"How can the framing be more then what I paid for the actual art?"
A: If you are collecting, creating, or given any art, your greatest concern should be saving and protecting your investment. To do that takes time and expertise. At the gallery, we specialize in conservation and museum grade framing. What this means (very quickly) is that your art should be framed using UV filtering glass or plexi-glass, acid free mat and foam board, and acid free hinging or paper corners. Furthermore, if you choose a wood frame, your frame should be sealed using acid free aluminum barrier tape. Our prices reflect the time taken to carefully assemble your frame using the highest quality materials available.
"But my art is not worth that much money...?"
A: Lots of times clients will come in with pieces to frame that may not have the highest monetary value. Usually these are the pieces that are the most fun to frame and hold the most sentimental value for our customers. Whether it is your 3rd graders art class project or your great grandfathers glasses that traveled with him through Europe, spending time framing these things can make great visual additions to your walls, while also protecting your memories.
"How can I frame my piece without spending my entire paycheck?"
A: There are ways to get your art on your wall for less money then you think. We can fit your art into a ready made frame. We could also look to use Plaking as an alternative. Plaking is an inexpensive alternative to traditional (glass, mat, frame, backing) framing. The Process laminates your art to a backing board of your choice and not only provides UV protection, but gives your poster or photograph a stronger presence then just tacking it to your wall. For more information on Plaking refer to our Plaking page.
"How fast is your turnaround?"
A: Our normal turnaround is two weeks. We strive to keep our schedule on time and will do whatever it takes to get you your investment back in a prompt manor. In the instance that a part of your custom job is on backorder for us, we will contact you to see if you are ok with a later due date or if we should consider a different design.
"Can I bring you my art even though its already framed?"
A: Yes! We are more then happy to take on re-frame jobs. Some works that have been framed years ago are not up to todays standards and will benefit from the protection we can offer (UV glass, acid free materials, even if you want us to refer you to a professional conservator). That frame that your mother hung on the wall for 20 years needs to be inspected for damage from UV rays or acid from cardboard backing!
"What is all this talk about acid and UV rays damaging my art?"
A: UV rays will eat away at the color of your photographic prints, posters, litographs, paintings; pretty much anything with color. different materials react in different ways. Color photos will yellow. Lithographs become brittle and can loose vibrant colors. Our glass filters out at least 98% of damaging UV rays. Materials used that are not PH neutral will damage the paper or canvas your art is on. Steps can be made to reverse damage by a Conservator and they can be re-framed using PH neutral materials (acid free). With this said the only way to completely protect your art is to hide it away and frame a copy.