Tom Gittins Tom is the proprietor of Art and Frame of Falls Church with his mom being the majority owner.  The creator and organizer of FIRSTfriday of Falls Church and one the co-founders of Falls Church Arts and Taste of Falls Church, Tom continues to create and infuse the arts in everything he touches.  Long standing member with the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce since 2001 he served as Vice Chair of Membership in 2004 and 2005, Vice Chair of Programs in 2006 and 2007, and he won the Chamber's Pillar of the Community Award in 2005.  He was also the 2009 recipient of the Carroll V. Shreve Award from the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his contributions to the well-being and prosperity of the residents of Northern Virginia. Art and Frame of Falls Church has also been the recipient of the City of Falls Church's 2003 Excellence in Customer Service Award and 2004 Business of the Year Award. It all began with his grandfathers corner grocery store in upstate New York.  Offering customers what they want was in the blood.  Art and Frame of Falls Church to this day continues to offer candies from the counter as Tom's Grandfather did in his store. Tom began framing many, many years ago by way of his Dad framing the works his Mom completed.  In 2001 Tom took what he had learned from many years of working with friends, business acquaintances, and relatives and turned it into a retail setting that now sits in the center of the historic district of Falls Church.

Gabrielle Spencer As a budding artist, I've just begun to navigate my way through the art world. To me it seems infinitely vast with no rules. As a logical thinker this frightens me. Often times I don't even regard myself as an “artist”. I can't “let go”, as I believe a true artist can. But I do believe my meticulous nature, keen eye, and desire for perfection has proved to be essential in executing photo realistic portraiture. In this I am finding my niche. However, it's not just picture perfect I try to achieve. My objective is to capture one's essence. I avoid smile-for-the-camera poses, opting for candid expression. Not only does this make for a more interesting portrait, but also a truer depiction of   human nature. Using a very hard pencil allows me to develop a drawing slowly. The result is very fine lines and soft transition of values, giving a three dimensional quality and bringing the subject to life. At a certain point, the drawing begins to breath and I get an eerie feeling that I am not alone with my pencil and paper anymore. That is when I know the portrait is complete.   Gabe, originally from Illinois and Pennsylvania, moved here to the D.C. Area. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 with a degree in studio arts. She is currently a framer at Art and Frame of Falls Church and portrait artist.

Bill Abel Bill has a strong urge to follow his heart and work back into teaching and painting on a more full-time basis.  With that, he isn't working at Art and Frame of Falls Church anymore.  You can however reach him at (703) 283-6260 or on the web at www.WhereArtHappens.com.

Bev Rocco, Corporate Designer/Artist I started as a photographer- seeing life through the lens.  As I printed my images, I saw forms that would make interesting abstracts.   I turned to paint to reflect the forms, colors and impressions that I see and feel.  Painting feeds my soul and inspires my imagination to put on canvas a different version of the world as I see it.    I went to school at Northern Virginia Community College where I studied photography, drawing, sculpture and graphic art.   I have spent the last 30 years in the art field.  I found my niche as a picture frame designer and entered two contests which I won second and third place awards.  I am passionate about art and enjoy helping others finding the perfect piece or frame design for their art.

Joe Heller Designer/Artist More information to come soon.

Suzanne Gittins Owner/Artist More information to come soon.

Elizabeth Ball Designer/Artist More information to come soon.