categories this time. "Portraits" and "Everything Else". We will let you know when the voting begins! The winners in both categories will receive a fabulously DBA framed, canvas printed, 16x20 print of their winning entry ($199 value). Good stuff!

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely.
VC the Philosopher, Mother Janice, quiet (but published) Milli, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 9/17/2008

September 17, 2008

dba'ers,

Honestly....how can you claim life has truly been lived to the fullest if you haven't been involved in a Duck Dash? Think about those implications when you are knocking on the pearly gates.

In fact, gentle reader, I would go one step further and say, how can you claim life has been lived to the fullest if you haven't been to Hurricane Shoals Park? Which, once you've been there, you will believe is pretty much like the other side of the pearly gates.

You can fix all those things you are missing in your life simply by coming to the Eighteenth Annual Art in the Park Festival this weekend. You can see, hear, taste, touch and buy......(take a deep breath here)

Gospel music
hotdogs
fresh ground cornmeal (ground on site, right then and there)
miniature golf
puppets
barbeque
covered bridges
craftsfolk
artists
civil war re-enactors....re-enacting....

the civil war
moonwalks
PICTURE FRAMERS (GUESS WHO?!)
home made goodies
5k race
blacksmithing
100's of dashing ducks
arrowhead collection
petting zoo
chapel
log cabins
bluegrass
sunshine
shade
and lots of water and shoals and those kind of things!!!

All the rest of the details can be found on their website, www.hurricaneshoalspark.org. (like where and when and how to get there)

Come by and visit our booth. And remember, while The Tumbling Water Society and Hurricane Shoals are Non-Profit, the rest of us aren't!! Spend money!!

DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 9/12/2008

September 12, 2008

dba'ers,

I would normally write, make witty banter, and explore all the issues and clutter about my overstressed and overloaded life....but just too many issues in my life today. So, you will just have to click on the attached link to the Athens Banner Herald to read all about it. They say it better anyway.

http://onlineathens.com/stories/091208/mar_331192818.shtml

Hang on.....I think I'm going to sneeze......AAATTTHHHHIIIIICCC CAAAA!!!! Sorry, excuse me.
www.athica.org

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
Don

DBA EMAIL: 9/8/2008

September 8, 2008

dba'ers,

Lots of things happening....and happening FAST!!!

First, congratulations again to our online art contest winner, Westlynn Epps. In the attached photo, you will seea very excited Westlynn on her first visit to DonByramArt (historically, I have had that effect on many women). She asked her parents, Christy and Jake Epps to drive her here, who accepted Westlynn's first place award of a 16x20 framed canvas print of the winning photo from our "It must be art if...." contest. The print and frame job turned out beautifully and we are very pleased with.......well, everything and everyone associated with the contest. In fact, it's been so much fun, we are going to do it again and expand it a little.

For the next go round, we are going to have two categories. The first category will be "People". This category will include all the pictures and art that are....people. Hopefully, that is fairly clear. The second category will be"Everything Else". This category will include....everything else. See how easy this is? And if you can't decide whether your work is "People" or "Everything Else", just send it. Over the years, VC has developed a very discerning eye when it comes to determining whether something should be "People" or "Everything Else". So, email us your artwork or photos or computer art or whatever you have to don@donbyramart.com and we will take it from there. The rules are posted on donbyramart.com under contest. We already have some fun work and will keep the email doors open for new work through Friday, September 19th. Just like the first time, the winners will receive a16x20 framed canvas print of their winner! A $199 value!

Second, a short recap of yesterday at DonByramArt. One of our favorite customers (aren't you all? :)), Deb brought some of her rescued companion birds to visit and educate us. You can check Deb's mission in life out at www.squawktalk.org. I'm attaching a picture of Deb and her birds. It was truly a privilege to have her, her faithful friend Rebecca, and Deb's birds here. We stopped all the kids coming by and perched one of Deb's sweetest birds, Carly, on them for photos. We had lots of smiles, lots of fun, and lots of education!

Lastly, like to give a shout out to our new dba'ers! Welcome and as always.....

Thanks for playing nicely!
Janice, VC, Milli, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 9/3/2008

September 3, 2008

dba folk,

A couple of emails ago, I asked the question, "What do birds and Pythons have in common"? I got several emails back suggesting several things......and no, lunch being one for the other is not the right answer!!

