In the world of art, connections matter. Whether it’s an artist finding their first buyer, a collector discovering a new favorite piece, or a framer ensuring a work is presented at its absolute best, the relationships that form within the art community shape the stories behind every painting, sculpture, and photograph. This is exactly what Frame Center’s “Inside the Frame” podcast is all about—pulling back the curtain on these connections and exploring what makes art so deeply personal and powerful.
In a recent episode, host Dave welcomed Christina Godfrey, owner of the newly rebranded Savage Godfrey Gallery in Norwell, MA. Christina’s passion for art and her deep roots in the industry shine through as she discusses everything from portfolio reviews and curating exhibitions to the thrill of connecting the right piece with the right person.
From Family Legacy to a New Vision
Christina’s journey in the art world began long before she opened the doors to her Norwell gallery. Her mother, Sunny Savage, founded the original Savage Gallery in Boston in 1975, operating in multiple locations before shifting to private dealings. Now, Christina carries the family’s artistic legacy forward with the Savage Godfrey Gallery, a space designed to showcase a dynamic mix of emerging and mid-career artists.
“I like mixing,” she shares. “I like keeping my eyes open for new talent while also working with artists I’ve known for years. My goal is to make the gallery a welcoming space where collectors—whether they’re buying their first piece or their fiftieth—can discover something meaningful.”
Helping Artists Navigate the Art World
Beyond curating exhibitions, Christina is dedicated to helping artists grow in their careers. She participates in portfolio reviews, like the one hosted by the Cambridge Art Association, where artists get valuable feedback on their work.
“It’s all done on Zoom now,” she explains. “Artists book time slots, show us their work, and we have a conversation. It’s a great way for them to get fresh eyes on their portfolio, and for me, it’s an opportunity to connect with new talent. I love working with emerging artists—seeing their growth and being a small part of their journey.”
She also serves as a juror for various art associations, recently reviewing over 550 entries for the Duxbury Art Association. While reviewing work digitally has its benefits, nothing beats seeing art in person. “When you look at it online, you don’t get a sense of the scale, the texture, or the way light plays off the surface. And of course, a good frame can make all the difference.”
The Power of a Good Frame
One of the many shared values between Frame Center and Savage Godfrey Gallery is the importance of presentation. Christina emphasizes how crucial framing is in enhancing a piece of art.
“A bad frame can ruin a piece, but the right frame brings it to life,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be the most expensive option—it just has to suit the piece.”
For many collectors, framing is part of the storytelling process. Just as an artwork carries a history—whether it’s a painting that transports its owner back to a special moment or a photograph that connects generations—a frame serves as the finishing touch, elevating its presence in a space.
Building an Inclusive Art Community
Christina wants her gallery to be more than just a place to buy art. She’s passionate about making the art world approachable for everyone.
“I know some people feel intimidated walking into galleries, not knowing if they ‘belong’ there,” she says. “I want people to feel like they can come in, enjoy the work, and keep coming back. We have new shows every two months, each one with a different feel, so there’s always something fresh to experience.”
Her latest exhibition, Land and Sea, is a perfect example of the thoughtful curation she strives for. Featuring a mix of painters and sculptors, including Michael Coyne’s serene beach scenes, Susan Ahearn’s abstract landscapes, Michelle Lougee’s intricate watercolors, and Aaron Lemen’s striking glass sculptures, the show blends diverse styles while maintaining a cohesive theme.
Art as a Story
For Christina, collecting art is as much about the story behind a piece as it is about aesthetics. She recalls curating student exhibitions where buyers were thrilled to purchase their first-ever piece from a young artist. “The collectors were excited, and the students were over the moon because it was the first time they’d sold a piece to someone outside their family,” she recalls.
She also loves playing “matchmaker” between collectors and art. “I’m always keeping my eyes open—whether at an exhibition, a coffee shop, or just flipping through a magazine. If I see a piece that makes me think of a client, I snap a photo and send it their way. It’s like personal shopping for art.”
The Conversation Continues
As the episode wraps up, Dave and Christina discuss the importance of fostering connections in the art world—whether it’s between artists and collectors, galleries and framers, or simply those who share a love for beautiful, meaningful work.
“I hope people keep coming back,” Christina says. “Every exhibition brings a new opportunity to discover something special. And if I can help people feel more comfortable engaging with art, that’s a success in my book.”
Stay tuned for more from Inside the Frame, where we continue to explore the intersections of art, community, and storytelling. And if you’re in Norwell, be sure to stop by Savage Godfrey Gallery—you never know what piece might be waiting to tell its story in your home.
