By Nina Zhuang
To residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Hamilton, and even Barrie, Unique Framing Gallery is an institution. The Varley Markham Art Gallery, local artists, and others all line up at this business for all their framing needs. And behind this indispensable shop is a man by the name of Levon Sakaloglu.
Sakaloglu has a degree in graphic design from Istanbul before he entered into the framing business. After spending a short while in advertising, where he had started up his first business with a friend, he went on to pursue foreign languages at university. And with all the detours, the foundation of his keen artistic abilities never wavered.
His artistic eye serves him instantaneously—one scan, and he knows it’s the one. “I don’t have to sit and think about it,” he muses. “Everybody tells me I’m good with colours and customers usually go with the first frame I pick.”
After his immigration to Canada, he began to work at a frame shop. Here, he collected hands-on experience building frames from scratch and management experience. A friend eventually encouraged him to open his own shop—the same one that still stands today.
According to Sakaloglu, the framing process is meticulous. “I frame a whole bunch of weird stuff. Paintings and photos are most common, and antiques, jewelry and watches are equally popular choices.”
He has even done jerseys, dance outfits, and more.
“There was a customer who wanted to frame a piece of shattered glass to commemorate their child’s hockey game,” he recalls still in disbelief. It’s the odd objects that are more complicated to frame, but a challenge he appreciates nonetheless.
As unique as the objects may be, he believes he must treat them with utmost respect. He sources high-quality materials for all the frames, regardless of price point.
Innovation also keeps his clientele as loyal as ever. Sakaloglu shares that he has a habit of travelling out of the blue—his customers even call to make sure he’s in the shop for a consultation or new project. Europe is the place he returns to most often, where he can refresh his creativity and seek new inspiration for his frames.
“The frame trends in North American galleries are ones that Europe had four or five years ago,” he explains. “People study the European market; there’s something new every six months. Then they import it here.”
He likens this to the ever-evolving fashion industry—also intertwined with Europe. His vacations are his opportunity to forecast frame trends, which helps him anticipate and meet the needs of his customers.
“Everything is changing. If you don’t [as well], then your customers will be bored.”
Nowadays, it’s stylish to prefer minimalist frames in the colours black, white or grey. Sakaloglu’s philosophy?
“Life’s too short to be boring! Go use some colour!”
32 years later, Sakaloglu is still the only person running the shop. It may seem like a lot of work, but he happily declares: “It truly gives me pleasure. I’m happy going to work because I get to see new things and do what I love.”
The customers also make his job all the more rewarding. “I have customers from 20, 30 years ago. Even their kids are coming in to get pictures framed. It’s like being someone’s hairdresser. Customers follow their hairdressers everywhere because they trust them, and my customers stay with me too.”
He has no plans to retire anytime soon. “Why would I retire? I love what I do!” he exclaimed. “Enjoy what you do in life. If you find a job that makes you happy, stick to it.”
Visit uniqueframegallery.com to learn more about Levon Sakaloglu and the work he does.
