Art as a connector: Cedar Park’s ArtDirect frames art and community

By breaking down every component of the process—from packing and spacers to glass and hanging hardware—they aim to build trust and help customers make informed decisions, often leading to strong word-of-mouth support and repeat engagement, she explained.

Supporting local art

The current 9,000-square-foot facility also includes an art gallery. The company works with more than 1,200 artists across the Austin area and around the world, offering not only gallery space but also storage and technical guidance.

“Our gallery up front is mainly to just give back to our community artists,” Martin said. “Our bread and butter is the custom framing. ... Our gallery is just to give back to our artists that we work with. Give them a place to start and give them that leg up.”

The building will eventually also don a second floor dedicated to artist studio space.

“[Having] someone there with them is a huge help for our artists and our communities. We just bring people together, because honestly, art just makes people happy,” Martin said.

The company not only provides opportunities for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work, but also creates a welcoming space where both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors can explore and learn about art.

“Right here is where you would want to start, because we do have all of those emerging artists,” Martin said. “We have a wide variety of art—we have prints all the way to originals, ranging from $5 all the way up to $10,000.”

Giving back

The organization is also deeply integrated into the local area through its charitable contributions and partnerships with groups like the Affordable Art Fair, American Heart Association and Texas Humane Heroes.

“Giving back to the community is the biggest thing,” Martin said. “And we're not just for the artist, we're not just for the interior designer, we're literally for the everyday Joe.”

The business and its artists often contribute in-kind support, including donated artwork, framing, and prints, while also encouraging artist participation in community efforts. The approach centers on using art as a connector, bringing people together through collaborative projects and shared spaces.

“Art brings people together,” Martin said.