the villager press kit

FACT SHEET

The Villager: At a Glance

“The Villager is a small town boutique and a trip to an art festival all in one. Sip hot cider while you shop and we will gift wrap your special purchase.” – Ingrid Brown, co-owner of The Villager

• The gallery has more than 200 artists regularly submitting pieces in categories including fashion jewelry, metal, fine art jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics, fiber art, prints, paintings and more.

• Each purchase includes an artist card with more information about the artist and their pieces. • The Villager is committed to a tradition of quality design, unusual frames, original oil and watercolor

art, hard-to-find antique prints, exquisite mirrors and hand-crafted gift items.

History:

In January 2001, Auburn residents Frank and Ingrid Brown formed Satsuma Enterprises LLC, and purchased The Villager Frame Shop from Frank’s mother, Genyth Brown.

The Villager was founded on fine craftsmanship and exquisite custom framing design. For more than 30 years, The Villager has been a local gallery known for distinctive designs and one-of-a-kind pieces from recognized local and national artists. The pieces now reach customers not only in Auburn, but across the country with the addition of www.ShopVillager.com in 2009.

National Press:

• The Villager and its sister store, AuburnArt.com, were featured in a three page spread in the October 2009 edition of Southern Living magazine.

General Information:

• Location: 824 East Glenn Ave., Auburn, Ala. 36830 • Shopping hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Contact: (334) 821-8174 or 1-888-350-2841

More information about The Villager can be found at www.shopvillager.com

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Contact: Mary Krueger, (678) 923-5069 ([email protected]), or Jessie King, (334) 821-8174 ([email protected])

824 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 821-8174 www.shopvillager.com

FRANK AND INGRID BROWN OWNERS

BIOGRAPHY

Although Frank Brown and Ingrid Hagenbach both attended Auburn University at the same time and

majored in marketing, it was not until they met in Atlanta 12 years later that they decided to bring their personal

and professional lives together.

Frank grew up in the family business doing everything from making frames to helping customers with

designs for their artwork. After receiving a degree from Auburn, Frank initially went into sales at Diversified

Products. His career then led him to Searle Pharmaceuticals and finally to Lederle Pharmaceuticals where he

managed the top territories and won several awards for sales performance. Although an invaluable learning

experience, the large corporate culture was not the right landing place according to Frank. Frank’s unrelenting

creativity led him to New York where he designed and constructed a 75 seat café and art gallery called

“Frantik.” After owning and managing Frantik for two years in one of the nation’s most competitive

marketplaces with celebrity customers and emerging artists, Frank decided to close his business to begin a more

relaxed lifestyle.

After Auburn, Ingrid went into retail doing everything from visual merchandising, management and

buying. During her retail experience at a failing Alabama business, Ingrid decided to get her master’s degree to

better understand how to run a business more successfully. With educational funding from Glidden Paint

Company, Ingrid completed her master’s in business administration at Brenau University. Upon receiving her

degree, Ingrid went to ACNielsen and worked as a business analyst by assisting major consumer product

companies, such as Colgate, with their marketing efforts. Lured away by Eastman Kodak in 1998, Ingrid led

marketing efforts as a director of category management for cameras and film.

After what seemed like a chance meeting in a frame shop in Roswell, Ga., Frank and Ingrid brought

their lives back to Auburn in 2001 where they formed Satsuma Enterprises and purchased Frank’s mother’s

business, The Villager Frame Shop. The two also began AuburnArt.com, which later became the downtown

storefront that it is today.

“We would not be enjoying our business and customers without Genyth (Frank’s mother) giving us the

foundation and opportunity,” admitted Ingrid. “The Villager is founded on fine craftsmanship and exquisite

custom framing design which is still carried on by The Villager employees. Based on nearly 30 years of

craftsmanship and design, The Villager is a gallery that reaches customers across the country.”

Frank and Ingrid strive to bring the unexpected and unusual to a relaxed and easy shopping

environment. “We love each other and what we are doing. Frank has always said that if we are doing things that

are good and honest, then that is what we will get back,” said Ingrid.

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Contact: Mary Krueger, (678) 923-5069 ([email protected]), or Jessie King, (334) 821-8174 ([email protected]) The Villager Communications & Marketing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2009

Manager of The Villager inspires customers to look at the gallery in a different way

AUBURN, Ala. – Once through the cracked, squeaky wooden

door at The Villager, visitors are in awe of the pieces that adorn

the gallery. The light bounces off the array of colorful hand-

blown glass pieces. Each table is garnished with handmade

jewelry and crafts. With the sound of the bell on the door,

visitors are greeted immediately by a knowledgeable Villager

employee.

Kathy Taylor Myles will most likely be the one to welcome

customers into the store. Myles is the gallery manager and has been working at The Villager for almost three

years. Her day to day job entails helping customers, managing inventory, updating images on the website,

maintaining the look of the store and training employees.

