Bryan Smith Frames is a family shop, located in the mountains west of Fort Collins, Colorado.
This is the epitome of a small family business. In fact, it much more resembles an 18th- century artisan shop than a modern business, and I like it that way. Because I love the craft of frame-making and collaborating with artists, I don’t have interest in managing a larger business. This means that when you receive a frame it is typically built, carved, and finished by me–although I’ve got some of my kids who are learning the craft. Our frames have a signature look because each frame is always crafted by the same hands.
I enjoy working with artists to choose frames or develop a signature look for your art that will set it apart. Please contact me through email. Because I work some long hours in the shop I apologize if I am not quick on the draw in responding (and will never be offended if you try contacting me twice!).
I have over 25 years of experience building and finishing the highest quality picture frames. I’ve made frames for paintings by French greats such as Jacques-Louis David and famous Americans like Thomas Moran, as well as numerous other masters -– both historic and contemporary. I learned the art of framing, gilding, and fine finishing during a decade-long tenure at Krieger-Ricks Framemakers (now out of business). Most of my time there was spent as the lead finisher and art director, where I finished frames for galleries, individual collectors, and painters throughout the country, including many of the frames, mirrors, and furniture in the KR catalog. I left Krieger-Ricks in 2003 to pursue a Ph.D. in history at the University of Notre Dame, where I continued to build frames for local clients, including Notre Dame’s Snite Museum of Art. I currently spend my mornings teaching literature and art history at Loveland Classical Schools in Colorado.
Like most working artists I know, I spend nearly all my time with tangible materials in my hands, not on a website. Thus, this website offers only a small glimpse into the work I do (and never seems quite up to date–I post more current stuff on IG). If you like something you see here, let me know and I can make it for you. If you like a frame style but want a different finish on it, I can do that. If you want something that you don’t see here – a style, a finish, a concept imagined – let me know and we will see what I can do to accomplish your vision.
For more information please contact me at:
