How

 Artistic HangUps

Came to Be

Here is our story...

The Olympic Torch, an accordion and
one of Elvis’ bejeweled capes. What
do these things have in common?
They’ve all been framed by Carla Rocha,
owner Artistic HangUps. “We’ll
frame anything, although I have to
say that the accordion was the heaviest
item we’ve ever worked with!”
Artistic HangUps offers extensive
services to their clients -- pick-up and
delivery, hanging artwork, custom
framing and matting, frame repairs,
as well as a wide selection of premade
frames, framed artwork and art
prints to order. Carla adds, “we also
work one-on-one with interior designers.
I love the ability to provide
on-site consulting services and helping
customers achieve the look they
want. It allows us to be creative – that
is what makes my job fun!”
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Carla
Rocha moved to Salinas in 1982. She
was studying for the Highway Patrol
when an accident left her bedridden
and learning to walk again. She looked
to a previous job, working in photography
technology – developing film, as
a jumping off platform to work again.
Carla went to work at Frame Source
in 1991 but was lured away to work
for Armand and Carol Minnie, original
owners of Artistic HangUps in 1993.
She was the framing manager until
2009, when she purchased the business
from the retiring couple.

Carla attended design school to learn framing, matting
and “stacks” – multi-framing. She is a Certified
Framer through industry standard, Professional
Picture Framers of America. “I am continually
learning new ways of conservation for the art that
we work with. We’re always evolving with new
ways of displaying artwork. I train my employees
in all aspects of framing, matting, setting and
conservation of art -- everything I know -- I train
them to do, too. That way, we’re always prepared
to give the best service to our customers. We only
carry museum quality, archival quality matting to
protect art. We carry all qualities of glass, including
museum quality glass, which offers UV protection.
What most people don’t realize is that our prices
are competitive with the big box stores … so you get
protection and beauty for your artwork, outstanding
customer service, all at a great price.”
“I love beautifying things. I love enhancing art. I
love decorating. I love being busy. And I love meeting
amazing people!” Carla Rocha, shares. Clearly,
Carla has found passion in her career, and her
professionalism shows with an impressive clientele
-- Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Systems,
D’Arrigo Brothers, California Rodeo and California
Air Show. From casual customers to artists and
collectors, people trust their art to Carla and her
staff. Artistic HangUps is the perfect venue for gallery
showings, as well. The works of Ron Dias, the
original Disney artist who drew Tinkerbell, will be
auctioned from the John Street location in October.
Carla is married to Jorge Gonzalez, US Post Master
for the City of Gonzales. She is a proud member of
the Salinas-Alisal Rotary Club and enjoys participating
in community outreach projects.