Myles was born and raised in Eufaula, Ala. After high school, she attended Auburn University and graduated in

2008 with an undergraduate degree in English, with a concentration in fiction writing and a minor in art history.

According to Myles, she began working at The Villager because after the first time she visited the store she was

hooked. “I fell in love with the originality of the store. There is nothing else like it in Auburn,” admitted Myles.

“I fell in love with the originality of the store. There is nothing else like it in Auburn.”

Myles has a strong interest in art, which inevitably drives her passion and work ethic in the gallery. “I have

always loved to look at and study art, fashion and fiction writing, especially short stories. I think these interests

translate well to my job because they help me naturally put things together and talk about them,” said Myles.

Villager store owner Ingrid Brown is always impressed with the way Myles cares for customers. “Kathy always

takes the time to make people feel special. Her knowledge of art and dedication to the store are important, but

her unique style and way of explaining the pieces to customers are what make her stand out,” said Brown.

Myles’ love for art and devotion are evident when she speaks about her favorite Villager artist. “Jill Schwartz

pieces have a vintage flair with the comfort of modernity. In other words, they feel good, but look antique. I

love the thought behind each piece and the deliberate choices she makes with each little detail.” Myles has the

knowledge and ability to elaborate on the pieces of the more than 200 Villager artists that submit work to the

store.

“I believe I am one of the best customers at The Villager.”

Other than the intricate displays in the gallery, according to Myles, what captivated her in the beginning was the

knowledge of the sales team. Every member knows where each artist is from, what inspires them, which pieces

are most popular and how to apply that knowledge to individual customer situations. “It sets us apart that we

actually know about the products we sell and stand behind them. I believe I am one of the best customers at The

Villager. That is not an obligation or even being biased, though I am; it is because I honestly believe in the

quality and uniqueness of the pieces we sell,” declared Myles.

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For more information, contact: Mary Krueger, (678) 923-5069 ([email protected]), or Jessie King, (334) 821-8174 ([email protected]) The Villager Communications & Marketing

NEWS RELEASE

Contact Information: November 15, 2009 Mary Krueger, Marketing Assistant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (334) 821-8174

[email protected]

CALIFORNIA ARTIST WINS BEST IN SHOW AT THE VILLAGER ART SHOW

AUBURN, Ala. – “Through the Looking Glass,” the second annual art show hosted by The Villager, gave local

and national artists the opportunity to remove their preconceived expectations, allowing others to see their work

in a different way.

“Best in Show” was metal artist Jeffrey Manpearl with his piece “Tall Tree” featuring a flat tree

silhouette combined with yellow and green fused glass; this piece was also awarded first place in the metal

category. According to Manpearl, viewers are pulled into this piece and each one sees it differently, drawing out

different images and emotions. Manpearl, a California artist featured at the Villager, submitted three pieces of

torch-cut steel with fused glass that come to life in the light. Manpearl said, “I love being able to stand back and

look at my work and ask myself, do I really have to sell this piece?”

The juried art show of American craft includes pieces from categories such as fashion jewelry, metal,

fine art jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics and fiber art. Current and new artists were able to submit up to three

pieces. The winner of each category was selected by a panel of jurors with a background or interest in art and

awarded a prize of $125. “Best in Show” was chosen by The Villager customers voting in-store and online. The

overall winner, Manpearl, was awarded a prize of $750.

The category winners include Laura Lambert, a local artist and Auburn University student from

Florence, Ala. Lambert’s “Not Your Average Hoop” 14-karat gold wire earrings won in the fashion jewelry

category. The “Circle Ring” handcrafted by jewelry artist Lilly Barrack, of Albuquerque, N.M., was chosen as

the winner for the fine art jewelry category. Barrack believes that the rose and smoky quartz ring represents the

looking glass itself and seeing things through a new light.

The “Cheshire Vase” submitted by Luke Adams, a glass blower from Cambridge, Mass., was chosen as

the winner from the glass category. Adams created the “Cheshire Vase” after being inspired by the Cheshire cat

from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Ashley Bryan, a local artist from Birmingham, Ala., created a

sculpture that won in the ceramics category. Bryan created, “Time Stood Still,” after reading the book Through

the Looking Glass. She incorporated symbolism into the piece by using items such as mirrors, glass and

references to time and numbers.

Manhattan, N.Y., artist Leonie Lacouette submitted the “Painted Black Clock” which is part of her

newest line. Awarded first place in the woodworking category, this clock embodies a timeless style. Artist Jen

Swearington, of Asheville, N.C ., submitted the dress “Belle” that she made from vintage bed coverings and

embroidered fabrics. This dress was chosen by judges as the winner of the fiber art category.

For additional information about the “Through the Looking Glass” juried art show on display now

through Nov. 14 and to view our newest gift items, visit our online shopping site at www.ShopVillager.com or

call (334) 821-8174.

