Whisperwood Custom Framing Studio, owned by Montesano resident, Marisa Salzer, has been a 20-year dream for her.
The shop is located at her home and offers custom framing of not just photos and artwork, but
of sports and military memorabilia in shadow boxes and just about anything else one can
conceive of framing. No project is too big or too small, and she has a variety of approaches to fit
any budget.
Not only do customers benefit from having access to a local shop, but also the prices are
comparable if not better than ordering something from a big box store located further away.
Additionally, the shop offers a larger variety of options – whether it be materials, creativity or
even skills to meet and exceed your expectations.
The studio specializes in white glove treatment conservation framing, using only acid-free
materials to mount artwork. Even the wood frames can be sealed to create a truly acid-free
environment inside the frame.
Salzer’s experience began after she graduated from Montesano High School in 1998. She interned at
State of the Arts Gallery in Olympia, Wash., while attending South Puget Sound Community
College, and learned the trade with metal frames at the gallery. When she transferred to the
University of Washington, she was hired at Museum Quality Framing (MQF) in Bellevue. She
worked there full time while attending the university full time and earned her degree in visual
arts in 2003. In Bellevue, she expanded her framing skills, and was privileged to see some
amazing artwork, some with sentimental value and some that were worth millions.
Upon graduating the university, she returned to the Harbor where she got a job at Michael’s
Village Crafts in Aberdeen. She worked her way up to becoming the framing and fine arts
department manager and worked there until the store closed in 2007.
The best part of her dream Salzer says, is that she has no debt with her business and no rent to
pay. Therefore, she’s enjoying her trade at the pace it grows with the quality and experience
she has to offer.
Whisperwood Custom Framing is open by appointment, is sanitized between each visit, and
offers disposable clear plastic face shields to every customer. Appointments are not limited to
typical business hours as evenings and weekends are available. Salzer also offers a completely
digital design experience if the customer prefers contactless ordering. Quotes are always free,
and there is never any pressure to place an order.
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