We have a "wild" weekend coming this Saturday between 11 to 3. Deb Allwein, one of our dba'ers and "Squawktalk.org" founder will be bringing several of her parrots to our store. She has a wonderful story of how she got involved with companion birds (check out www.squawktalk.org) and loves to share their beauty and help educate people on these magnificent animals.

Claude and Janet, our neighbors next door at FFS Pet Store also have a vested interested in birds (and pythons....for that matter), so we are all teaming up to bring out several of Deb's Companion Birds to display, learn about, and have them available to have your picture made with them.

Why this weekend?

Because this weekend is the second weekend of the month, which means the return of the Arts and Antiques Festival at Commerce Crossing. And for all the brave souls who came and visited us last month, I wanted you to know I visited with the weatherman and he promised not to melt people into the pavement this month!

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!

Besides the educational aspects and shopping this weekend affords at Commerce Crossing, we also will set up a mini studio so you can have your picture taken with either the birds or VC!! Not that VC falls into the same category as the birds...just that it would be a cool thing to do, along with having your picture taken with the birds. We will email the pictures to you and if you would like them printed on canvas and framed.......weeelllll......we know a place that does that also!!

I'm attaching a picture taken recently of one of the Campanion Bird doing what it does best....making little girls giggle!!

So come one and all this weekend to Commerce Crossing......check out the Arts and Antiques Festival.....the Campanion Birds of Deb Allwein.....FFS Pets......new work by Don Byram and new artists at DonByramArt.......have your picture taken with VC......and a really neat bonus.....visit the newly relocated and expanded Fabulous Finds (they merged with Saks Thrift Avenue and moved over by us and Sassy Rabbit).

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
Don

DBA EMAIL: 8/28/2008

August 28, 2008

dba'ers,

Finally, the 2008 college football season starts tonight and spirals up into high gear this weekend!

We talked, at the store, what we should be doing for this weekend and, once again, VC pointed out the obvious. "No one", he said, "would be coming in to get anything framed because of all the big local games in the area and on TV......unless, of course, you are like me and don't really care about football. I think it is a great time to shop."

I thought about firing him on the spot cause I can't wait for football to start again.......but realized two things. First, he was incredibly right (like usual). Just because this little corner of the universe seemingly bleeds red and black (or just add any of your own two favorite colors here) doesn't mean everyone is interested in football. Personally, I don't understand that, I just know it is a truism. Second, VC, is proving why he is the marketing madman of DonByramArt. Without further a-dew (as they say in Georgia) here are our spread offense specials for the weekend:

1. The Deep Six-Bring anything football related in and received a 15% discount on framing between now and Sunday night. That could be jerseys, programs, tickets, pom-poms, autographed pictures, the famous "Black Out" photo from last year, the famous "Excessive Celebration" picture from the Florida game (one of our customers recognized a shocked Florida judge standing in the crowd from the picture. she giggled about it and was going to call him!), High School pictures, cheerleading outfits, cleats, popcorn bags, etc. Janice did draw the line on stinky socks. She said she was done shadowboxing stinky socks.
2. The Extra Point-Bring anything in and receive a 10% discount this weekend. BUT.....you have to bring it in when somewhere....in America.....there will be a football game on.....honestly, how hard will that be?
3. Overtime-We have the last 20 plus Larry Munson autographed "Munson Radio" prints by local Commerce artist and all round nice guy Kevin Burchett. I'm attaching a picture of it. Framed it is $199 and unframed it is $100. Also have Herschel Walker and David Pollack signed Dog prints. When they are gone.....they are gone!

