Art & Frame in Chattanooga: Custom Framing and Local Art Sales
Art & Frame is a independent framing shop and small art gallery located on the North Shore, combining professional custom framing services with sales of original works by regional and local artists. The business operates at a smaller scale than Chattanooga's larger contemporary galleries but fills a distinct role: it serves both the practical need for quality framing and the browsing interest in affordable, accessible original art.
What Art & Frame actually is
The storefront functions as a hybrid: the front half displays paintings, prints, and photography by local and regional artists available for purchase; the back half operates as a full-service framing studio where customers bring artwork, textiles, posters, or memorabilia to be professionally matted, cut, and framed. The gallery inventory rotates seasonally and leans toward representational work—landscapes, portraits, still life—rather than experimental or abstract pieces. Artists whose work appears in the space are predominantly based within Tennessee or the Southeast.
Services and pricing
Framing prices depend on frame choice, mat type, glass quality, and artwork size. A basic frame job with standard materials and a simple mat typically starts around $80 to $150 for small pieces (under 8x10 inches); mid-range jobs with upgraded mats or frame finishes run $200 to $400; complex projects involving conservation-grade materials, multiple mats, or large dimensions cost $400 and up. The shop offers UV-protective glass for light-sensitive work and archival-quality mat board as upgrades. Original art sales range from under $100 for prints to $1,500 or more for original paintings, depending on the artist and medium. Verify current pricing by phone or visit, as frame material costs fluctuate.
How it compares to other Chattanooga galleries
The Hunter Museum of American Art, located downtown in a landmark building, offers a large permanent collection and rotating exhibitions in a nonprofit museum setting with $15 admission. It suits visitors seeking scholarly context and broader art history; first visits typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. Art & Frame lacks that educational infrastructure but offers the opposite advantage: it allows you to buy directly from working artists or leave a piece of sentimental value framed the same day you decide to frame it. Rival Gallery, also on the North Shore, specializes in contemporary and abstract work with a focus on emerging artists and typically higher price points for original pieces. Choose Art & Frame if you need framing expertise and want to browse affordable, representational work by known regional names; choose Rival if you're specifically hunting for abstract or conceptual contemporary art.
Who it suits and who it does not
Art & Frame is best for homeowners and offices needing reliable framing, people building a modest art collection within a modest budget, and anyone with inherited or sentimental items (old family photographs, vintage posters, sports memorabilia) that need professional preservation and presentation. The space is calm and walkable; no appointment is needed to browse the art. It does not suit collectors seeking investment-grade contemporary work, people looking for large-scale installations, or visitors wanting edgy or experimental aesthetics. The framing process is not instantaneous; turnaround is typically 2 to 3 weeks for standard jobs.
What the first visit involves
Walk in, look at the rotating artist work on the walls (no pressure to buy), and ask a staff member if you have framing questions or want to know about the displayed artists. If you're bringing something to frame, bring the item itself or describe it accurately, discuss your budget and style preferences, and the staff will show you frame samples and mat options. You can look at physical samples on the wall and in binders. If you're only browsing art, you can spend 15 to 30 minutes; if you're planning a frame job, budget 30 to 45 minutes for a consultation.
Hours, parking, and location
Art & Frame is located on the North Shore, accessible via free street parking or nearby public lots. Hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Verify hours before visiting, as seasonal changes occasionally occur. The space is not wheelchair-accessible on the ground floor but staff may be able to accommodate requests; call ahead if accessibility is a concern.
Why it matters in Chattanooga
A reliable framing shop that also promotes local artists serves both the practical and cultural infrastructure of a city. Art & Frame fills that gap without pretension, making original art and professional framing accessible to residents who want neither a museum nor a high-end gallery but a working neighborhood resource.
