Take as much care in selecting the appropriate framing you do in selecting the art itself. The right framing should compliment the artwork, not compete with it. Because the framing should enhance and protect your art, a wide variety of framing options is important. We have over a thousand samples of wood and metal mouldings from which to choose, and we will gladly assist you in selecting the perfect framing to complement your art and decor. We offer personal service and quality framing.

WHY ARCHIVAL?
In framing, the materials that directly contact your art are of the greatest importance. Using non-archival (acidic) or inappropriate materials such as paper or wood, to adhere or support artwork can result in unnecessary damage and possibly decrease in the artwork's monetary value. Reversibility is essential when adhesives are used to hinge artworks to their supports.

Following are a few basics about our archival process:
Museum Boards
Materials used at Crowell’s Fine Framing Studio —such as museum quality rag mat boards in a variety of widths and natural tones—are designed to protect and preserve your artwork. They are not only acid free but are designed to absorb acid from the art as well as the environment.

Backing Boards
A matted or floated artwork is backed for further protection with an acid free corrugated board or a corrugated plastic board when drastic humidity changes are a concern. It is then sealed with a paper tape, which protects the artwork while allowing an exchange of air.

Hinging
Hinging is the process of attaching works on paper to a backing board, or support, often for the purpose of "floating" the artwork. This is done as an alternative to "over-matting" in which the mat is placed over the artwork. As with the selection of matting and frames, hinging must be tailored to the artwork in question. Depending on the weight of the paper on which the artwork is made, an appropriate hinge is chosen that will support the piece without restricting its natural movement over time. All hinges are made from acid free materials. Our adhesives are also acid free and reversible.

Glazing
Glazing refers to the use of either glass or plexiglass as a practical barrier between your art and the atmosphere in which it is hung. Glazing is used for most works on paper such as photographs, watercolors, pastel or charcoal drawings and fine prints. Oil and Acrylic paintings do not require glazing. Glazing is necessary because of moisture, smoke, acidic fumes and a host of threatening conditions artwork often faces. Museum quality UV-filtering plexiglass and glass are available and recommended for valuable artwork on paper and color photography to protect them over time from the color-fading UV-rays. These products also offer anti-reflective and anti-static properties. Crowell’s Fine Framing Studio does not recommend Museum Glass for pastels.

Conservation & Restoration
At Crowell’s Fine Framing Studio the techniques and materials we use are designed to preserve and protect your artwork. We regularly see artwork that is in need of restoration. For works on paper this is often because it had previously been improperly framed with acidic materials or inappropriate adhesives which cause damage which consists of yellowing. For oil or acrylic paintings on paper, board or canvas we see restoration projects involving the removal of old yellowing varnish, cleaning away years of buildup from the surface of the painting or replacement and stabilization of paint loss.

Crowell’s Fine Framing Studio has retained the services of the industries foremost conservators to assist in the care of your artwork and family heirlooms. We offer evaluations and estimates on conservation and restoration at a reasonable fee, which is waived if you choose to proceed with conservation work.  With Crowell’s Fine Framing Studio you can be assured that your restoration and conservation work is performed by experienced and exceptional conservators.

We also offer restoration of antique frames as well as restoration for textiles, ceramics and glass.

Working Artists Framing Program.
Crowell’s Fine Art is excited to introduce our Working Artists Framing Program. Crowell’s is now offering
professional quality framing at prices that are accessible to artists who are framing their own work. Don’t struggle with inferior materials when you can have the pros frame for you.

Crowell’s offers an eclusive line of frames suitable for any media. Options range from simple flat black
to ornate metallic finishes. prices start as low as $50 for a 16x20 frame. For media requiring mat baord and glass pices start at $75. Call for more information.