And to prove we are equal opportunity framers, we will admit to framing a University of Florida diploma a few weeks ago. We were a little surprised when she didn't like the red and black matting we put on it.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely! Go Dawgs, Jackets, Gamecocks, Eagles (not so much, sorry Rick), Tigers, Hogs, and (insert your team here)!!!
THE FRAMING TEAM at
DonByramArt

DBA EMAIL: 8/23/2008

August 23, 2008

dba'ers,

Since the Olympics are winding down, VC felt it would be appropriate to announce the winners of our first "It must be art if....." contest using the Olympic theme. He contacted Bob Costas, who asked who we were and why were we waking him up in the middle of the night and how we got his personal cell phone number (he used a lot of big words in a lot of convoluted ways. He makes my ears hurt.). VC let him know, in no uncertain terms, that we had those kind of connections and he should listen to our proposal. After VC explained who we are, why we were calling, and that for his cooperation we were willing to give him a framing discount.....Costas hung up on him. Actually, we really think the phone call got dropped. You know, it is a really long ways to China and there are a lot of things that could go wrong with such a small phone....regardless, he didn't answer when we called back. His voice mail said something about going to watch beach volleyball. Not sure what all that was about. We also thought we had Michael Phelps interested, especially after Janice offered to shadow box his medals, but he and Costas must have the same kind of phone, cause we lost that connection also. His voicemail said, "Don't leave a message unless your name is Ariel". Janice, VC, Milli, and I all looked bug eyed at each other. If he knows Ariel and all those other merpeople from Disney....that would explain a lot of those gold medals! Don't tell the Chinese.

Anyways....let me get back on track here.....

The winner of our first "It must be art if....." contest is....

"Infant" by Christy Epps! She is our Gold Medal winner and we will print her winning entry and frame it for her($199 value!). And yes, you will get an email with her smiling face holding her gold medal winning entry. Not quite the cover of Sports Illustrated, but maybe we can work a copy of the Georgia Bulldog cover into the picture somewhere.

Our Silver Medal winner is "Aubrey" by Leighanne Fallyer and our Bronze winner is "A Simple View" by Gina Maxie. Congratuations to all our winners! We really didn't think about the Olympic theme of Gold, Silver, and Bronze when we set the contest up, so we don't really have anything for second and third place. Which is a bummer. Milli thinks we should do something, which we all agree with. If you have any suggestions, let us know! We're game.

A very sincere thanks to all our contestants and everyone who voted! Everyone played nicely! It was a blast to come to work and check on the voting from day to day. This was our first shot at doing something like this and we think it came off fairly well. We are going to do it again. If you have a digital file you would like to enter, email it to me at don@donbyramart.com. You can submit up to 3 images. More details as to dates and whatnot next email, but go ahead and send the images in now. We already have several!

Other stuff.....
The name of our next email will be, "What do Flight Deck birds and 13ft pythons have in common?" Stay tuned!

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,

Don

DBA EMAIL: 8/12/2008

August 12, 2008

All kinds of reminders today.....

*The deadline to vote for your favorite piece of art or photo in the first DonByramArt "It must be Art if...." contest is this Friday, the 22nd. If you haven't voted, go to the contest page on donbyramart.com and choose your favorite work. Send me an email at don@donbyramart.com with your choice. We have had great response from everyone and it looks like it is coming down to the wire! Remember, the winner receives a printed and framed copy of their work....$199 vlaue!!

*Take out the trash...wait a second....that's a note from my wife....never mind.

*Submit more artwork and photos for the next "It must be Art if....." we will be running after we finish this one up (already have some!). Same drill, email them to don@donbyramart.com.

*Clean out all your closets and from underneath your beds.....bring all the artwork and photos you find into the store and we will frame it all up.....lickty split. (Mother Janice is the one who said clean out your closets, VC is the one that said bring them all here, and Milli is the one who said lickty split!)

*A big email hug to all the new dba'ers!

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
Don

DBA EMAIL: 8/12/2008

August 12, 2008

IT'S TIME!!! Time for our first online art contest called "It must be art if....."!!!

We have had some outstanding submissions, and our IT Department has jumped through flaming Bill Gates inspired hoops to get everything posted on the internet (you know....the one Al Gore invented).

Here is all you have to do.....
1. Go to www.donbyramart.com .
2. Go to "Contest Page".
3. Pick your favorite image.
4. Email us at don@donbyramart.com your choice before midnight on Friday the 22nd.
(in the future, we will have it so you can vote from the contest page......this time....ain't happening! Need you to do it the old fashion way...email!)

