Artful Framing & Gallery — Attraction in Washington

Artful Framing helped me honor my first real, grown up art purchase by framing it beautifully. I had a great experience overall and LOVE the final product. The staff were helpful, and Dilep (the owner) was just so nice. Takoma Park was celebrating Art Scape when I went to pick up my piece, and Dilep was so welcoming to everyone in the space. Somehow, we began talking about Ethiopian cuisine and he gave me a bottle of berbere sauce...which was AMAZING.

Anyway — I joined their mailing list and received an email announcing their first wine and paint event, so I signed myself and a friend up. It was such a beautiful and relaxing experience. The staff is so helpful and supportive and they aren’t too rigid with instruction. In fact, it’s more like supportive guidance. You are encouraged to interpret the featured painting as opposed to replicate it perfectly. You can also just paint whatever your heart desires.

About a year later, I signed my mother and sister up for another wine and paint night, and it was even more relaxing and enjoyable. Everyone was encouraged to pick any piece in the gallery that they were inspired by and Dilep would circulate the room giving compliments and helpful advice. It’s just such an amazing atmosphere and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to have an enjoyable Friday evening with unpretentious art lovers that just want to paint, sip wine, snack on yummy food, and dance to the most amazing playlist (and sometimes live guitar/piano performances by the owner...

I was prompted to post this, since I received a Facebook survey, and meant to do this for a long time. I can't say enough great things about this place, and Dilip. My saga began when I took a limited edition lithograph by Hirschfeld (I collect them), to Michaels for matting and framing. You get what you pay for. When I picked it up, there were pencil marks. The manager did try to rectify, but needless to say I was furious. These things ain't cheap, and are an investment. I can't even remember how I found Artful Framing, but when I took it over there, Dilip was very familiar with Hirschfeld, and it's value. He cleaned it up beautifully, and the recommendations for the matting, glass and frame were amazing. Sold! Customer for life. As I said, I have invested in these, and have since taken 4 others over for framing. Each time, his eye is amazing. I will say this is not like buying a frame from CVS, but if you have artwork of value, it costs some, but, again, you get what you pay for. His pricing is very fair for the quality, he gives you realistic time frames, and always on time delivery. Not to mention, he is a gem to work with, and a very talented artist in his own right. I have sent several referrals his way, and each one to a person was impressed, and another...

Dilip framed four large pieces for me - two intricate tapestries and two paintings. I was nervous about the process because the art I brought in has a lot of sentimental value. Dilip was thoughtful, sensitive, and helpful - he understood the art’s value to me and took his time walking me through frame, glass, and shadowbox options.

Dilip treats art with careful meticulousness and it is so apparent that he is a true lover of art (he is an artist himself, after all!) I was so pleased with the results - my art has been beautifully celebrated by the frames and shadowboxes Dilip & I chose. When I picked up my art, Dilip explained how to properly mount the art (and gave us all the mounting materials) and even offered to make a house call and help us hang everything. He also helped us load the car and ensured the art was protected for the journey home.

Dilip provides top-notch service and we are so grateful for his artistry....