((Inset) Deb Spicer | Photos courtesy of Eastlake Framing)
This year, Eastlake Framing is celebrating their 40th anniversary. Founded in 1984 as a photo-processing center called Eastlake Art, it wasn’t until 1995 when the current owner, Deb Spicer, purchased the business and renamed it to be Eastlake Framing. Now, the business focuses on framing services and restoration work. Over the years, Deb and Eastlake Framing have become trusted names for framing and restoration services, earning the Distinguished Small Business of the Year Award by the Bend Chamber of Commerce.
However, all those successful years didn’t happen without some tumultuous times, like the Great Recession of 2008. Despite some harder times, Deb and Eastlake Framing have maintained a philosophy that prioritizes connecting with and giving back to the Central Oregon community.
Deb asserts that people will want to do business with businesses that care about the local community, and the past 40 years are testament to the truth behind that statement. Eastlake Framing has auctioned off hundreds and hundreds of photographs and paintings over the years, with the proceeds going to local charitable organizations throughout Central Oregon.
While the philanthropic benefit is obvious, Deb says that the real motivation comes from the heart, noting that, “you can be socially responsible and still make money.”
While there is a team of talented individuals who have all contributed to the success of Eastlake Framing, much of the credit must go to Deb, herself.
In the early 2000s, Deb branched out from framing and photo restoration by apprenticing under an 85-year-old oil painting restoration expert. The woman she learned from was one of the only local options for oil painting restoration, and now Deb wears that crown. “Restoration work is at such a different pace, compared to framing,” she said. “Framing is fast-paced, where oil painting restoration is slower, more peaceful and calming. It is almost a meditative experience.”
Aside from her dedication to becoming the local expert on oil painting restoration, it is Debs’ passion for art and her business savvy that have truly brought success to Eastlake Framing.
“You never know what piece of art might walk through that door,” Deb said. “It is not irregular for restoration customers to shed a tear when they receive their restored painting. Some of these pieces have significant sentimental and family value, and I love seeing people’s faces when they see that art in its original glory.”
Going forward, Deb’s philosophy is to keep doing what she loves, and do it well. As she puts it, “love what you do, do it with integrity and give back to your community.”
With a philosophy like that, Eastlake Framing is poised for more successful anniversaries in the coming years.