Why is it important you vote? Cause the winner will receive a 16x20 framed canvas print as a Grand Prize! that's a cool thing. Just think, a future Ansel Adams or Monet may be determined by your vote! Or....maybe not. Who knows?! Consider this practice for November and the big election. So, the ball is in your court! The pressure is on you! The wheel is in your hands! The game is on the line! Make it happen!! Go deep......and vote!

And as always.....
Thanks for playing nicely and check the rest of the website while you are there.
Don and Janice and VC and Milli!

DBA EMAIL: 8/7/2008

August 7, 2008

Saturday is the last day to submit enteries into the "If must be Art if....." contest we are having.

The winner will receive an approximately 16x20 fully framed canvas print of their winning entry. The entry can be of any subject and simply needs to be either emailed to us or dropped off on a disk at the store. We have had photos, computer art, and original print art submitted so far.

We will post the entries on the website, donbyramart.com, and all dba'ers will have a week to vote on the winner. For complete guidelines, check out our contest page on the website, drop us an email, or give us a shout at the store.

Thanks!
Don

DBA EMAIL: 8/4/2008

August 4, 2008

dba'ers,

What a hoot this "tax free" weekend was!

Framing and retail are many things, but boring isn't one of them. Proof?

-We got a wonderfully yummy pie from one of our best customers, Kerry. See the picture attached as proof! Would share the pie with you, but not only are we really nice people, we are also hungry, not much left! (and Kerry got a nice discount for pie)
-Brought in some new artists for the store. Joycelyn Hairston (painter), Ralph Evans (wood turner), and Carol Kennedy (potter). In the next week or so, we will post up some of their work on the website (donbyramart.com) or just drop by and take a look. Good stuff.
-Holly. Just Holly did her Kung Fu Raku magic Saturday. Things went snap, crackle, and pop! Take a look at the pictures. Fabulous fun!
-The Arts and Antiques Festival at the shopping center had it's first weekend. Yep, very hot. People were melting into little puddles before our eyes. Sad to lose a friend that way. The good news is this will be the hottest weekend we will have to deal with......until next July or August. We will worry about that next year.
-Larry and Terri, are the dba'ers who have traveled the furthest, so far, to visit us. They live in Arkansas and said they felt like this was a visit to Mecca.....or something close to that. Actually, I think they said they thought The Pottery was still open, but we aren't proud and we will take what compliments we can get.
-Saw a lawyer. 'nuff said about that.
-Made new friends. Always a good thing in retail and life!
-Mark Richt said to tell everyone to "finish the drill". Well, OK, that's a lie. We didn't see Mark Richt this weekend. Not sure I would recognize him if I meet him at Home Depot. BUT, we did frame a wonderful letter from him and some pictures of him a couple of weeks ago. And I know he says "finish the drill" a lot.
-And best of all, got to see lots of old friends. It was a blast to see everyone.

Folks, some things in life aren't rocket science. Much more fun to do business with people you like. So, Janice, VC, Milli, and myself.....we've decided we like all y'all, and think we will continue to do business with y'all!! Keep up the good work! Keep bringing framing, food, and money! If you hold your end of the deal up, we'll hold our end up.

As always,
Thanks for playing nicely,
Your friends at
DonByramArt, LLC (the lawyer guy I mentioned earlier said I should say LLC every once in a while)

DBA EMAIL: 7/26/2008

July 26 , 2008

dba'ers,

We've had quite of bit of feed back (which we love) on the last email about Holly. Just Holly coming to visit us and giving her Raku demonstrations next week end (August 2nd). One of our horse loving customers, Ellen, brought in some horse hair to throw in the mix when Holly fires everything up. Not sure exactly how all of that works, but sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon. Put the Arts and Antiques Festival here at Commerce Crossing on your calendar!

But honestly, the main reason I'm writing this email is because of the DonByramArt Tattoo Contest....or lack thereof. If you will remember, VC wanted to do a DonByramArt Tattoo Contest. He thought it would be really cool to have a bunch of people running around this corner of Georgia with the official orange and black DonByramArt logo tattooed on various parts of their body. Even wanted to give away discount framing as a prize (GASP!)! Almost had me convinced (I was flexing my bicep to see if that would fit....naw!). Then Janice just threw a fit on both of us like a big V-Twin all over a Rice Rocket. And, probably, she was right. I guess it doesn't make too much sense. I mean, what would happen if VC bought the store from me (VCart)? Then everyone would have to change their tattoos. I hear that is painful.

