Several years ago I was involved in building displays for trade shows. That is a whole separate universe of elements that are sold to produce innovative eye catching displays. I saw some terrific stuff that I thought would make great consumer displays.
There were companies for instance that sold custom aluminum extrusions that were very chichi and could be assembled with plexi, glass or other metals. I use to use a combination of hand brushed aluminum with complex shapes in acrylic sheet.
I used to find these companies in the Thomas Register a compendium of manufacturers of many things. The books were like an encyclopedia, then they went the way of the cd and finally the web.
The neat thing about doing it this way is that you develop a unique look that will not be found in other framing shops in your area.
The trade used a magazine called exhibit builder. The also offered an annual buyers guide that was like gold to me.
Exhibit builder magazine
They have an interactive product guide. This is mainly for those who are into DIY. If you are into hardware be sure to cover your chair with some vinyl sheeting, in order to avoid soiling your chair when you see this stuff
my two dinari,
Dan
