About

About

Keith Allen Wenger and John Craven Bloedorn, owners

“We carry artists whose work we are truly passionate about, and with over thirty years of experience, believe we are the best framers in the the state,” says John.  He has a BA in Fine Arts  from Colorado College and met Keith traveling in Europe on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship.  He loves working with framing customers, collectors, and artists.  “We’re lucky to work in such a positive, creative business.”  Keith works behind the scenes making frames and running the business (he has a degree in finance from Kent State); you might see one of his classic cars out front.


Nate Caroon, Gallery Director
Born and raised in Durham, Nate graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Art Management. He maintains a strong interest in art history, especially the 1980s New York scene and postwar photography. Nate lends his talents to both the framing and gallery sides of the business. Along with John, Nate is the point person for art and artists at the gallery, as well as being a gifted framer who is often requested by designers.

Kathryn DeMarco, Master Framer

Kathryn graduated from Boston University with a BFA in painting 1992; she’s continued to pursue a painting career while working full time at Craven Allen. Her painting/collage work is shown at venues throughout the Triangle, including Craven Allen, and is featured in collections across the country. Kathryn is known for her commissioned portrait work of people and animals. She has over 30 years framing experience.  She recently had a solo exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC.

Mark Mooney, Master Framer

A southern West Virginia native, Mark received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from West Virginia University in 1997. Mark is passionate about contemporary art and literature, and his evocative large-scale paintings can be seen at Craven Allen. He has a wealth of experience and has framed everything, from antique battle flags to oversized photos which hang in museums. His sense of humor helps keep the Craven Allen workspace on an even keel under pressure–an ability honed by the challenges of raising his two young children with his wife, Amy.

Jeff Waites, Master Framer

Jeff brings incredible experience and and keen eye to Craven Allen Gallery.  John and Keith first met Jeff when doing work for the Duke Museum of Art (what is now the Nasher) where he was working as an art preparator.  Jeff had a wonderful solo exhibition at Craven Allen Gallery in the ’90s, before moving to Maine with his family, where he got his MFA at the Maine College of Art and worked as a professor and gallery director. In addition to his MFA, he graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a BFA, summa cum laude.  Jeff studied art, art theory, and gilding restoration at the Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence Italy.

Charlie
Charlie’s primary responsibilities include: Official Greeter, Employee Morale Officer and Afternoon Nap Coordinator.