Framing Craftsmanship in Colorado Springs

Let Art & Frame Approach in Colorado Springs Protect Your Family Memories, Children's Artwork

Award-Winning Framing Designs

Life is a collection of memories. Birth. Childhood. Graduation. Marriage. Travel. Family. Collectables. Everyday Experiences. Snippets of life, captured in glorious works of art, explode our memories into a universe of color and emotion. As a custom picture framer, specializing in preservation techniques, you entrust us with your precious memories. You ask us to approach each piece keeping your memory in mind…keeping your style in mind. Whether you have a $70,000 original or the mother’s day card created by your five year old, your treasure will be treated with the greatest of care.

Over 3,000 Frames Styles

Do you seek quality? Are you inspired by excellence of craftsmanship? Do you love the beauty of the ornate? Or, do you seek pure and simple lines? In whatever direction your mind wanders, you will find just what you want at Art & Frame Approach. With over 3,000 frame styles to choose from, the perfect choice for your artwork is here. Our frame selections run from the finest handcrafted water gilded styles to the simple lines of quality metal frames.

Indulge your senses as we work together to create your unique frame design. Whether you are totally hands on, totally hands off, or somewhere in-between, our award winning design capabilities are uniquely suited to customize a special framing package just for you. A single piece of artwork can be framed in many different ways, each of them equally wonderful. Our goal is to explore your artistic passions so the finished piece reflects your individual taste.

Preservation Framework

You have looked and looked for that special piece of artwork; one that “spoke” to you. You knew it was right the moment you saw it. You have a cherished treasure from your past – great-great grandmother’s wedding photo, your father’s very first valentine, your child’s drawing. You love it. It should be protected. But, just framing it is not the total answer. It must be preserved for several lifetimes of enjoyment.

Is preservation framing important? ABSOLUTELY! Preserving art in the present condition is crucial for now and for the future. Art helps define our culture. Think of museums and the wonderful images they display. The glorious ceilings of the Sistine Chapel would not be here for our enjoyment today if not for preservation techniques. While the mother’s day card created by your five year old may not have the intrinsic value of Michelangelo’s David, it still warms your heart and recalls sweet memories every time you look at it. And, what about great-great grandmother’s wedding photo? It is important history not only for you, but for your kids, grandkids and on. Remember too, that any collectible maintains its best value when it is in pristine condition. Anything that changes your art’s condition reduces its monetary and sentimental value. Standard framing methods and materials permanently change condition and thereby cause damage and diminish value.

We Keep Up With the Latest Preservation Techniques

Preservation techniques are in a state of constant change. This is especially true with the advent of digital photography and inkjet printing. These new technologies require study and experimentation to find the appropriate ways to preserve artwork in its present condition. At Art & Frame Approach, we are constantly in pursuit of the latest techniques so that we understand new thinking on how to appropriately handle artwork. Continuing education, formal class work and independent reading, is expected. Therefore, we are prepared to advise you on how best to protect your artwork from damage for your lifetime enjoyment and generations to come.

Art & Frame Approach Preserve Treasures and Memories, Pictures, Photos, Artwork

About Art & Frame Approach

MEET SUSIE LOWRY

As a child, my mother used to tell me over and over, “There is more than one way to skin the cat”. Today, that is how we Approach the art and keepsakes you entrust to us for framing. Whether it is creating several delicious designs for you to choose from or figuring out a way to build housing for your treasure, we will find a way to accomplish the task and delight you with the result.

The most distinguishing characteristic of Art & Frame Approach is our passion to create beauty – in the design, in the quality, in your shopping experience. Our dedication to design gives you timeless art – a framing package that enhances and completes your artwork all executed with the highest level of craftsmanship.

COLORADO SPRINGS WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

Art & Frame Approach is a small woman-owned business. Originally established in 1984, the current owner purchased the business 18 years ago. Thanks to the loyalty and support of our customers, and their referrals and suggestions, we have continued to grow. Below are some of the kind notes and comments we have received.

