Meet Nicole Trainor | Artist & Picture Framer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Trainor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The old saying, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ comes to mind. In order to start a framing business and build a brand, I first had to risk the fear of failure by putting myself & my product out into the world. Sure, I’ve made mistakes along the way but without action, I could not grow a business. Taking risks are essential to achieve any goal you may set for yourself/career and allows you to grow as an individual.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Compared to traditional custom picture framing, Louisville Reframe sources wood moulding from second-hand stores. Finding the old, forgotten frames and giving them new life with new artworks is a creative challenge that I enjoy. By taking the client’s personal style/taste into consideration, the design process becomes a collaboration. This process of framing may take more time, but the end result makes for a truly unique custom framed piece of artwork. Louisville Reframe is more than a craft, it’s an art form.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the day with a hike at Cherokee Park. Its one of my favorite parks and has a 2.3 miles scenic loop. To get a better taste of Kentucky, I recommend visiting Angel’s Envy for a bourbon tour. Afterword, there’s plenty of local shops to explore in the surrounding Nulu Neighborhood. Located further downtown, Mussel & Burger Bar is a must go-to for dinner. Afterword, take a quick walk across the street to 21C where the art gallery is open 24/7. If it’s not too late, be sure to stop by the bar for a cocktail. If you visit during warmer weather, the Omni downtown has a roof top pool for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Afterwards, head to Clifton Neighborhood and explore Frankfort Avenue. There are plenty of places to eat, but Silver Dollar is at the top of my list. This made-from-scratch Southern food is located in an old firehouse station where a large firetruck door can open and close. Lastly, walk up to Frankfort Avenue Liquors and enjoy a cocktail and live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Louisville Reframe would not exist without the support and encouragement of my husband, Alex Trainor. From the first day of launching the business, to the not-so-fun side of running it, my partner has been by my side with words of encouragement and advice the entire journey. Another individual who deserves recognition is my framing mentor and friend, Pam Patenaude. With a lifetime of framing experience, she continues to teach me techniques that can’t be found in books and has the patience to walk me through both small conservation practices and large scale projects. I would not be the framer I am today without her mentorship.

Website: Louisvillereframe.com

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Facebook: Louisville Reframe