On The Wall was founded in 1980 by Bob Oberlin with his mother Jerri Oberlin and sister Stephanie Swanson. They began at the Orange County Market Place, selling ready made solid oak frames, sectional metal frames, and cutting custom mats while the customer shopped. From that humble beginning OTW has matured to become an innovative art and frame leader. Bob is still very involved in the business, and is quite often the first person to greet visitors to the store. Jerri has retired and lives in San Jacinto, California, and Stephanie works part time making frames.

Bob has 3 sisters besides Stephanie, that have all worked for OTW over the years. Besides Stephanie, sister Weni has worked at OTW since nearly the beginning. Weni has evolved into a master craftsman and has been a Certified Picture Framer (CPF), since 1988, a designation earned from the Professional Picture Framers' Association (PPFA). Weni's daughter Desiree is now the third generation working for OTW.

Bob has been an active member of the PPFA since the early 1980's, and was one of the first in the country to earn the CPF designation in 1987. Bob has also been the Orange County Chapter of the PPFA newsletter editor and president.

 

Since 1990 OTW has been a supporter of the Alheimer's Associations', Memories in the Making program. Every fall OTW donates framing for artwork created by Alheimers patients that is then sold at a benefit auction.