Our Testimonials

“I travel the country visiting art galleries and frame shops. Your designs are the best I have seen anywhere.”

“Thank you for your wonderful customer service atmosphere and attitude. It is just fun to visit your shop! I went to a class recently and the theme was amaze, amuse, surprise and delight! You have succeeded.”

“Thank you both so very much for your work on our ‘first dance’ picture. It is absolutely stunning! We have had many compliments since we hung it in our house. Words can’t express how thankful we are.”

“You both have been such a delight to work with & to get to know. I wish you much success as you continue to grow your business.”

“This jewel of a gallery will surprise you! A tasteful selection of affordable art and framing solutions are on display.”

“It’s perfect!”

Our Framing & Gallery Services

Framing Services

  • Artwork requiring special knowledge or skills
    • Pastels or Charcoal
    • Watercolors
    • Paintings on canvas
    • Needlework
    • Old and/or fragile artwork
  • Mirrors
  • Japanese Hinges
  • Shadowboxes to house three dimensional items
  • Specialty may cuts
    • Multi-opening
    • Custom shapes
    • V-Grooves
    • Ovals
  • Hand wrapped fabric mats
  • Foamboard folders to house and protect art for storage
  • Dry mounting
  • Specialty glass and acrylics

Framing Services

  • Canvas stretching
  • Frame repairs
  • Replacement of broken glass and other frame components
  • Mylar encapsulation
  • Rush Services
  • Free inspection of existing framed artwork with recommendations to better protect artwork if indicated
  • Periodic cleaning of framed artwork
  • Limited repairs of torn artwork
  • Finding and/or selecting artwork for you
  • Special order available
    • Oval frames
    • Flag frames
    • Ready made mirrors, picture frames, and decorative artwork
  • Referrals to Conservation Specialists
  • Security Hanging Systems
  • ….and more

Gallery Offerings

  • Original artwork
  • Original photography
  • Limited edition prints
  • Selection of pottery, gifts and tiny mirrors
  • Ready made picture frames

Examples of Our Work

Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Arrowheads
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Band Autographs CD
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Masks Art
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Sports Memorabilia
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Masks
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Medals
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Magazine Article
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Sports Jersey
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Tickets Boarding Pass Memories
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Hats
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Painting, Art
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Embroidery, Needlepoint
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs History Patch Letter
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Old Vintage Photo Wedding
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Triangle Odd Shapes
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Stamps Collector Items
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Stamps War Medals Memorabilia
Art and Frame Approach Custom Framing in Colorado Springs Stamps Vintage Art
Let Art & Frame Approach in Colorado Springs Preserve Your Family Memories, Children's Artwork
Let Art & Frame Approach in Colorado Springs Preserve Your Family Keepsakes, Children's Artwork
Let Art & Frame Approach in Colorado Springs Protect Your Family Memories, Children's Artwork
Art & Frame Approach Picture Framing Artwork Family History
Art & Frame Approach Picture Framing Artwork Family Keepsakes Wedding High school
Art & Frame Approach Picture Framing Artwork Autographed Photos
Art & Frame Approach Preserve Treasures and Memories, Pictures, Photos, Artwork

For Sale

These items are for sale. Please click each photo to see a larger version for closer inspection. Please contact us for availability.

River Sunrise | $723 | By T.W. Nelson

This lovely oil on canvas plays with the color and shadow changes that can be experienced as the sun rises above the tree-tops. The Italian style frame creates a gentle surround for the art by finishing the colors of the painting. The liner enhances subtle oranges in the painting causing the eye to be more aware of them. The finished size is 31”x27”.

Sunflowers 1 | $599 | By Shari White

Beautiful sunflowers burst with color in this canvas transfer print that has been enhanced with brush strokes to make it look like an original painting. Framing is a delightful Spanish style wood frame enhanced with a gold fillet liner. The finished size is 24 1/2”x29”.

