Welcome to 17th Avenue Framing, a respected part of Calgary’s artistic community since 1999. Under the expert guidance of Bernard Drouin, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional custom framing services, ensuring that every piece of art and cherished memory receives the perfect presentation. Our location boasts a rich history, having been home to a framing business since 1974, originally opening as “U-Frame It.” In May of 2024, we proudly celebrated 25 years of ownership under Bernard’s stewardship, marking a significant milestone in our journey.
Our History
Quality Custom Framing, Creative Design.
About Custom Framing
At 17th Avenue Framing, we take pride in offering the greatest selection of quality picture framing materials, complemented by our team of educated, trained, and experienced framers who are here to guide you through every step of the selection process. We are committed to providing our clients with a rewarding and memorable experience, standing firmly behind our work to ensure it meets or exceeds your expectations. Whether you’re framing a family heirloom, a beloved artwork, or a recent photograph, we invite you to discover the dedication and craftsmanship that has defined our shop for over 50 years.
About Upstairs Gallery
During 2020, the upstairs space to our shop was renovated and now stands as a quaint and inviting gallery where art comes alive through a diverse collection of works. Our gallery proudly features a selection of stunning pieces from talented local artists, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our community. Additionally, we’ve curated a range of artwork sourced through reputable online channels, ensuring a broad spectrum of styles and expressions. Each piece, whether discovered locally or from online sources, has been thoughtfully chosen to enrich our collection and provide a unique and engaging experience for our visitors.
Services
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Custom Framing
From family photos to a priceless masterpiece, our experienced team will guide you through the designing process to ensure the chosen framing reflects your style, compliments the artwork, and remains within your budget.
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Oversized Frames
Our spacious shop allows us to handle and store large artworks safely, and when glass isn’t suitable, we can use art-grade acrylic to provide the same clarity and protection. Our experienced team ensures that oversized frames are crafted with precision and care, accommodating your grandest pieces with ease.
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Canvas
Transform your canvas artwork with our expert stretching and framing services. Whether you need a new frame for a stretched canvas or wish to have your canvas stretched and framed from scratch, we handle every step with skill and attention to detail.
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Mirrors
We offer custom mirrors tailored to your specifications, including any size and frame style you desire. From ordering and crafting to delivery and installation, our team manages every aspect of the mirror framing process. Whether you need a statement piece for a living space or a functional mirror for a bathroom, we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
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Memorabilia
Our framing services extend to virtually any item you wish to preserve. We’ve framed a diverse array of memorabilia, including wedding veils, books, insects, pins, medals, clothing, and even unique items such as a stadium seat and a piece of cable from a ski lift gondola. Whatever your treasured item, our skilled team will design a custom frame that highlights and protects its unique features.
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Gallery Art for Sale
Discover and purchase the artwork displayed in our gallery and shop. All pieces showcased are available for sale, offering a unique opportunity to own original works from local artists and beyond. Explore our collection and find the perfect piece to enhance your space or gift to someone special.
Additional Services
Framing Services
While our turnaround is normally two weeks, we keep stock of a limited selection of mouldings and mats that we can cut and assemble on-site, allowing us to offer the fastest turnaround for your urgent projects. Our in-house capabilities ensure that you receive high-quality framing solutions with exceptional speed.
We have extensive experience working with local hotels, TV and film production companies, and corporate businesses to meet their diverse framing needs. Whether it’s providing a single, high-quality frame for a movie scene or fulfilling bulk orders for hallways and lobbies, we deliver professional framing solutions tailored to each client’s requirements. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every project, large or small, receives the meticulous attention to detail it deserves.
Enhance any artwork, diploma, sports memorabilia, and more with our customizable engraved metal plates. Available in a range of sizes and styles, our plates offer limitless character options and the flexibility to include images or logos. Add a personalized touch to your items with our high-quality engraving services.
If you’re seeking a distinctive look, we offer a diverse selection of round, oval, and uniquely shaped frames, including cathedral, oblong, and heart shapes. These frames are perfect for showcasing unique artwork and mirrors, adding an original touch to your decor.
Framing Specials
All of our pre-made, standard size frames are assembled in-house by hand using the same high-quality wood moulding as our custom orders. Each frame includes art-grade glass, acid-free backing, and hanging hardware, making it easy for you to pop in your artwork and hang it on your wall. Great for budgets and quick, unique gifts.
Our jersey framing special includes a sleek black or white wood frame, paired with Premium Clear Tru Vue® glass to showcase your memorabilia in pristine clarity. Choose from a black or white mat backing, and personalize the inner walls with a color of your choice to complement your jersey. This special accommodates sizes up to 32″x40″. Visit us in-store to learn more about our jersey framing offer and how we can help preserve your cherished sports memorabilia.
Celebrate your academic achievements with our diploma and degree framing special. This package features a standard black or white wood frame, a single black or white 4-ply conservation quality mat, and Conservation Clear Tru Vue® glass to ensure your diploma or degree is preserved with the utmost care. Suitable for documents up to 12″x18″, this special combines elegance and protection. Inquire in-store to discover more about our diploma and degree framing options.
Enhance your posters with our special framing offer, which includes a choice of black, silver, or gold metal frames. Each poster is fitted with Premium Clear Tru Vue® glass and dry-mounted for a sleek, professional finish. This special accommodates posters up to 40″x60″. Visit us in-store to explore how we can frame your posters with style and durability.
Meet the Team
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Bernard – Owner
As the owner of 17th Avenue Framing since 1999, Bernard Drouin has transformed the shop into a respected local landmark. His vision and dedication have shaped our business into a leading destination for custom framing and artistic presentation.
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Mark – Design Consultant
Mark, a graduate of the Alberta College of Art & Design (2009), is our expert in cutting and joining frames. With a background in Print Media and as a co-founder of the Ink Smashed Artists collective, Mark brings a wealth of creativity to his work, offering design consultations and crafting frames with a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques.
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Bart – Design Consultant
With a career in framing dating back to 1984, Bart is a seasoned professional in design consultation. His extensive experience is complemented by his passion for watercolor art, adding a creative touch to his work and insights for framing projects.
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Allison – Design Consultant
Allison excels in design consultations and is currently studying art history at the University of Calgary, bringing a deep understanding of artistic context to her work. Her academic background enriches her approach, helping clients select frames that best complement their artwork.
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Eva – Design Consultant
Eva’s enthusiasm for framing design shines through in her consultations with clients. Her keen interest in the aesthetic aspects of framing ensures that each piece is presented with thoughtful and stylish solutions. In her role as a manager, Eva is deeply focused on enhancing the gallery and shop, bringing grand visions for the future to life and continually improving our space for an exceptional customer experience.
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Nicole – Design Consultant
With a career in HR, Nicole enjoys keeping her creative side active by joining us at 17th Avenue on a part-time basis. She offers valuable design consultations and brings a unique perspective to our team, combining her organizational skills with a passion for framing.
Contact
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- Address:
- 1232 17th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2T 0B8
- Phone:
- (403) 245 - 8216
- Email:
- info@17thavenueframing.com
- Tuesday to Friday:
- 10:00am — 6:00pm
- Saturday:
- 9:30am — 5:30pm
- Monday & Sunday:
- Closed
After-hours appointments available. Inquire for details.