Instead of the tattoo contest, we landed on something a little more conventional. We are going to have an online art contest!

We are calling this contest "It must be art if....". For all the details, check out the contest page on our website (www.donbyramart.com). Basically, if you have something you have created, photographed, found in a sock drawer, came to you in a dream, or otherwise has come to live with you and won't go away (no spouses please) and you want to share it, then email it to us at don@donbyramart.com and we will post it on our web site and then everyone (that would be all of y'all!) can vote on their favorite image. The winner will receive a free canvas print job of their image and free frame job($199 value and app.16x20 in size)! I know it's not quite as exciting as a tattoo, but it is still pretty darn cool to have your art or picture printed on canvas and framed. We will take images until August 9th for our first contest.

Maybe at the end of the year, the Huge Grandest Winner of all the Little Contests, will receive a DonByramArt Tattoo. We'll just have to wait and see...

As always,

Thanks for playing nicely and welcome to our newest dba'ers!

Mother Janice, VCVP, Milli, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 7/21/2008

July 21, 2008

dba'ers,

Janice is torqued. I should just warn you now. She ripped into VC and I the other day like you wouldn't believe! VC and I were hanging out at his table dropping peanuts into our RC Colas and talking about his latest marketing campaign and contest. He wanted to have a DonByramArt Tattoo contest. He thinks it would put us on the map (or the arm or other places) and maybe even leverage our way with the networks into getting our own reality TV show (insert Orange County Chopper meets Mayberry here). "Think of it", he said, sweeping his hand in front of us like Norman Rockwell. "I bet half of Commerce would get one! I know they would in Jackson County! We could hand out coupons for discounted frame jobs to anyone who would get one! How cool would that be?! Then they would walk around like billboards for us!!" I was starting to get that distant starry eyed look on my face when Janice, who had been ease dropping, turned us inside out like skinning a rabbit.

I can't really repeat everything she said, but trust me, she made her point about marketing.......

SO, instead of having a DonByramArt Tattoo Contest (VC is still licking his wounds a little), we invited one of our favorite potters, Holly Williams, to visit and perform her magic with Raku. If you aren't familiar with Raku, it is what VC calls the "Kung Fu of Pottery"! She is going to bring a portable kiln, fire up some clay, let it cook for awhile, drop it at 2500 degrees into some metal trash cans filled with newspaper, tea bags, and whatever is lying around her house that morning. It all goes "Whooosh!!" and has a high Snap, Crackle, Pop index. Huge amount of fun. What comes out is an incredibly interesting piece of pottery with fabulous colors. If all you know about pottery is Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze making a mess in the movie Ghost, then you owe it to yourself to visit us on Saturday, August 2nd to see Holly perform Raku.....the Kung Fu of Pottery. I'm also including a link to Wikipedia about Raku: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raku_ware). Maybe after that Saturday, someone will edit the article in Wikipedia to include the words Kung Fu!

Holly, in the pottery world, goes by Holly. Just Holly. She is based out of Happy Valley, south of Watkinsville. She is known, in our store, for her very organic yellows, earthy greens, and brown bowls, cups, and trays. She is also the creator of "butt cups". Won't get into that on this email, but when you are in the store, take a look at them, they are a hoot! I am attaching a photo of her doing Raku last fall at the Happy Valley open house. She also loves to talk about her craft, family, and Roller Derby.

Holly visiting and performing for us is part of the Arts and Antiques Festival the folks at Commerce Crossing Shopping Center are putting on the first weekend of August. These are going to happen on the first weekend of every month, so there will be some other fun things coming at you down the pike.

As always,

Thanks for playing nicely!

DBA EMAIL: 7/13/2008

July 13, 2008

dba'ers,

I know the Fourth of July seems like a lifetime ago, but what a hoot that day was for us and before it totally fades from memory, we wanted to share a couple of fun stories with you.

