The Distinctive Edge Framing Gallery Passing the Frame to New Owner By Contributor Stephanie Mardesich
When Ron Sesco opened The Distinctive Edge Framing Gallery (TDEFG) in 1981, serving the San Pedro. Palos Verdes Peninsula and further, specializing in “museum quality” framing with credo to accommodate best pricing, his commitment was strong and sincere. He built a business and reputation for excellence in framing and a gallery featuring many local and nationally esteemed artists in a multitude of exhibits over the decades. After 44 years. he is “passing the frame” to new owner Kyle Finley.
“It’s time for me to step away and let Kyle carry on with the same commitment and quality,” comments Sesco.
Sesco chose the new owner because of their shared commitment to service, design and craftsmanship that he will perpetuate with the same ethic. “Kyle shares the fire and passion that I had when I started out and his creativity will lend itself to many years of future designing and framing. Although the gallery may take on a new appearance, Kyle will continue to offer the latest designs and quality. This transition ensures the legacy built continues to flourish in capable caring hands.” Finley has been running his own art business, Fin Fine Art, in Long Beach for the last several years, and according to Sesco his move to TDEFG is a “perfect transition.” TDEFG is also known for putting the finishing touches on home décor projects. As Sesco assesses, “What you put on your walls defines your living space more than any other piece of furniture in the room. We often make ‘house calls’ to see how artwork fits into the environment and work with owners or interior decorators to come up with the most effective and attractive framing and design.
The loyalty, friendship and trust TDEFG has earned is clear. So many clients have entrusted their treasured objet d’arts, family photos and memorabilia, and business commercial work over the decades.” One of the most interesting projects TDEFG accomplished was framing square quilt titled “Diversity in the University” for California State University Dominguez Hills building an acrylic box (about 200 lbs.) that is mounted in the foyer of the school library. Another unique effort was framing a Vietnamese sculpture, made in France, creating an eight-inch deep shadow box (about 200 lbs.) that is installed St. Catherine Laboure Catholic church in Torrance. The most recent challenging project was framing a historic Old Glory USA flag (5.5 feet x 8 feet) that is now installed in the S.S. Lane Victory museum unveiled August 10 at the “Spirit of ‘45” 80 th anniversary of launching of the ship (built in Terminal Island) May 31, 1944. The priceless artifact came from the Grace Lines Merchant Marine ship S.S. Santa Olivia and dates from WWII (c. 1943) in connection with Aleutia Islands (Kiskia, Alaska) campaign in WWII.
Consistently voted by The Daily Breeze as the South Bay's BEST Framing & Gallery year after year, TDEFG offers free design consulting for any framing project as well as canvas and paper art restoration, art appraisals and best framing at guaranteed lowest prices. Featuring an eclectic mix of art on exhibit for all tastes TDEFG longevity enabled Sesco to acquire pieces from many distinguished artists of the area and nationally at discounted prices to his customers. The rotation of exhibits has offered exciting opportunities for patrons to purchase art for their homes or collections.
As new owner Finley states, “It’s exciting to carry on the tradition of excellence and service that Ron inspires and continue strengthening the business’s connection to the community. I look forward to welcoming both long-time and new clients, and providing exceptional framing that preserves and showcases their most meaningful work for homes and businesses.”
The Distinctive Edge Framing Gallery is located in Palos Verdes Plaza (near Stuft Pizza, Carl's Jr., U.S. Post Office), 28639 S. Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; open Mon-Fri. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; telephone 310-833-3613;
email distedge1981@gmail.com
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020