Artists & Framers in Baltimore: Custom Framing for Original Work and Collectibles
Artists & Framers is a full-service custom framing shop on the Avenue in Baltimore's mid-city neighborhood, focused on protecting and displaying original paintings, prints, photographs, and memorabilia rather than mass-produced poster work. The shop handles everything from archival framing for fine art to shadow boxes for sports jerseys and military medals, with in-house mat cutting and glass selection. For artists and collectors in Baltimore who need conservation-quality work without shipping pieces across the country, it fills a specific gap between big-box retailers and museum framers.
What Artists & Framers actually does
The shop operates as a full-service custom framer with an emphasis on archival standards. That means acid-free matting, UV-protective glass options, and reversible mounting techniques that preserve the condition of valuable work. The team handles unframed paintings, limited-edition prints, concert posters, vintage photography, signed sports memorabilia, diplomas, and textile pieces like quilts or embroidered samplers. They also work with artists in the region who need frames for work heading to galleries or shows. The shop does not stock pre-made frames for quick turnaround; every job is custom-measured and assembled on-site, which means pricing and timeline depend entirely on materials and complexity.
Services and pricing
Custom framing prices depend on frame material, mat selection, glass type, and size. A standard framing job for a 16-by-20-inch print with basic wood frame, single mat, and standard glass typically ranges from $150 to $300, though ornate frames or museum-quality glass can push a job to $500 or more. Shadow boxes for three-dimensional objects (medals, coins, fabric items) run $200 to $400 depending on depth and frame style. Archival matting adds $30 to $80 per mat compared to standard options. UV-protective glass costs roughly $50 to $100 more than standard glass on a typical frame, and conservation-grade glass (museum-quality, non-glare) can exceed that. The shop typically charges by the linear inch for frame material plus separate mat and glass costs rather than a flat package price, so a custom quote requires bringing the piece in or providing exact dimensions and material preferences. Turnaround time generally ranges from two to four weeks depending on whether frame materials need to be ordered; rush orders are possible at additional cost. Call to confirm current pricing, as frame and mat options change seasonally.
How it compares to other Baltimore framers
Baltimore has a handful of established framers beyond Artists & Framers. Frame 360 on Light Street caters to both retail and commercial clients and offers faster turnaround (five to seven business days standard) at slightly lower entry-level pricing for simple jobs, but uses less archival rigor as a default. Chesapeake Framing in Canton specializes in high-end residential interiors and decorator framing, with premium frame selections and design consultation, but charges accordingly (20 to 40 percent above Artists & Framers for comparable work) and requires appointments well in advance. For local artists and serious collectors, Artists & Framers prioritizes conservation practice and can accommodate unusual items or complex mounting requests without treating them as special orders. For someone framing a poster or mass-produced print for a living room refresh, Frame 360 offers faster service at lower cost. For a six-figure painting or archival-quality work heading to a gallery, Artists & Framers is the better choice.
Who it suits and who it does not
This shop works best for artists in the Baltimore region needing frames for exhibition work, collectors with original pieces (paintings, antique prints, family photographs), and anyone with sentimental items (military medals, jerseys, heirloom textiles) that deserve proper preservation. It also suits people who have purchased fine art and want professional conservation framing rather than retail options. It does not suit someone looking for a quick, inexpensive frame for a poster or IKEA-style art. It is not a walk-in-and-leave operation; every job requires consultation and measurement. It is not ideal for large-volume corporate framing projects (though they take them), and it is not the fastest option if you need a frame in a week.
What the first visit involves
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes on an initial consultation. Bring the unframed piece or a clear photograph and dimensions if you cannot transport it. The framer will assess condition, recommend matting and glass based on what you are framing and how it will be displayed, show sample frame options, and discuss reversibility and archival standards. You will receive a written estimate with itemized costs and a turnaround timeline. Payment typically requires a deposit (often 50 percent) at estimate, with balance due on pickup.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The shop is located on the Avenue in mid-city Baltimore. Street parking is available on the block. Confirm current hours by phone, as they adjust seasonally; the shop typically operates Tuesday through Saturday afternoons and early evenings. The neighborhood has limited nearby parking, so call ahead if you are bringing a large piece. Pickup is in-person; shipping is available for an additional fee if you cannot collect the finished frame yourself.
Artists & Framers fills the role of a neighborhood professional framer for a city with a strong artist community and enough collector activity to sustain a shop that prioritizes craft over speed. It is the logical choice for anyone in Baltimore with work worth protecting.
