The Great Frame Up - Iowa

05/15/2026

The Arts: A Non-Pharmacological Intervention

If you want to improve your chances of living a long, healthy life, you’ve probably heard the same advice repeatedly: eat nutritious foods and stay physically active.

Here’s another idea: embrace your creativity and engage more deeply in the arts. New research suggests that doing so could support a longer life by helping slow the aging process.

Read NPR’s full article here: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5818172/study-arts-slow-biological-aging

05/15/2026

The Arts: A Non-Pharmacological Intervention

If you want to improve your chances of living a long, healthy life, you’ve probably heard the same advice repeatedly: eat nutritious foods and stay physically active.

Here’s another idea: embrace your creativity and engage more deeply in the arts. New research suggests that doing so could support a longer life by helping slow the aging process.

Read NPR's full article here:

Eat well and exercise. That's the classic advice for living a long, healthy life. A new study suggests another habit to add to the list: Let your creative juices flow.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌍💚💙

Print by Artist Johan Swanepoel.
Blue Earth with sunrise in deep space - 3D Render.
(Elements of this image furnished by NASA - Cloudmap from http://visibleearth.nasa.gov)

04/15/2026

Fun And Quirky Art Matters!

Playful, odd, or humorous art lowers our guards. If something makes you smile or catches you off balance, you’re more likely to engage with it instead of analyzing it from a distance. Movements like Dadaism and Pop Art leaned into absurdity and humor specifically to challenge norms and make people rethink what counts as “serious” art.

Quirkiness also reflects how people actually experience the world: messy, ironic, and sometimes ridiculous. Artists like Salvador Dalí and Yayoi Kusama use strange, playful elements not just for fun, but to express deeper ideas (dreams, obsession, identity) in ways that feel immediate rather than academic.

Practically speaking, fun art is memorable. If something surprises you or makes you laugh, it sticks. That’s not trivial - it’s a powerful communication tool.

Shop for fun art here: https://shopthegreatframeupart.com/?affiliatelocationid=112

04/15/2026

Diplomas and certificates represents years of hard work, dedication, and achievement. Don’t let time fade what was earned!

With conservation framing and UV-filtering glass, we can protect these precious documents from sunlight, discoloration, and everyday wear. That way, they will look just as impressive decades from now as they do today.

Framing isn’t just about display, it’s also about preservation.

04/13/2026

Guy Lafleur is widely considered one of the greatest hockey players ever, and there are several clear reasons why he stood out as the best during his era:

1. Elite scoring dominance

Lafleur was an offensive powerhouse with the Montreal Canadiens. He was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals and 100 points in 6 straight seasons. He finished with 518 goals and 1,353 points.

2. Big-time playoff performer

He wasn’t just great in the regular season - he delivered when it mattered most. He won 5 Stanley Cups (1973, 1976–1979), and he was known for clutch goals and standout performances in high-pressure games.

3. Individual awards & recognition

Lafleur racked up major honors:
• 3 consecutive MVPs (Hart Trophies)
• 3 Art Ross Trophies (league scoring leader)
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame

Guy Lafleur was “the best” because he combined elite production, championship success, individual dominance, and unforgettable style, all while playing a central role in one of the greatest teams in NHL history.

03/17/2026

Feeling Lucky? Let’s Frame Something Special!

There’s no better time to celebrate the pieces that mean the most! Whether it’s a favorite photo, a meaningful keepsake, or a piece of art you’ve been meaning to frame, we’re here to help you turn it into something truly lasting.

No need to chase rainbows - we’ll take care of the magic right here in the shop. From thoughtful design to the finishing details, we’ll make sure your piece looks its absolute best.

Stop in, say hello, and let’s create something worth holding onto!

Click to view our current offers: https://westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com/coupons/

02/25/2026

If your walls are feeling a little winter-weary, now is the perfect time to wake them up. We currently have a curated selection of beautifully framed artwork on sale. These are thoughtfully chosen pieces that can brighten a room, add energy to a quiet corner, or bring a fresh focal point to your favorite space.

Whatever type of art you're drawn to, a new piece can transform the entire mood of a room - like opening the windows and letting in a breath of fresh air.

We would love to help you find something that feels just right for your home. Stop in, explore what’s available, and let’s welcome the new season together.

Here’s to longer days, lighter spaces, and walls that feel alive again!

02/18/2026

A Street In Venice 🛶 🇮🇹