2nd Mouse Studio framing and art gallery is picture perfect

Tucked in between MeeMaw's Attic and the long-standing Eminence Hair Salon on 1st street in Rainier is full-service custom picture framing and art gallery, 2nd Mouse Studio.

Opened in January of 2024, 2nd Mouse Studio is owned by LuAnn Conant who has 35 years of framing experience. Conant has always loved drawing and was an art and psychology major at Portland State University until an unexpected health crisis during her junior year depleted her college fund. To make money, she stumbled into picture framing and has been at it ever since.

Before opening up her first business, Main Frame, in Springfield in 2000, Conant has worked at premium framing shops such as Chrisman in Portland and Design Source International, among others. Conant relocated to Deer Island in 2007 and opened a gallery within St. Helens-based retail store, Art D Fae, before opening her first 2nd Mouse Studio in St. Helens. The location eventually had a forced building closure by the city, due to some rowdy neighbors. Conant then went in search of a new space that would offer a short commute, which is what ultimately brought her to Rainier. "I saw a space that I fell in love with but there was someone in it," said Conant. "It took two years before they decided they didn't want to be there anymore, and the rest is history."

2nd Mouse Studio's services are comprehensive, as Conant has a wide selection of colorful mattes to choose from and a large existing inventory of frames, including vintage, as well as custom frames. Conant can also replace broken glass and repair damaged frames. "I'm waiting on some mounting brackets so I can get a second wall cutter," she said. "I have everything set up to do full-service, and I assemble the frames off-site in Westport," Conant said. "I don't really do oversized because I can't transport it, but I'm getting a second matt cutter and wall cutter so I can do impromptu things right there at the shop."

In addition to framing services, 2nd Mouse Studio offers a diverse selection of original wall art for purchase and a small collection of antique items and vintage prints. Conant also works with artists who are reselling or selling their own art.

"I know a wide variety of price points I can go with and they're paying for Rainier prices, not Seattle or Portland prices," Conant said. "I like to keep it really local. Hours are limited at the moment because I'm supporting myself with a second job to have extra money to keep the frame shop afloat until it takes off. Then I'm going to be open five days a week."

2nd Mouse Studio is located at 111 East 1st Street in Rainier. Current hours of operation are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. For more info, call 503- 710-4536 or visit 2ndmousestudio.com.