Ken's Art And Frame in Baltimore: Custom Framing for Art, Memorabilia, and Textiles
Ken's Art And Frame is an independent custom framing shop that handles everything from fine art and photographs to sports jerseys, diplomas, and heirloom textiles. Located in Baltimore, it operates as a full-service framing house where design choices and material quality directly affect both appearance and longevity of the finished piece.
What Ken's Art And Frame Actually Is
This is a made-to-order framing business, not a retail frame outlet. You bring or ship work in, consult on mat color, frame style, glass type, and backing, and the shop produces a custom frame. The work is completed on-site by framers who cut mats, join frames, and assemble the final piece. Unlike big-box retailers that offer pre-made frames in standard sizes, Ken's works with irregular dimensions, valuable or fragile items, and specialty requests like shadow boxes for medals or open-back frames for textiles.
Services and Pricing
Ken's offers mat cutting, frame assembly, glass selection (standard, UV-protective, or museum-grade non-glare), spacers, backing options, and hanging hardware. Pricing is quote-based and depends on frame material, mat type, glass grade, and size. A basic frame with standard mat and glass for a small print runs roughly $80 to $150. Larger pieces, multiple mats, or premium glass (UV-protective or museum-grade) push into the $300 to $600 range. Conservation-grade framing with acid-free materials and archival backing for valuable or heirloom items costs more. Call ahead for a specific estimate; prices fluctuate with material costs.
How It Compares to Other Baltimore Framing Options
Baltimore has a handful of custom framers. The Frame Nest in Canton offers similar services with an emphasis on designer frames and bold mat combinations; it skews toward a younger clientele and contemporary aesthetics. Aaron Brothers, a national chain with a Baltimore location, provides faster turnaround and lower entry-level pricing but limited design consultation and no on-site custom cutting. Ken's sits between: more personalized than a chain, typically slower than a big-box operation, and competitively priced for conservation work. Choose Ken's if you have a valuable piece, an irregular size, or textiles that need specialized handling. Choose Aaron Brothers for a quick, budget-friendly frame of a standard size. Choose The Frame Nest if you want trendy mat combinations and are open to a longer lead time.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Ken's works well for art collectors, photographers, families framing inherited items or diplomas, and anyone with sports memorabilia or textiles needing protective display. It is also suitable for businesses framing certificates or signage. It is less ideal for someone needing a frame in under a week or who wants an off-the-shelf product. Bring reference images or inspiration if you are uncertain about design; the staff will guide choices but expect to spend time on the decision.
What the First Visit Involves
Walk in with your item or a photo of it. Discuss the purpose (display in a home, office, or climate-controlled setting affects material choice), the look you want, and any preservation concerns. The framer will show samples of mats, frames, and glass. You will choose colors and finishes, agree on a price, and leave your piece or arrange shipment. Turnaround is typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on backlog. You will be called when the work is ready for pickup.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Ken's Art And Frame operates Tuesday through Saturday; specific hours should be confirmed by phone, as they vary seasonally. Street parking is available on the surrounding blocks. The shop accepts walk-ins and appointments. Curbside dropoff is possible for large or framed pieces. If you are out of state, the shop can work by photo and mail; shipping is the customer's responsibility.
Ken's Art And Frame has served Baltimore collectors and families for decades by treating each piece as custom work rather than a commodity, making it the practical choice for anyone whose item matters enough to frame carefully.
