What should you look for when searching for a picture framer? Here are the Top Three:
1. Experience
Because picture framing is as much a science as it is an art, you want your framer to be well versed in the technical aspects of conservation framing. The first rule of framing is the same as the Hippocratic Oath – “First Do No Harm.”
Whether it is a child’s drawing, needlework, diploma, photograph or priceless heirloom, you want to insure the mounting, matting, frame and glass protect it for a lifetime.The experience and longevity of The Art Shop’s framers are unprecedented in the industry – our career framers have anywhere from 12 to 21 years of experience. They have won awards as much for their technical expertise as for their creativity – which leads us to the second thing you should look for when searching for a framer…
2. Creativity
We said earlier that picture framing is as much a science as an art – well, here’s where the “art” part comes into play. A rhesus monkey can pick out a white top mat, a blue inner mat and a wooden frame for your print – and maybe that’s just what you need. We can certainly do that. But – what if you want something … more? How about something that makes you say, “Wow!” and makes you smile every time you walk by it as it hangs on your wall. That’s what the designers and framers at The Art Shop do every day. Our numerous regional, national and international custom picture framing awards by the PPFA (Professional Picture Framers of America) will attest to that.
From the simplest framing of a $10 poster to a complicated shadowbox with artfully arranged priceless antiques, our designers and framers can select the perfect frame design to enhance your prized artwork.
3. Longevity
Let’s say you have something framed, someone knocks it off your wall and it breaks or the art slips off its mount. (In a preservation mount, the art is attached to a backing board with linen hinges. Gluing it down or dry mounting a valuable piece of artwork will destroy its value. We’ve seen it done, believe me.) You try to take it back to the framer, but lo and behold, they have gone out of business.
The Art Shop has been here since 1899 – the second oldest business in Greensboro. We hope to be here another 100 years (although not with the current owners – we’d be too old!).
Our framing is guaranteed for life – yours and ours!
You might notice that nowhere above do we mention price. Of course, price is important. Most people don’t have a fortune lying around these days. (If you do, however, can I interest you in some beautiful art?)
The Art Shop’s prices are competitive – we wouldn’t be in business this long if they weren’t. However, generally speaking, 60% off an inflated price (as many of our big box competitors advertise) will not save you money – especially in the long run. In our 115 years in the business, we have “fixed” many 60% off framing jobs.
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” So said Benjamin Franklin in the 1700’s and it rings true today. (See our blog post, “Call the Man, Aunt Bea! )
Wanting to preserve, protect and enjoy your precious photo, print, diploma, child’s drawing or original oil is why you have it framed. With our EXPERIENCE, CREATIVITY and LONGEVITY, The Art Shop is where you should take it.
More Information:
Caring for your Artwork
Award Winning Picture Framing
Creative Framing Designs
Call the Man, Aunt Bea!