First, Shelley and Jim Williamson were the first people in our store that morning with big smiles on their faces and a wonderfully appropriate 4th of July print of George and Martha Washington. They got the print from a friend last year at Christmas. Jim's connection to the print is his great-great-great-great-great aunt is the niece of George Washington. In the spirit of the day, they decided on a muted red, white, and blue matting with a wonderful antique looking frame to match the emotion of the print and the decoration of their home. That was the easy part. Take a look at the attachments. It turned out great!

The hard part was when we got to discussing why George would be on his knees in front of Martha. The most politically correct and sweetest suggestion was made by Shelley. She thought George was asking for Martha's understanding and blessing as he continued his guidance during the birth of our new country. Wow. That was way much better than what I thought.

My thoughts were:

1. "Yes, Martha, I know, I promise I won't leave the garage door open again at night."

2. "I know it's silly, but I'm still having nightmares about that cherry tree."

3. "Hey, Paul up in Boston has tickets to the Patriots game this Sunday.....can I go??? Please, please, please??!!" (a little know NFL fact is that the Washington Redskins name was temporarily changed to the Washington Redcoats during the War of 1812 when the British burned DC to the ground. In the ensuing game between the Redcoats and Patriots, that was played at a neutral stadium, New Orleans, quarterback Andy Jackson and Patriots kicked the Redcoats rears in overtime. Some ESPN analysts and disgruntle 'Coat fans claim the game was actually over. Acting NFL Commissioner, Francis Scott Key's retort was, "Whatever. Hey guys, listen to this. I wrote it while at the Baltimore game last week....I think we should sing it before games".)

The other wonderful event of the 4th of July this year, was a tin of treats that were brought in by Linda. She got our email, shamelessly claiming that large discounts could be bought with food, especially pie (We had several people take advantage of the discount, but no one brought framing and pie). We felt humbled that she brought cookies in without even wanting anything framed. Just being nice. Made our day. Actually, it made my day. No one else saw the treats, since they were gone by the 5th of July. So, thanks Linda!

As always,

thanks for playing nicely with us!

DBA EMAIL: 7/7/2008

July 7, 2008

dba'ers,

Need your help! The fabulous people who bring you the Commerce Crossing Shopping Center are putting together an Arts and Antiques Festival the first weekend of every month. That's right. Right here. In Commerce Crossing....that used to be Banks Crossing....that used to be....Pottery Factory Outlet....that used to be a big field or swamp or something.....

But that was a long time ago.

Now it is Commerce Crossing. And the folks who currently own this part of the world are doing a wonderful job of attracting both vendors and customers for the Arts and Antiques Festival that will kick off the first week end of August and will run the first weekend of every month until the world grinds to a halt. That will change the schedule a little. I'm attaching a flyer that explains it more. There is contact information on it if you are interested in being a vendor or just want more information. If that doesn't work or you can't open it, just give us a shout and we will tell you what we know and who to contact if you want to play.

Janice is pretty excited about it because she has been visiting with some of our potters and we think we will have a special treat for everyone that weekend. But you will have to wait for all that information until she is willing to officially announce it (don't tell her I told you). Hopefully, that will be later this week. But trust me, it is really really cool. Stay tuned for that!

As always,
thanks for your friendship and business,

Janice, VC, Milli, and Don

DBA EMAIL: 6/29/2008

June 29, 2008

dba'ers,

Yesterday was the City Lights Festival in Downtown Commerce. A great time was had by all! The weather was perfect. We had a nice breeze and plenty of friends, both old and new, come by to visit. Just wanted to say we really appreciate seeing and talking to so many our friends and customers. We also got to spread the word a little bit more about what we do....and where we are located to some new friends. Doesn't get much better!

Nothing to sell you today. VC probably will be upset that I'm not.....you know how those marketing types are. Sometimes, the big guy is just out of control!

Hats off to the Hasco Carver and all the volunteers who did a tremendous job of keeping everyone out of the ditches and going forward throughout the day. It was a very well organized and timely event.

Attached is a picture of Janice.....well....just doing a good job of being Janice!!

Don

DBA EMAIL: 6/24/2008

June 24, 2008

dba folk,

A couple of weeks ago, I sent out an email entitled, "A study shows....". It was silly, lots of fun to write, and was meant to amuse and entertain. Which it seemed to. We received quite a bit of feedback from it. Quite honestly, Janice had me so jacked on coffee that day, I didn't even know what I had written for two days.

