The Framers Forum

I have been expecting to see someone post the news of Vivian Kistler's death, but as no one has,so let me be the first to break the sad news

Vivian had so many friends in UK - and was a frequent demonstrator at the NEC shows. She was also a regular at SACA and many other overseas shows. I would go so far as to say she was without doubt better known than any other female in the worlds framing industry. She was also better known than most of the men.

I just hope there is an internet cafe in heaven so she can read all the wonderful things wriiten about her on The Grumble

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=44929
Already over 50 posts in less than 1 day.

She may have left us, but she sure left her mark on the worlds framing industry.

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For those of you who and not read the news on the US Grumble, here is the posting by William Parker.....


Vivian Carli Kistler passed away on January 6, 2010 in Akron, Ohio.

Vivian was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on January 4, 1945 to C. Isabella Cutini Carli and James Carli. She attended private schools in Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Canada. After she graduated with an Art degree from The University of Buffalo, she earned her teaching certificate and taught second grade at Prince of Peace. Vivian then married Richard Kistler and moved to Akron, Ohio where she founded Kistler Art Supply & Framing. Vivian was a strong advocate for women’s rights and fought local Title IX battles. She founded the Akron Arts Expo at Hardesty Park as a venue for college artists to showcase their art. Vivian was a former president of the Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce and taught business classes at The University of Akron.

Vivian began teaching traveling seminars on picture framing and business which took her all over the world. Vivian was a well-known speaker and instructor for the picture framing industry and was known for her entertaining and informative presentations. Vivian founded Columba Publishing in 1984 and produced the Library of Professional Picture Framing in addition to authoring over 20 more books and hosting over 15 videos. Over one million of Vivian’s books and videos have been sold. Vivian wrote articles for Picture Framing Magazine (PFM), Art World News, Profile Magazine and DECOR Magazine. She was also a former Senior Chairholder for the Color Marketing Group. Vivian’s work with the Professional Picture Framers Association included service at both the local and national levels. She created and developed National Picture Framing Month to promote public awareness of the craft.

Vivian held professional certifications of Master Professional Picture Framer (MCPF) from the Professional Picture Framers Association, and Guild Commended Framer with Honors (GCF), from the Fine Art Trade Guild in the United Kingdom.

Vivian was awarded the PFM Lifetime Achievement Award and the PMA (Photo Marketing Association) Distinguished Service Award. In 2010 the Professional Picture Framers Association honored Vivian by renaming their prestigious award to The Vivian Kistler Lifetime Achievement Award. Vivian was awarded the PPFA Award For Innovation in 1999, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Vivian was preceded in death by her mother, Isabella Cutini Carli, father, James Carli, and sister Donna Carli Strasburg. She is survived by daughters Carli (Kevin) Miller and Laine (Joe) Vereecken, grandchildren Vivian, Laine, Isabelle, and Vincent, brother Jim (Betty) Carli, and former husband Richard Kistler.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Elms School.

Our Condolences

Peter Stanlick MD : Framers Equipment Ltd
Tony Stanlick GCF : Ex Framers Equipment & Magnolia Mouldings
Jan Stanlick GCF : Mitreman

We all have been saddened by this news.

There are few among us who have not been touched or influenced in some way by this remarkable lady.

Condolences to Vivian's family.

I never met or knew her, but I was very fortunately to have been supplied with a good selection of her books while I was being trained as a framer.

Her books were so beneficial to me at that time and I still refer to them from time to time. They still are outstanding books, written by an outstanding professional framer and teacher.

The industry has lost someone very special. It's a sad day!

Deepest condolences.

A true industry leader who will be misses.

Vivian has taught at trade shows/conventions in Australia for something like 20 years. Her classes were always fun as well as educational.
Her famous quoted line that "we are framers not magicians" is legendary among framers in many countries!

Vivian's departure leaves a great gap that no-one can ever fill.

I've just read your post, it's so sad. I didn't know Vivian that well but I had spoken to her at the NEC and Guild Awards a couple of years ago and she had been very helpful when I emailed her. I do know her work however, having several books and articles by her and have the utmost respect for her skill and knowledge, she will be missed. A great loss.

David.

So sorry to hear that, Keith - and thanks for the post. Vivian was due to give Seminars at the Spring Fair in February (as am I!!). She was a lovely lady and a great advert for our industry too. We had some nice times together over the years.
John P

I've been in this business for over 30 years, and I guess I've known Vivian for 25 of those. She'll be a much missed member of our little international travelling circus.

I'm exhibiting at WCAF in a couple of weeks and no doubt she'll be smiling down on everyone there.

We are only what they say about us when we are gone. And there are lots of very nice things being spoken abut her.

So very sad, I don't think I can put any individual 'skill' I may have down to her - but I can certainly put a whole load of principles, practical and business, down to her - and she never knew, as in I never got to to tell her personally, just as no doubt she never really truly knew just how much she influenced framers worldwide - just through her books.

What sad news - I have a number of Vivian's Books and often refer to them.

God bless her and she'll be sorely missed by us all....