When Victoria Reed, owner of Victoria Reed Design, Inc., accepted a project re-plating and framing a record collection and an electric guitar for a media room, she knew Tom Robinson, co-owner of Artworks, was the man for the job.

With 23 years of experience, Robinson is skilled at designing framing not only for paintings and prints, but also for art objects, fabric, fine silk and tapestry. “I’ve worked with Tom for over a decade and have total faith in his creative eye, professionalism and experience,” says Reed. “For this project, I handed him a stack of dusty gold-plated albums and a guitar and trusted his instinct. Three weeks later, he produced re-plated glossy albums, each set on black matting in a black frame creating a floating appearance. The electric guitar was placed in a shadow box with a customized plaque. The client’s media room was utterly transformed by Tom’s creativity combined with the expertise of the Artwork’s framing staff.”

Robinson considers home and professional wall space a blank canvas just waiting for an expression of personality, style and creativity. Finding a balance between the art and the frame is always a priority when Robinson begins a project. “I’m careful that the frame design enhances the art rather than overpowers it,” says Robinson. “The customer’s style, whether it’s contemporary, western or traditional, also plays an important role in determining frame choice. My goal is to present a completely balanced and attractive work of art.”

R obinson’s decades of experience in caring for valuable items makes him highly respected in the framing industry. “When we are dealing with expensive, irreplaceable materials, my business partner, René Hurtado, and I personally oversee the care and handling of the art,” he says. “We understand that everything we frame is important to the person who owns it so we are always vigilant.”

In addition to framing and art restoration services, Artworks has a 3,000-square-foot gallery, offering bronze and glass sculpture, oil, watercolor, gouache and acrylic paintings, fine crafts, select vintage pieces and fine art objects. “The inventory quality and specific lines that Artworks carries in combination with Tom’s enthusiasm and desire to create something wonderful adds so much value to each project,” says Reed. “He always does a first class job.”

Artworks is located at 1214 W. 6th St. Suite 105. Call them at 512-472-1550 or visit them online at www.artworksaustin.com.