We had one of our favorite customers drop by the store simply to tell us how much she enjoyed the email. We said "thank you", and had a brief chit-chat. Then she was out the door. It wasn't until she was pulling away we realized that she hadn't spent any money (which is very much unlike her). I chased her car across the parking lot, waving my arms like a wild man and yelling, "come back....come back....you forgot to give us your credit card!!" She never stopped and I don't think she saw me. I was a little embarrassed by it all and was kinda glad she didn't stop. Kinda.

A friend of mine, who I have known for many dog years, sent an email back to me saying I always "totally over analyze" everything and what it took me a whole email to write, she could have written in two lines. That was all it said. Which pretty much proves her point. Can't argue with simplicity.

An old college buddy of mine, who I just had the pleasure of rediscovering, wrote me and told me he had to rip his moniter off his desk and throw it into the creek next to his house to get the blankety blank blank off his screen. Since he has a degree in Philosophy, I took that as a positive.

So, here is my dilemma. My couch time. Sequels are never as funny as the first in a series. Godfather vs. Godfather II. You tell me, which is funnier? Well, maybe that is not a good example. But, you will note Will Ferrell has never come out with a sequel to Talladega Nights. Which by far, hands down, is one of the funniest movies of all times. Very surprised the Academy overlooked it (Munson and I were talking about that a while back). Regardless, Will Ferrell has only put out watered down sad movies since. Why? Because he knows he can't top The Legend of Ricky Bobby. You can only kiss a Frenchman on the big screen once and it be shockingly funny. After once, it is just gross.

What am I supposed to do? I don't think I can top the first email as far as funny, witty, silly, stupid.....whatever you want to call it. How do I follow up? How do I keep your attention? Wasn't sure....so.....I asked Janice, VC, and Milli. They said it was simple and all I had to do was.....

Remind people we offer framing by some of the most experienced framers in NE Georgia. Remind people we have shopped our competition and we have the very best prices in this part of the whole universe. Remind people that since we know most of you, we are a safe place to leave some of the most precious things and memories you have. Remind people we (at least they have....I'm still a newbie) have been part of the landscape here for a very long time and while the name of the front of the building has changed....the quality, care, and love hasn't.

Thank you for business, thank you for your trust, and your friendship. Think of us for your framing and gift giving needs.

DBA EMAIL: 6/19/2008

June 19, 2008

dba'ers (that would be donbyramarters....that would be you!),

We promised we would follow up and announce the winner of our "Whoever Brings in the Most Interesting Thing to be Framed Wins Something" Contest. If you will remember, we weren't sure what the prize would be, because VC, our VP of Marketing had already left for the day and he gets testy if Janice or I award things without his approval. Kinda sensitive that way. Anyway, when he came back he got us all straighted out.

And the winner is.....

Ann Rogers of Commerce! She brought in three photos, dating from the 1930's-40's she is donating to the Commerce Public Library and First Baptist Church of Commerce. The first one (the long one at the bottom of the easel) is the men of the First Baptist Church of Commerce. There isn't a date on it, but Ann and a few other folks believe it to be from the early 40's. Sitting prominently in the front of the picture is L.G. Hardman, who owned the mill, the bank, and quite a bit more of this part of the world, I'm told.

The second picture (on the easel) is thought to be a grammar school in the area, probably a graduation shot. The individual shot added in the front of the frame is believed to be Claude Rhodes. The mystery of this picture is why is his picture there? Did he miss the graduation shot? What school is this? Ann doesn't know.

The third picture (Ann is holding) is dated as the 1936 Commerce High School Graduating Class. Everyone is dressed pretty spiffy. One interesting note Ann pointed out, there are more than twice the women in the picture than men. This being he middle of The Depression, Ann suggests that a lot of the men were in the fields or working.

Ann received the pictures from Mary Cowart (Mary's Fashion Corner) and Mary received them from Rea Long from Athens. Here is where you, as dba'ers come in. Ann is on a quest to name as many people in these pictures as she can. These pictures will be living at the Commerce Public Library and First Baptist Church, and if you are from this neck of the woods and want to help out, drop by and take a look at them. If you have people from Commerce and think you might know someone in the picture let the organizations know.

