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Frequently Asked Questions - Framing, Riverside Art
- What is the atmosphere like at Riverside Art?
Riverside Art is a friendly comfortable place to be. We want shopping there to be a relaxing experience. We do not believe in high-pressure sales, we feel that our design and product speaks for itself. We even have toys available to keep little ones occupied while their parent’s shop.
- What is archival or conservation framing and why is it important?
Conservation framing uses materials that have been proven to protect and maintain art in as close to its original condition as possible. Library of Congress definition.
It is the appropriate housing to display the intrinsic beauty and interest of an object, while prolonging its life by securing the object in a mechanically and chemically stable environment. It minimizes the problems caused by deterioration of the components of the object itself and other problems introduced by environmental factors such as air pollution, heat, light, and humidity.
- How would you describe the selection of framing choices available?
Endless. With over 4000 molding options and 3000 matting colors available to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
- Choosing custom framing can be overwhelming. What do you do to make the selection process easier?
Our job is to put you at ease. We don’t expect you to walk in the door, walk up to the wall and choose a frame. It’s our job to narrow the selection down so that there are a few choices instead of thousands. We begin by asking questions. Do you already have something in mind? Where have you decided to hang this picture? What is the wall and furniture color? How big is the wall? Do you prefer contemporary or traditional styles? The answers to these questions allow us to create a picture in our minds of the room so that we can make the most appropriate recommendations.
- Is it helpful if I bring items from my room when choosing custom framing?
Yes, it is. We do our best to envision the room based on your descriptions, but digital photos, fabric swatches, paint chips, wall paper samples, anything available can help us to completely customize your piece.
- How can custom framing change the way a piece or the room it’s hung in feels?
Custom is the key word. The art itself, whether a photograph, a print or an original, the style and subject matter will relate to the environment. The framing treatment you choose can enhance a room’s atmosphere. Create intimacy, warmth, or comfort; it can enhance a sleek, modern, gallery like feel. All with color, texture, and design elements like proportions and tonal values.
- Are many people nervous about making a mistake?
Yes, they can be. But we have a display hanging on the wall of the same print framed three different ways. When we ask a customer “which is the right way to frame that picture?” The best they can do is tell us which one they like the most. Frame design is subjective not an exact science. So if you like it, then it’s right for you.
- How does Riverside Art technology to help their customers?
Our favorite new piece of technology is called the Integrated Framer Suite. It is visualization software that allows us to take a digital photo of the customer’s picture and the mat and frame selections and create a simulation of that the picture will look like when it is completed. It has been an extremely helpful tool for helping those who struggle to imagine what their picture will look like while looking at only a mat and frame corner sample.
- Is custom framing expensive?
Custom framing can be expensive, but doesn’t have to be. We have a wide range of pricing options with frames as economical as $3.00 per foot up to those, which are $60.00 per foot. We try to find the most appropriate treatment for your picture that also fits your budget.
- Do you have sales or offer coupons?
Not on custom work. We prefer to price our work fairly every day and avoid gimmicks. Our prices are competitive even with our competitors offering coupons. We do however, have a very popular reward program where once a year we send out award certificates based on each customers previous years sales.
- Is the work sent out or done on the premises?
99% of the framing work is completed on the premises in our state of the art workshop by a staff with over 60 years of experience.
- Do you have options for the customer who has a piece that is already framed but needs updating?
Sure! We call that “a face lift.” We can change a mat color, keep their mats and change the frame, or even just pull it all apart, clean it up and put it right back together, the way it was. We also replace a lot of broken glass.
- Shadow boxes are a popular way to display memorabilia. What are some of the more memorable things you’ve framed at Riverside Art?
We like to say that we can frame anything that doesn’t breath. One of our favorite shadow box designs was boxing memorabilia. We framed a robe, trunks, boxing gloves and a framed photo as a Christmas gift for the boxer’s grandson. We also have framed a tool belt complete with tools, christening gowns, sports jerseys, golf clubs, military medals and flags. Samples can be viewed by clicking here.
- Do you frame mirrors?
Yes, all the time. For bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Our selection of moldings offers an opportunity to customize the look of your room by choosing a frame that enhances the décor and the size that fits your space perfectly.
- What are some other ways that framing can be used to accessorize the home?
Frames can be used to embellish much more that pictures. We’ve framed corkboards, chalkboards and fabric panel message boards. Flat screen monitors and TVs.
- What is available for the consumer who would like hang unique artwork on their walls but are not in the market for originals?
At Riverside Art we are proud to be a distributor for Artaissance, which is an online art reproduction gallery that allows you to custom size artwork to fit, your home décor needs. There are over 3,000 images available to be printed on paper or canvas. The collection varies from traditional landscapes to contemporary abstracts and their portfolio is constantly being updated with new artists to keep it fresh and exciting. You can shop online from the comfort of your own home at riversideart.com under prints and posters.
- What about for the customer who would like to hang something more personal?
In our reprographics department we have a large format color printer. If you have a high resolution digital picture of anything from your children, the family pet, your flower garden or a favorite vacation spot, we can print it on canvas and stretch to hang as your own one of a kind piece of art.
- Does Riverside Art have options for those who are interested in framing it themselves?
Yes we do. We can do as much or as little as you would like in framing your picture. We sell ready-made frames in standard sizes. We can sell you the raw materials, matting, glass and moldings uncut. Or complete the tasks you aren’t comfortable with and leave those that you are for you to do.
- Does Riverside Art offer any restoration services?
We do. We repair and re-line canvas as well as repair frames. We do not offer paper restoration on site, but we do have a working relationship with a paper conservator in Boston.
- Are there options for someone who would like some help choosing pieces for their home or office?
“Yes, there are. We have an in home design consultation service where I would visit your home take measurements and pictures and then compile a selection of images for you to choose from. I have on occasion; also worked from paint, wallpaper samples, and customer’s photos to make recommendations as well. We have also been hired to go in and recommend placement of artwork the customer already owns. My specialty is in hanging groupings. Groupings can be very challenging and damaging to the walls if not approached in the right way.” Stephanie Stroud
- So Riverside Art offers a delivery and hanging service?
Yes, with varying levels of need. Sometimes a piece simply won’t fit into a customer’s vehicle. And other times we will deliver and hang any number of pieces.
- In this economic climate, what can you say that might persuade someone to choose to invest in custom framing?
We think that when deciding what to spend money on in our current economy, we all have to make conscious decisions. For the cost of a couple of meals in a restaurant, you could preserve Grandma’s wedding photo, or a favorite art project your child brought home from school. While an evening out is enjoyable, when it’s over, what do you have to show for the money? These things become a treasure that will last, offering many years of enjoyment.
- What would you say sets Riverside Art apart from competitors?
We have an artistic, knowledgeable staff. We are a family owned and operated business not a chain store. We guarantee our design, materials and workmanship and your overall satisfaction.
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Riverside Art proudly services customers from Somerset, Plymouth, Taunton, Middleboro, Mansfield, Norton, North Dartmouth, Attleboro,
Seekonk, Swansea, Bridgewater MA and more, as well as Providence, East Providence, Riverside, Bristol, Newport, and Cranston, RI.
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