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The 5 Biggest Secrets Of Art And Frame Of Falls Church: What The 2025 Arts Scene Reveals

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The Art and Frame of Falls Church is far more than just a neighborhood picture framing shop; as of December 23, 2025, it stands as a central, thriving hub of the Northern Virginia arts community. This family-owned institution, a staple since 2001, has successfully evolved to become a critical venue for local artists, hosting major events like the 2025 Falls Church Arts "Scenes in the City" Plein Air Festival and housing a dynamic collection of artist workspaces known as Studios at 307. Its reputation is built on combining meticulous, archival-quality custom framing with a genuine dedication to fostering local talent, making it an essential destination for collectors, interior designers, and emerging artists alike.

The shop’s current location at 307 E. Annandale Rd in Falls Church, VA, is a testament to its commitment to the arts, featuring a dedicated gallery space that continuously rotates fresh exhibitions. This deep dive uncovers the unique history, the current cultural impact, and the unparalleled custom framing services that cement Art and Frame of Falls Church’s status as a local legend. Whether you are seeking conservation framing for a priceless heirloom or looking to discover the next great local artist, this establishment offers a unique blend of commerce and culture.

The Biography of a Local Legend: Tom Gittins and Art & Frame's Journey

The story of Art and Frame of Falls Church is intrinsically linked to its owner, Tom Gittins, a figure whose journey to the arts was unexpected.

  • Full Name: Tom Gittins
  • Role: Owner, Art and Frame of Falls Church
  • Business Founding: Family-owned and operated since 2001
  • Original Career Path: Gittins initially worked in the demanding hotel business, a career path far removed from the world of custom picture framing.
  • Inspiration: His transition into the art world was heavily influenced by two local artists who played instrumental roles in his career and for whom he has since dedicated a gallery space in the current location.
  • Philosophy: Gittins aimed to create a "welcoming neighborhood place" that offered great service and products at a fair price, a philosophy that has guided the business for over two decades.
  • Current Location: 307 E. Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22046

Since its founding in 2001, Art and Frame of Falls Church has established itself as a cornerstone of the community. The move to its current location has allowed Gittins to expand his vision, transforming the space into a multi-faceted arts center. This evolution from a traditional frame shop to a cultural hub reflects a deep commitment to not only preserving art but also to nurturing its creation. The new location, which includes the Studios at 307, has been described as a repurposed office space that has become a "hidden thriving arts hub" in the heart of Falls Church.

The dedication to local artists is a differentiating factor. By providing a gallery and studio space, Gittins actively supports the creative economy of Northern Virginia, ensuring that the shop is a vital part of the local artistic ecosystem. This personal touch and community-focused approach are key to the shop's enduring popularity and excellent customer service reputation.

Beyond the Glass: The 2025 Art and Frame of Falls Church Cultural Hub Status

The most compelling recent development is the shop's role as a major venue for the 2025 Falls Church Arts calendar, confirming its status as a vital cultural institution. The space at 307 E. Annandale Rd is currently buzzing with activity, hosting multiple significant events and ongoing exhibitions.

The 2025 "Scenes in the City" Plein Air Festival

Art and Frame of Falls Church is a key location for the highly anticipated 2025 Falls Church Arts "Scenes in the City" Plein Air Festival. This event draws artists from across the region to paint outdoors, capturing the unique charm of the city. Being a designated venue solidifies the shop's commitment to active participation in the local arts scene, offering a place for artists to gather, register, and display their work. The festival is a highlight of the year, connecting the community with the process of artistic creation.

The Falls Church Arts Gallery and Current Exhibits

The shop serves as the home for the Falls Church Arts Gallery, which runs continuous, high-quality exhibitions. As of late 2025, the gallery is featuring the "Paper" exhibit, which is set to run through November. These curated shows ensure that the gallery space is constantly offering fresh, unique artwork for collectors and casual visitors. The presence of these exhibitions transforms the waiting area for custom framing consultations into a vibrant, inspiring gallery experience.

The Studios at 307: A Thriving Artist Community

One of the "secrets" to the shop's success is the integration of the Studios at 307. This network of artist studios, located within the same building, has created a dynamic ecosystem where art is both preserved and created. The studios provide essential space for painting, sculpture, and other creative endeavors, and often host open house exhibitions. This unique arrangement fosters a direct connection between the framer, the artist, and the customer, enhancing the authenticity of the entire experience. Artists like Cheyenne Davis and Cynthia Miller have been associated with this thriving hub.

Mastering the Art of Preservation: Custom Framing Services in Falls Church

While its cultural role is significant, the core service of Art and Frame of Falls Church remains its exceptional custom picture framing. The shop’s commitment to quality and professionalism has earned it a stellar reputation among residents and interior designers across the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.

Conservation Framing and Archival Quality

The most critical aspect of high-end framing is preservation. The shop specializes in conservation framing, using archival quality materials to protect artwork from environmental damage, acid degradation, and fading. This includes:

  • UV-Protective Glass: Essential for protecting photographs and fine art from harmful light exposure.
  • Acid-Free Matting: Preventing the mat board from causing irreversible damage or "burn" to the artwork over time.
  • Museum-Quality Mounting: Techniques designed to secure the art without damaging its integrity.

For collectors and those with valuable pieces, this meticulous attention to detail is non-negotiable and sets the standard for picture framing services in the region.

Diverse Framing Solutions and Materials

Art and Frame of Falls Church offers a comprehensive range of framing solutions tailored to various needs, from personal keepsakes to corporate framing projects. Their extensive selection of frame mouldings, including wood, metal, and specialty finishes, allows for perfect aesthetic integration with any piece of art or home decor.

  • Shadow Boxes: Perfect for framing three-dimensional objects, such as sports jerseys, military medals, or travel mementos.
  • Commercial and Corporate Framing: Handling large-scale projects for businesses and offices, often requiring a uniform, professional look.
  • Custom Mirrors: Creating custom-sized and framed mirrors for interior design projects.

The expertise extends beyond simple frames; they are experts in matting, glass selection, and overall design consultation, ensuring the final piece enhances the artwork's value and visual impact.

A Competitive Edge in Northern Virginia

While other reputable custom framing businesses exist in the area, such as Frameworks and Underground Art Framing, Art and Frame of Falls Church distinguishes itself by integrating a full-fledged art gallery and artist studios into its operation. Frameworks, for instance, has been a long-standing staple since 1972, focusing on custom framing and home decor. Underground Art Framing caters heavily to corporate and commercial clients. However, Art and Frame of Falls Church uniquely combines high-quality, family-owned service with a deep, current commitment to the active local arts community, making it a truly unique destination for art enthusiasts in Falls Church, VA, and beyond.

art and frame falls church
art and frame falls church

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