Rollie and Carol LaMarche have owned and operated Picture This, an award-winning art gallery and picture framing shop for over 44 years, and for 20 of those years, they have been proud supporters of therapeutic art programs.
“Back in 2005, we connected with Dr. Marilyn Hundleby, who later co-founded Wellspring Edmonton. She showed us how art is a form of therapy for those living with cancer, and we got very excited and wanted to participate. We’ve been raising funds and donating to Wellspring ever since,” said Rollie.
As gallery owners, Carol says they are constantly in awe of the power of art, and supporting programs like those offered at Wellspring, fits with their desire to help make a difference where they can.
“We really understand that in the same way food feeds our body, and education feeds our mind, art feeds the soul, and the soul is so important,” said Carol. “To see someone who is going through something difficult like cancer enter into the creative process; whether it’s art, music, dance, sculpture … is remarkable. They might come into it with a big heavy cloud over them, but as they engage in the process, you can almost see the negative energy shift to positive energy,” said Carol.
Art that Gives Back
This year, Picture This is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Masterpieces in Miniature art show, with a portion of the proceeds once again generously being donated to Wellspring Alberta. Over the years, this popular event has showcased the extraordinary talent of many local and international artists, and has raised over $50,000 for Wellspring.
“Along with seeing how people find healing in the process of creating art, we also see how much art is inspiring to people – how having something beautiful hanging in their home brings them joy,” said Rollie.
Art Show Details
Masterpieces in Miniature takes place May 3 – 22, 2025. Anyone is welcome to go online and view beautiful original art created by 45 artists from across North America. Participants are then invited to enter their name in a draw to purchase their chosen selections. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Wellspring Alberta.
About Picture This
Rollie and Carol first started their small framing business in a garage in Edmonton in 1981. Fuelled by dedication and passion, and their desire to “make people feel good,” the business grew steadily and eventually they expanded and moved their operation to Sherwood Park.
“Our shop is different in that we are a sort of hybrid; a gallery and a picture framing business. We carry different types of art including Limited Editions and original art, and we also do custom and fine quality picture framing,” said Rollie.
Firmly established in Sherwood Park and surrounding areas, Picture This has also garnered patronage that spans the country, and has won numerous awards. What’s more, Rollie and Carol are proud to call many artists their cherished friends.
“Our artists are like family to us, we’ve known some of them for 20-30 years,” said Rollie, noting that they recently visited and toured the home of Robert Bateman on Salt Spring Island, and are now proud to showcase one of his original creations in the Masterpiece in Miniature art show.
Determined to preserve their authentic personal service, the couple also keeps a keen eye on progress in their industry, taking advantage of new technology that can help expand and enhance the customer experience.
“We are introducing the ‘Virtual Framer’ – technology where people can choose framing virtually on our website, trying out various frames on their piece of art, or photos and even upload a photo of their wall to make choices that they can see for themselves. This will be available on our website soon,” says Rollie.
One thing is sure, in all that they do, Rollie and Carol do it with a heaping helping of kindness, skill and commitment.
“There is tremendous reward in this kind of business. Seeing how art makes people happy – it’s such a positive vibe to be around. I call it a win-win,” said Carol.
Article Source WellspringAlberta.ca