The second FrameArt Expo, the European fine art and frame exhibition, was held March 30 to April 1 in Rome, displaying frames, graphic arts, machinery, and applied technologies. Attendance doubled from the previous show, with 6,500 attendees from more than 60 countries, and 100 companies including leading European suppliers exhibited at the show. The latest graphic and stylistic trends, manufacturing techniques, and finishes were presented as part of a “Made in Europe” theme. The educational part of the show was also well attended, with seminars covering a wide range of topics, from marketing and framing trends to business diversification and creating an online presence.
One of the highlights was the awarding of the Franco Arquati Prize, celebrating the memory of this important industry figure with the display of works of various framers in collaboration with the exhibiting companies.
       Exhibitors expressed their satisfaction with FrameArt Expo 2012, and many said they were going back home to face the market with renewed hope and with new business contacts made at the fair. “Especially in economical periods like today’s, trade fairs are an effective tool to give help to production, provide new incentives, and inspire optimism,” said Fabio Ustignani, Expo organizer. “FrameArt Expo condensed these aspects into three days of a good show.”
       FrameArt Expo was held in conjunction with Photoshow, a major international exhibition of Photo and Digital Imaging, providing two events in one, with the added benefit for attendees of creating synergies between two related industries.
       Next year’s show will be held in Milan from March 22 to 24, 2013. For more information, visit www.frameartexpo.com, call +39 545 23107, or email segreteria@frameartexpo.com.

3A Composites Moves
3A Composites USA has announced that the company’s administrative headquarters is moving from Mooresville, NC, to 3480 Taylorsville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625. Headquarters personnel include sales, marketing, and research, product management, and upper management. The company makes numerous substrates, such as Alucobond, Omni-Flute, Fome-Cor, FiberMate, Sintra, Gator, Dibond, Gator-Ply, Syn-Ply, and Luxcell. Manufacturing facilities are located in Benton and Glasgow, KY, and Statesville, NC. For more information, contact 800-626-3365 or email info.usa@3AComposites.com. Company websites are www.AlucobondUSA.com, www.GraphicDisplayUSA.com, www.Fomecor.com, and www.Gatorply.com.

Delta Redesigns Website
Delta Picture Frame has introduced an improved, user-friendly website at www.deltapictureframe.com. Framers will be able to browse through the catalog, supplements, and closeout sections in a simple and efficient way. There is now complete info on a product, including material, feet per box, and catalog page. You can also e-mail a picture directly from the site or copy and save it to your computer. Another new aspect is that when the product catalog is opened, you can see the entire line without changing to another page. You can also browse the catalog, supplements, and OEM line individually or the entire line under "product catalog."

Framerica Employees Reach Milestones
Murray Turner recently celebrated his silver anniversary with Framerica. “Murray has been a valued employee for 25 years,” says Gordon Van Vechten, co-chairman. “He has been an integral part in designing as well as developing equipment and processes to better serve our customers’ growing needs.” In line with company tradition, Murray will receive a trip to celebrate this milestone. Milton Vera is also celebrating his 10th anniversary with the company. “Milton’s work ethic has made him an invaluable part of our shipping department,” says Jay Van Vechten, vice president of production “We are fortunate to have him.”
     For more information, call Framerica at 800-372-6422 or visit www.Framerica.com.

Garcia Joins AMS
Art Materials Service (AMS) has announced Armando Garcia as the newest team member. As project manager, Armando will be directly assisting Aimee Eichert in national sales as well as heading up additional marketing and customer service efforts. Armando comes from an extensive background in volume picture framing, recently spending six years as operations manager at Soicher-Marin, a high-end wall-decor manufacturer. At AMS Armando will use his experience to provide quality customer experience, product recommendations, and technical advice. He can be reached at 941-893-3782 or at armando@artmaterialsservice.com.

Paschke Receives PMA Service Award
PFM Mastering Mounting columnist and National Conference instructor Chris Paschke, CPF, GCF, was honored with a 2012 PMA Distinguished Service Award on January 10 during the 2012 PMA@CES in Las Vegas. This honor was given based on career commitment and contributions to the photo imaging industry. She was also honored during the PPFA 2012 All-Member Meeting on January 31 at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
       Chris co-founded the PPFA Far Northern California Chapter in 1987, was a founding member and first chairperson of the PPFA Competition Board in 2003, and is the current president of PPFA Greater Los Angeles Chapter. She was honored with the PPFA Award of Distinction for Leadership 2008 and the Vivian Kistler Recognition for Innovation Award 2010 for her work on the Competition Board. Chris is also the author of The Mounting And Laminating Handbook, Third Edition, and Creative Mounting Wrapping and Laminating.