Wednesday, July 13, 2016

After 35 years on East 9th Street, Mascot Studio is leaving the East Village


[Photo by Lola Sáenz]

Mascot Studio, a custom frame and fine art shop, is leaving its home of 35 years (25 years at No. 328) on East Ninth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue in the weeks ahead.

Peter McCaffrey said that he is relocating to Chelsea in collaboration with Pratzon Art Restoration, 122 W. 26th St.

We asked McCaffrey for more details about the move.

"I was offered a share in a space with a painting restorer I know personally, and that is coming at the right time for me," he said. "It will not be a retail environment but in a building with other creative companies."

McCaffrey's lease on Ninth Street is up in September.

"It has been difficult the last few years. Many of my old clientele have moved on and the influx of a more transitory population has affected my custom framing business," he said. "Selling art is another challenge, but I think the mindset of 'inexpensive and disposable' has become the norm as new residents come and go."

Through July, the shop is having a sale on frames, prints and some of McCaffrey's own work.

As he wrote on a Facebook post: "I am excited and overwhelmed by the prospect of the next phase. Thank You All! for the years of loyalty and support. See you in Chelsea."

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Best of luck Peter. I always liked your window displays. Bought a frame from you once for a photograph and you did a great job.

stephen salvatore said...

Sad to see you leaving 9 street, I always made a stop to look at your window. Love your vision or eye on art. So inspirational. Bonne chance.

Anonymous said...

Also always made a stop to admire the window, always something interesting; you have a good eye. Best wishes for the new location!

Anonymous said...

Peter is a true gentleman. It will be sad to see him leave the block. Best wishes

blue glass said...

sorry to see you leave the neighborhood
glad you have a new spot
best wishes

Anonymous said...

HOW SAD!!! I have many frames from here! So sad!

Trixie said...

I'm so happy to hear that Peter is moving on and not just out. He's a wonderful guy.

dorothy said...

Will miss my decades long, nearby Ninth Street neighbor too much: Peter’s outstanding craftsmanship & framing, great window display, his precious old dogs (+ p e a c e +), and the many wonderful art exhibits and fun receptions so graciously hosted. Was honored to have had my “WOLFDOG” shadowbox/collage in one of his post Westminster shows!

Anonymous said...

Oof! This hurts.

Peter, if you have time before you move, I have another framing job...I'll stop by and ask. I also need to make sure I still hear of your shows. I love looking at your Phoenix hanging at my place every day.

Not that I wouldn't look for you in Chelsea...

Gwenn said...

Ditto! I plan to stop by sooner rathertha, later!

Anonymous said...

Peter - I'll bet you could write a book. Please do so.

Action said...

I know everyone will miss Peter's beautiful window displays on 9th Street - that's how I met him, too - but I'm thrilled that he's joining me at Pratzon Art Restoration. He will enliven Chelsea/Flatiron. See you all when he's settled in!