Picture perfect

By Carolyn Sloan

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Hot glue and cardboard aren’t part of their vocabulary.

For 11 years, the Keasts have upheld a promise of quality without compromise, drawing clientele from across the province and beyond for their framing, restoration work, and professional conservation services.

“They know what they can expect from us,” Marge explains. “And our little white mascot helps too.”

The “mascot” is Genny, a west highland terrier who has charmed her way into the customers’ hearts. She is a favourite at the Keasts’ shop and gallery, located on Middleton’s Main Street.

The business itself has been ongoing for over 40 years. When the Keasts bought it in 1997, they had already been living in the area for some time. Previously, the couple had been living in Dartmouth, where Roy had spent the last five years of a 30-year career in the military.

It was a natural attraction that brought the Keasts to the Valley. Marge got a job working as a mental health nurse in Kentville, later continuing her work within the schools. Faced with the choice to retire, she and Roy decided to become entrepreneurs instead. Marge took a framing course, and together, the two learned the ins and outs of the business.

“Marge was always doing some kind of crafty thing and I was always doing woodworking,” Roy explains. “It’s an interesting field and it’s the people that you meet.”

A decade later, the Keasts have two employees who are well-trained in the business and are particularly skilled at design work.

“On any given day when we’re all here,” says Roy, “we’ve got [around] 40 years of framing experience.”

Since taking over the business, the Keasts have continued to expand their services as well as their gallery, which showcases primarily local and Nova Scotian artists. A few years ago, the couple purchased a computer mat cutter, which has taken the framing side of the business to a whole new level. They also have somewhere in the vicinity of 500 frames to choose from, and can make available the same materials that one would find in the large cities like Toronto.

“All glass isn’t created equal,” says Roy, explaining that they use only conservation glass, which cuts out 97 per cent of ultraviolet light.

Having been in the area for many years, the Keasts are also active members of their community. Marge is currently the president of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Annapolis County branch, and Roy has served as a member of the Lions Club and as president of the Central Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce for two terms. Both have aspirations for the future of their community, and would like to see a greater focus on local art in terms of promoting this area.

“I would like to see the community prosper, but at the same time, I don’t want to lose the unique quality the community has here,” says Marge. “The more the local populous can steer change to meet their needs, the better.”