Jay Cimbak has framed a 1634 ink rendering self-portrait by Rembrandt.
He’s also framed blood-stained cloth from Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, and blood-stained leather from President Kennedy’s limousine; the American flag that Admiral Byrd carried to Antarctica; Marilyn Monroe’s bras and stocking; Jerry Garcia’s briefcase, and artwork by Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Chagall, Calder, Currier and Ives, Miro, Christo and Escher — among many others.
A vintage Christmas card by the Bush family, framed by Jay Cimbak. George W. and Jeb Bush were little boys.
Chances are, Jay has framed something for you too.
He’s been in Westport for nearly 40 years. He established the framing department at Max’s Art Supplies, and was responsible for 80% of the store’s revenue from 1994 to 2014.
He has worked for local clients like Ann Chernow, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, the first selectman, Westport Library and Westport Police Department.
And he’s the exclusive framer for the Westport Public Art Collections.
Jay Cimbak framed this black light Phish poster using a deep frame with black suede mats, and LED black light strips behind the top floating mat. The light strips are controlled by remote control.
These days, Jay plies his trade at Rockwell Art & Framing. He is the manager of the Westport location. (There are 2 others, in Wilton and New Canaan.)
If you want to see a master at work — or you need a shadow box for your art, poster, historic artifact or anything else — the Post Road shop is the place to go.
The Sacred Hart University illustration major’s love of framing began while working at Koenig Art Emporium in the Trumbull Mall.
He joined Max’s — the downtown gathering spot for artists — in 1985. After nearly a decade, with sales of supplies falling, owner Shirley Mellor asked him to run a frame shop.
She sent him to Janow Wholesale Frames in West Hartford to brush up on his skills, and order what was needed.
Max’s quickly became one of Westport’s premier frame shops. Jay ran the business side of the department too.
The beloved staff at Max’s Art Supplies, in 2014 (from left): Nina Royce, owner Shirley Mellor, Jay Cimbak, Rita Englebardt. (Photo/Ned Gerrard)
Framing seems basic. But it is — well, an art.
“A good framer not only needs knowledge of the materials used, and their capabilities,” Jay says.
“He also has to correctly handle, store, mount, size and finish a frame, with the correct hanging hardware.”
Jay Cimbak
A framer must also know how each type of artwork can be properly and archivally frame, for both the safety of the art and its aesthetics.
He should also know where the art will be displayed.
Rockwell is a perfect fit for Jay. After 39 years in town, he feels a deep connection to Westport — its artists, and all other residents.
Working with WestPAC, he sees and works on art from men and women he knew, admired and misses.
“I treat every customer as a friend,” he says.
“I enjoy their stories of how and why they acquired their art. And I treat every piece as if it were my own.”
(For many examples of Jay Cimbak’s work, click here for his Instagram page.)
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I find this interesting because about six years ago I had some deeds framed from 114 and 107 years ago when my grandfather bought property in Westport. I had the framer use glass that helped prevent fading of the paper deeds. I had it done in Maryland and it cost me a little over a thousand dollars. Also, around 63 years ago I remember going to Ford’s Theatre in DC, and across the street where they brought Lincoln and laid his body on a bed, and very faintly, one could see the blood stains on the pillow where his head rested. It was kind of weird looking at Lincoln’s blood on a pillow.
Jay is a town treasure! He framed a Motawi tile for my living room and it’s a lovely focal point. Jay is a delight to speak with and has many interesting stories. When Max’s closed, I visited and requested Jay’s wooden framing table. I could barely get it out the front door of the shop! A friend with a truck helped me get it to my classroom at Bedford Middle School. The sturdy and scuffed-up character of that wooden table attracted my middle schoolers to make many creations. On the side of the table, I put a photo of Max’s and wrote a bit about the table’s history. Now that I’m retired, I can only hope that current students are enjoying that worktable – and the history – somewhere in Bedford. I’m forever grateful that Westport continues to value the arts!
Jay is a terrific framer! He has done excellent work for me. Very careful and meticulous with an excellent eye for making each piece in my collection look great.
A wonderful article about a knowledgeable, skilled and helpful guy. He has always offered me advice with regard to my photography and framing.
Max’s was a wonderful Westport location. I miss its ever changing display of local artists’ work and the kind, helpful people who worked there.
Jay has been framing my prints for many years. Simply put, he is a true artist at what he does.