Vintage Print | $135

Delight in this lovely Art Nouveau print. The print is float mounted to a navy blue matboard creating a thin outline of blue that draws your eve directly to the lovely lady dressed in orange and with flowing blue hair. The print package is mounted to a rust colored mat board and framed with a navy blue metal frame. 99% UV filtering glass covers and protects the print from light damage. Finished size is 17 3/8″ wide x 19 3/8″ high.

Thailand Musicians | $798

Carved wood figurines each with a different instrument, commonly used in Thailand, are mounted to fabric covered wood blocks outlined with a gold fillet. The frame is hand-made in Italy utilizing a process that incorporates 27 different color baths to achieve the finished color. It is then enhanced with gold leaf. A natural linen mat covers the interior. The shadowbox is finished with anti-reflective (museum) glazing with 99% UV protection. This is a large piece, finished size is 43 ¾”x23 5/8”x 5” deep

Ballerinas | $150 each | By J. Refron

Perfect for the ballerina in your life. Delightful in a little girl’s room. Oil on canvas paintings depict playful dancers in primary colors. The white frame features a lovely floral motif embossing. The red fabric liner draws you eye immediately to the lively dancers. Finished size of each framed painting is 15 ½” x 13 ½”.

Corsair | $325 (1/2 off = $162.50)

Art Print. The Corsair was flown primarily during World War II and the Korean War. Preservation quality mats of white yellow and blue mimic the colors in the planes’ zero. A “V-groove” in the white mat adds an extra yellow stripe to help frame the plane. The wood moulding is deep blue like the plane. 70% UV filtering non-reflective glass protects from glare – looks like there is no glass. Finished size is 29 7/8”x21 ¾”.

Crane Dance | $325 | By Linda Olszanski

A handmade textile collage is hand-sewn to a rust colored suede matboard. It is framed with a dark brown “bamboo” frame that is then mounted to a rustic style float frame which creates wonderful depth and texture for the textile. Beeswax is hand applied to seal the wood’s surface and guarantee the preservation of the moulding. Anti-reflective glazing (museum) with 99% UV filtering glass covers and protects the fabric from light damage. All materials are preservation quality. Finished size is 14” x 18 ¼”.

American Bald Eagle | $692 | By Heidi York

Photograph. Nothing is more magnificent than a bald eagle in flight. Heidi captured this one at just the right moment. The matting echoes the colors found in the eagle feathers – light and dark brown suedes with a slightly lighter wood fillet. The fillet is covered on the back (where it touches the photo) with an aluminum barrier tape that prevents off gassing by the wood. The whole package is surrounded by a hand finished wood frame with a slightly rustic feel. Anti-reflective glazing (museum) gives you 99% UV filtering – looks like there is no glass. Finished size is 27 7/8” x 29 ¼”.

Florentine Mirror | $476

This exquisite mirror is fabricated from buildings in Italy that have been torn down. It is hand-crafted and hand painted, then detailed with gold leaf. This mirror is dark wine in color, clear round mirror. Finished size is is 30” x 30”.

Florentine Mirror | $476

This exquisite mirror is fabricated from buildings in Italy that have been torn down. It is hand-crafted and hand painted, then detailed with gold leaf. This black and gold mirror features gold veining in the mirror to create old world opulence. Finished size is is 30” x 30”.

Island Harbor | $283 | By Susan Kennedy

Watercolor. Wouldn’t you love to be in this lovely setting! Preservation mounting includes a spacer so the glass does not touch the artwork. Glazing is anti-reflective (museum) with 99% UV protection. The dark wood moulding with gold bead emphasizes the dark tones in the painting. A linen liner completes the look. Finished size is 17” x 14”.

Lemons | $175 | By Diane Clifton Cox

Oil on canvas. Preservation mounting. This lovely still life is framed in light brown with slight copper tones wood with a cream linen liner. Finished size is 11 ¼” x 9 1/8”.

Three Pears | $175 | By Diane Clifton Cox

Oil on canvas. Preservation mounting. This lovely still life is framed in light brown with slight copper tones wood with a cream linen liner. Finished size is 11 ¼” x 9 1/8”.