They are great pictures and little pieces of history for Commerce. We are very pleased to be able to help out in our small way to help preserve these little treasures for the next 75 or so years.

And the winner won???

VPVC deemed that this was such a unique and interesting situation, that it really didn't qualify as a real workorder, thus, it didn't really qualify to be paid with real money and the entire job should be free. (as the owner, I said, "ouch". But I think I'm over it now.)

He was also thrilled to offer a 10% discount to all our dba'ers on our DonByramArt SpamNet this last weekend and thanks everyone for playing nicely!!

Stay tuned for more email specials and contests. VC has been very quiet the last couple of days contemplating the mysteries of marketing. He says of his next special, "if this was pie, your tongue would beat your brains out trying to get to it"!!

As always, I am

Don

DBA EMAIL: 6/12/2008

June 12, 2008

According to a leading University study from a leading University that does studies....

"Most people only frame things when they need something framed."

The framers at DonByramArt studied this study and found this study a highly disturbing study......as studies go.....from leading Universities......that do studies. After careful consultation with the Marketing Department and the Finance Department and the Advertising Department and the Receiving Department and the Lunch Department and a whole boatload of other Departments making up the length and "breath" of the multi-county reach of DonByramArt, Handcrafted Framing, we decided.......

"We need to convince people they need something framed!"

So, Janice, VC, Milli, and Don are asking you to look around your house or office or barn or Uncle Bubba's 1978 Ford F-150 parked behind the chicken coop and find something that needs to be framed. Really, we aren't too picky. If you can drag it in the front door.....we can frame it.

And as an added incentive, for this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we are offering 10% off any new framing jobs that come through our misaligned doors.

"But wait, there's more!!"

We know you are getting ready to rocket out of your seat and start scouring your walls for the long lost picture of Grandpa Cletus and Grandma Nora in that ratty old frame made out of RC Cola crates. STOP! VC has added even more of an incentive! The person with the most interesting thing they have framed this weekend will receive......

Well....not really sure yet. VC has already gone home for today and he is head of our Marketing Department(VP-VC). He is also off tomorrow, so we will have to send a follow up email out next week announcing the winner of our contest....whatever that will be. We will even take your picture and send it out on the DonByramArt Spam Net so you know we aren't kidding. But he is always wanting to give everyone he knows a huge discount, so I bet that it will be along those lines. Drives Janice crazy.

To quote Forrest Gump, "and that's all I have to say about that". (well, not really)

One serious note.....check out Lula's own Vernon Carnes at www.krmjazz.com. He is a local artist and jazz musican. And he is really good. We have been playing his CD's in the store and I can't get people to quit dancing. Kills production. So, don't blame me if your frame job is late. It's Vernon's fault.

Don

ARTICLE: Letters, pictures chronicle vintage romance 2/13/2009

The latest story about a DBA'er was just published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Valentine's Day of this year. Several months ago, Selina Hayes of Maysville, brought in a fabulous photo of her Grandfather sitting on a hillside writing his marriage proposal to his bride to be. It was classic romance and a story deserving a bigger audience. Here is the story.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/021409/liv_387684864.shtml

ARTICLE: Mystery photo has story to tell 12/13/2008

In November of '08, we had a Yart Sale to benefit the Boys &Girls Club of Jackson County. People from all over donated their art, including DBA'er Dave Adams. He donated several pieces including a 4 1/2 foot long photograph dating from sometime in the early 1900's of dozens of people, mainly men. His Grandfather was a photographer in Athens and the surrounding area during the first part of the last century, so Dave assumes the photo was taken by him. But it was a mystery who the people were and why so many were gathered in downtown Athens.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/121308/liv_366868977.shtml

ARTICLE: Cotton Mill Photo 9/12/2008

The last story is about a photo of two old beat up file cabinets sitting in front of an open window titled "Windows Operating System 3.1". It is a photo I took in an old cotton mill in South Carolina. The picture was on display in Athens in the "Overload" show at Athica in Athens. For more pictures of this series click on my part of the artist's section and then click on "MILL". All of these were taken at the Olympia Cotton Mill in Columbia, SC.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/091308/liv_331589639.shtml