BlackBird Frame & Art’s entry was recently honored as “Popular Choice” winner of the Professional Picture Framers Association international print framing competition in voting by over 4,000 peers attending the organization’s annual conference. To qualify for the event, the BlackBird entry had been judged the first place winner in PPFA Carolinas Chapter last fall.

In the annual competition, all entrants are given copies of the same print to frame – this year’s selection was a piece titled “The Kissing Booth” by April Murphy.

Judging first occurs at the chapter level, where entries are rated for design, technique and adherence to strict preservation standards. Winners at the chapter level then advance to the International Competition held in conjunction with PPFA’s annual conference. This marked BlackBird’s first-ever entry, so both awards came as pleasant surprises to designer John Horrocks who, with his wife Pat, has owned their shop for nearly 25 years, including the last 12 years in Asheville.

“Admittedly, the frame design is a little over the top,” said Horrocks, “not the style we might normally recommend for our customers’ homes. It is, after all, a competition where an entry must stand out in the crowd.”

The frame highlights the print’s whimsy, its bold colors and barnyard theme while incorporating some technical challenges and the highest level of preservation standards. “We thank everyone who just enjoys the spirit in which this piece was made, and shares in our enthusiasm over the recognition.”

BlackBird Frame & Art is an independent framer and art gallery owned and operated by Pat and John Horrocks. BlackBird features expert framing and showcases fine art prints and originals at 365 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. (828) 225-3117, www.blackbirdframe.com

If you would like more information, please contact John Horrocks at BlackBird Frame & Art, (828) 225-3117 or john@blackbirdframe.com