Triplets | $875 | By Tom Titsworth

Did you know that polar bear moms let their babies crawl all over them? I was amazed when I first saw this photo taken in northern Canada, by a local Colorado Springs photographer. Triplet polar bear cubs are extremely rare. If you are an animal lover you will cherish this. The framing package for this 19×14 ½” print includes a lovely tan linen mat outlined with a wood fillet and a second mat which is light gray. The frame, handcrafted in Italy, is uniquely distressed. Various colorants are hand applied numerous times to achieve the rich finish. Beeswax is hand rubbed in to seal the wood’s surface and guarantee the preservation of the moulding. 99% UV filtering glass covers and protects the print from light damage. Finished size is 34 1/8×31″.

Freedom From Want | $329 | By Norman Rockwell

Art Print. A wonderful reminder of one of America’s most beloved holidays. Norman Rockwell had an enchanting way of capturing us. This would be a lovely addition to your family gathering for Thanksgiving. Matted with a neutral linen mat and wood fillets, the print is surrounded with a very traditional wood scoop frame that is hand waxed. (Note: I don’t know why the frame appears mottled on the bottom as depicted in this photo. The frame is a solid dark brown. It is slightly “bumpy” to the touch. That may be what is reflected in the photo.). This item was used as a gallery display piece and is therefore priced accordingly. Glazing is 99% UV protection with reflection control. There won’t be any glare on this one! Finished size is 36 1/4” x 431/2”.

Seed Packets | $159

These are actual vegetable seed packets! Perfect for the kitchen or garden room. An opening around each packet is emphasized by a thin wood fillet and lovely yellow green mat. The top mat has a subtle leaf pattern – very appropriate. The frame is a lovely green stained wood. 99% UV filtering glass protects from light damage. Finished size is 15 ¼”x24 ½”.

“El Benado” | $521 | By Rogezio Hernundez Robles

Yarn painting on board, Huichol Mexico. The yarn is fastened to the board with wax in this fascinating folk art “painting”. The colors are vivid and lively. The painting sits atop a yellow suede mat. The shadowboxed frame is two metals placed one on top of the other – a turquoise blue, and blue to echo the border of the painting. Anti-reflective glazing (museum) with 99% UV protection – looks like there is no glass. Finished size is 22” x 22”.

Our Colorado Springs Location

Located between downtown and Old Colorado City

Art & Frame Approach
1010 West Colorado Avenue, Suite A
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
Call: 719-578-9889
Email: artframeapproach@qwestoffice.net

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10AM – 6PM
Saturday: 10AM – 4PM

Visit our Shop
Free off street parking right at our door. Doesn’t get any better than that!

Visit Our Shop

Bring in your treasured piece and we will help you design the perfect display to show it off!
CALL US

Order by Phone or Email

Since our gallery items are all one of a kind, it is best to call or e-mail to check on availability. If you are seeking custom framing, we work with you via phone and e-mail. Just mail your artwork to us along with contact information. When the artwork is received, we will call and discuss your framing preferences. Three or four ideas will be assembled and photographed. We e-mail or text photos of our ideas along with close-ups showing frame detail to you. Our photographs are very accurate and this method has worked successfully with many customers.

Pricing and Payment

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express or personal check. A 50% deposit is required at the time of the custom framing order, with balance due on completion of the work and before shipping. Prices do not include shipping charges which may vary according to size, weight and destination. We ship anywhere in the United States or Internationally.

Our Guarantee

We want you to be thrilled with your framing. If for any reason you are not, we will do whatever it takes to make it right for you. Return it within 14 days and we will redesign it for you at no extra charge. The new design must be of equal or lesser value. You pay only the difference if the new design is more expensive.

Our quality and craftsmanship are guaranteed for the life of your framing. We will repair or replace any portion of the project that exhibits a defect in materials or craftsmanship. If the artwork slips in the mat – 5 years, 10 years, 20 years from now, we will fix it – no charge! Coverage does not apply to damage caused by abuse, transportation, or exposure to the elements.