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NEWS RELEASE

Contact Information: October 15, 2009 Mary Krueger, Marketing Assistant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (334) 821-8174

[email protected]

THE VILLAGER HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL ART SHOW

AUBURN, Ala. – The Villager is currently hosting its second annual art show, “Through the Looking Glass,”

which includes pieces from national and local artists. The theme gives current Villager artists and new artists

the opportunity to remove preconceived expectations and allow others to see their work in a different way.

The juried art show includes pieces submitted nationally to categories including fashion jewelry, metal,

fine art jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics and fiber art. Each artist is able to submit up to three pieces to the show.

The winner in each category is selected by Villager customers through an online or in-store ballot and will each

be awarded a prize of $125 with an overall show winner receiving $750.

“It is so hard to choose a winner,” explained owner Ingrid Brown. “The pieces last year were just

unbelievable.” Brown began hosting the show in 2008. After the success in the previous year, The Villager’s

art show will become an annual event each fall and Brown hopes to add a spring show in the future to highlight

paintings, prints and photography.

“In a typical art show, one artist is featured with a large body of his works,” said Brown. “With this

show, many artists are featured and their best three items are shown. This exhibit is not only for one night, but

for six weeks and all of the pieces are for sale.”

During this event, only one of each piece will be available for sale and each is a statement piece unlike

the artists’ typical body of work. These pieces are one of a kind and will not be available for sale after the

conclusion of the show.

Laura Lambert, artist and Auburn University student, decided to submit three distinctive jewelry pieces

to the show this year. “With the encouragement of friends and family, I decided to enter the show,” explained

Lambert. “I believe it is a good opportunity for me to get my work out there for others to see and enjoy.”

Jeffrey Manpearl, a California artist featured at the Villager, submitted three torch-cut steel with fused

glass pieces that come to life in the light. “You are looking at my love, my joy and passion in these three

pieces,” said Manpearl. “I love being able to stand back and look at my work and ask myself, do I really have to

sell this piece?”

Other featured artists submitting locally and nationally include Anna Balkan, of Atlanta, Ga.; Larry

Mack, of Holland, Ohio; Keith Moore, of Valley, Ala.; Ashley Bryan of Birmingham, Ala.; Lilly Barrack, of

Albuquerque, N.M.; Charles Carrington, of Tallassee, Ala. and many more.

For additional information about the Through the Looking Glass juried art show of American craft on

display now through Nov. 14, please visit The Villager’s website at www.shopvillager.com. You can also view

our newest gift items from the gallery. Visit us online at www.shopvillager.com or call us at (334) 821-8174.

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THE VILLAGER’S FIRST FACEBOOK EVENT

The Villager Total Time: 30 Seconds

Facebook Fan Appreciation Event Mary Krueger, Producer

ANNOUNCER: HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING YET? WE ARE READY FOR THE

HOLIDAYS HERE AT THE VILLAGER. BECOME A FAN OF THE VILLAGER ON FACEBOOK TO

RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO THE ART GALLERY’S FIRST FACEBOOK EVENT ON SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 12 FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. DOOR PRIZES, HUGE MARKDOWNS, HOLIDAY TREATS

AND AFFORDABLE GIFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS.

BECOME A FAN TODAY BY GOING TO WWW.FACEBOOK.COM AND SEARCHING FOR “THE

VILLAGER.” FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SHOPVILALGER.COM OR CALL (334) 821-

8174. THAT INFORMATION AGAIN IS WWW.SHOPVILLAGER.COM OR (334) 821-8174.

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Contact: Mary Krueger, (678) 923-5069 ([email protected]), or Jessie King, (334) 821-8174The Villager Communications and Marketing

([email protected])

THE VILLAGER’S FIRST FACEBOOK EVENT

The Villager Total Time: 60 Seconds

Facebook Fan Appreciation Event Mary Krueger, Producer

ANNOUNCER: HAVE YOU STARTED YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING YET? WE ARE READY FOR THE

HOLIDAYS HERE AT THE VILLAGER. BROWSE THE STORE’S SELECTION OF JEWELRY,

PAINTINGS, VOTIVO® CANDLES, HAND-BLOWN GLASS, ORIGINAL POTTERY AND MORE TO

FIND AFFORDABLE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.

BECOME A FAN OF THE VILLAGER ON FACEBOOK TO RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO THE ART

GALLERY’S FIRST FACEBOOK EVENT ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

DOOR PRIZES, HUGE MARKDOWNS AND HOLIDAY TREATS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR

EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS THIS EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EVENT.

BECOME A FAN TODAY BY GOING TO WWW.FACEBOOK.COM AND SEARCHING FOR “THE

VILLAGER.” FANS WILL ALSO RECEIVE WEEKLY ONLINE PROMOTIONS AND COUPONS. FOR

MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SHOPVILALGER.COM OR CALL (334) 821-8174. THAT

INFORMATION AGAIN IS WWW.SHOPVILLAGER.COM OR (334) 821-8174.

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Contact: Mary Krueger, (678) 923-5069 ([email protected]), or Jessie King, (334) 821-8174The Villager Communications and Marketing

([email protected])

the villager press kit

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