Hand Painted Frames by Local Artist Janet B. Sessoms

April 11, 2025

At CustomEyes, we believe that eyewear is both a functional accessory and an expression of creative personal style. That’s why we were thrilled to collaborate with Janet B. Sessoms, a Wilmington-based artist whose breathtaking landscapes and seascapes have recently found a new canvas: a pair of FEB31st eyewear.

FEB31st eyewear custom painted by Janet B. Sessoms

Taking her love of painting into new territory, Janet recently painted a pair of FEB31st frames for one of our clients. Known for their wooden frames and organic designs, FEB31st frames offered a perfect canvas for Janet’s signature style, allowing her to translate the light, colors, and textures of her landscapes into something that is as personal as it is artistic.

The Artist Behind the Frames: Janet B. Sessoms

Janet B. Sessoms portrait

Janet B. Sessoms is an accomplished artist whose work captures the serene beauty of the coastal environment. Originally from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Janet has called Wilmington home for many years, drawing inspiration from the light and natural beauty of the area. After retiring from a long career in education, she dedicated herself full-time to painting, continuing to refine her technique under the guidance of a mentor and through ongoing study.


Her work is known for its calming atmosphere, masterful play of light, and harmonious use of color. Janet’s seascapes and landscapes evoke a sense of peace, often reflecting the coastal light in a way that seems to transport the viewer right into the scene. These qualities have made her paintings favorites of collectors in the region, with her work displayed in galleries across North Carolina. She is currently based out of The ArtWorks-Wilmington, a neighbor and friend of the shop. 
'Sun Kissed' painting of beach scenery by Janet B. Sessoms

About FEB31st Frames

CustomEyes is privileged to offer Feb31st custom-crafted eyewear to our discerning clients. From the Feb31st website, their vision is all about art in eyewear:



“There is no February 31st in the calendar. FEB31st is an Italian firm whose story is based on the vision and tenacity of three entrepreneurs and we believe in respecting the environment, our artisans and their skills. We are devoted to delivering genuinely tailor-made objects. It really does sound like a February 31st firm. That is, one that doesn’t exist…But it does – and that’s why it’s called FEB31st.”

 

The possibilities of colors and styles are almost limitless. In addition to the above choices, if you have any image, text, logo, or piece of art that you love and choose a relatively bold frame style it is now possible to have that image custom-designed onto the surface of your new Feb31st frames.

Feb31st eyewear patterns

The website describes the commitment to its craft:

“FEB31st makes its glasses in Val Brembilla, Italy. Created by combining high engineering, mechanics and skillful manual finesse. Thus, it is possible that each FEB31st frame is unique – much like the wearer.” With Feb31st, CustomEyes can truly design your vision onto your eyewear.

INQUIRE
Feb31st eyewear glasses custom painted by Janet B. Sessoms propped on wooden hand

As we continue to explore the intersection of eyewear and creativity, we thank Janet and The ArtWorks for making this project happen. Wilmington is home to so many gifted artists and this was a reminder of the beauty and talent that’s right in our backyard, and how the work of local artists can find new ways to inspire and connect with people.


Be sure to check out Janet's artwork and visit our neighbor, The ArtWorks next time you're in the South Front District!

Matsuda sunglasses artful fine details

Discover the Art of Eyewear with Matsuda at CustomEyes

February 21, 2025
Eyewear is more than a functional accessory, it's a work of art. Proudly introducing Matsuda Eyewear to the CustommEyes collection.
Christmas tree decorated with eyeglasses, a gift-wrapped Toys for Tots collection bin in CustomEyes

CustomEyes Honors Marine Corps Legacy with Toys for Tots Drive

December 11, 2024
CustomEyes is honoring the legacy of a beloved Marine Corps veteran and uncle, Samuel Jackson Grice, by hosting a Toys for Tots drive to benefit children in the Wilmington area.
Gregor Owen and Dominic McCoy standing in CustomEyes shop, smiling at camera. 5 Years of CustomEyes

Five Years of CustomEyes

August 5, 2024
It all started with a dream of moving closer to the ocean and opening an eyewear shop with talented optician, Dominic McCoy. Owner Gregor Owen celebrates 5 years of CustomEyes by recounting the journey.
Multiple sail boats, crews of many people working together to run the ships. Protective eyewear blog

Protective Eyewear for Sailing: Advice from a Foredeck Racer

July 24, 2024
Gregor Owen is business owner, optician, and sailor. Here are the frames that protected his eye while doing the shady business of a foredeck racer.
An olde woman wearing colorful glasses and smiling. The optician measures the fit with a clear tool.

Online Shopping Woes: Why You Should Choose CustomEyes Instead

July 22, 2024
It's no surprise that more and more people shop for their frames online. But is it worth it to shop for your frames online and risk the woes?
Main with beard wearing Alian Mikli eyewear and holding back his hair. Eyewear for Your Lifestyle

Eyewear for Your Lifestyle

July 12, 2024
The glasses we choose reflect who we are and how we live. CustomEyes can help you find eyewear that fit your unique lifestyle!
optician Dominic of CustomEyes, new blog Tips for Eyewear Care: Interview with the Experts

Tips for Eyewear Care: Interview with the Experts

November 8, 2023
CustomEyes opticians Dominic and Gregor share their tips for eyewear care, including lenses, securing your eyewear, where not to leave them, and a few other tips to put you on the path to proper eyewear care!
coco song assorted eye glass frames

Fashionable Frames for Fall

September 29, 2023
Choose the best fashionable frames for the fall season with assorted eyewear for all tones, moods, and styles. Shop at our boutique in Wilmington, NC today!
man rubbing his eyes from a migraine headache

Vision and Migraine Relief: The Fascinating World of Eyewear

August 11, 2023
At CustomEyes, we believe that eyewear is not just a necessity but a statement piece that complements your unique style. In this article, we'll explore the myriad ways in which eyewear impacts our lives, from enhancing our fashion to potentially offering relief from migraines.
multiple Woow glasses frames with colorful background

Fashionable Frames that WOOW

June 22, 2023
Bring fashion-forward frames into your life with Woow and Alexander McQueen frames — shop today in our South Front location in Wilmington, North Carolina.
More Posts