As we find ourselves in the heart of the summer season, it's a perfect moment to pause, reflect on the vibrant first half of the year, and look forward to the exciting projects to come. At Sarah Balinskas Art Services, our passion for art drives us to continually seek inspiration and knowledge. It's how we ensure we provide the absolute best for our clients and their collections.
Our mission is built on a foundation of core values: Quality, Excellence, Teamwork, Education, and Innovation. These aren't just words; they are the principles that guide every project we undertake.
A commitment to excellence and education
To provide unparalleled expertise, we believe in constant immersion and learning within the ever-evolving art market. This year, our quest for knowledge has taken us to the forefront of the art world — from the prestigious halls of the Dallas Art Fair and TEFAF to inspiring exhibitions at the MFAH, The Menil Collection, The Met, and the Frick Collection. Supporting vital institutions like the Rothko Chapel and engaging with the creative community during Texas Design Week Houston and the WCAF Expo further fuels our passion and deepens our understanding of the artistic landscape.
This commitment extends to our craft. During a recent workshop with one of the industry's leading conservators of works on paper and photographic materials, our preservation fitters explored advanced techniques for mounting and display. This hands-on session provided a deep dive into adhesive applications for both Western and traditional handmade papers, as well as innovative methods for floating photographic works using conservation-standard adhesives. Working closely with the conservator, our team refined their understanding of paper varieties for Japanese hinges and established best practices for reversal methods, ensuring minimally invasive yet secure support for every artwork.
Bird's eye maple frame
Written in Sanskrit, this artifact is a page from one of Hinduism's most revered sacred texts. The soft, warm-pinkish color of maple wood complements the rich age of the paper, and a cream-colored 100% cotton archival rag mat protects the work while giving some breadth to the frame — all elements chosen to preserve and enhance the work while ensuring the text remains the focus.
Gilded and float frame
When we first saw "Citrons" (Hugo Capron) we instantly thought of cool lemon gold, but bright yellow 22k gold leaf — pictured here on an "O'Keeffe" profile — brought more of the 'pop' the client was looking for.
And that's often what good framing design comes down to! We can lay out any array of suitable options, but ultimately YOU as the collector or designer determine the best outcome based on your particular goals. Do you want a frame to disappear into the room, or stand out from its surroundings? Should frames act as seamless extensions of artwork, or highlight certain elements through contrast? Does a particular piece or series fit seamlessly into your existing collection, or could a specific style of frame help create a dialogue between the two?
Let's collaborate
We believe that the most successful projects are born from teamwork. We are proud to collaborate with a network of esteemed designers, collectors, conservators, and fellow art professionals. This collaborative spirit allows us to approach each project with a comprehensive perspective, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered and expertly executed. Whether you are an artist, a collector, or a designer, we are here to lend our expertise and collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.