Johnson Gallery & Framing Studio

Specialties

Offering custom picture framing & picture hanging services since 1985. We specialize in framing all types of art:

Paintings on canvas or stretching raw canvas

Artworks on paper

Needlework and fabric

Photographs

Documents and Diplomas

Artifacts, Objects & Heirlooms

Our expertise includes:

Museum, Conservation and Archival framing

French mats

Silk and Linen mats and liners

Oval mats

Shadow box frames

Silver, copper and gold leaf detailing

Thousands of frame choices

Since 1985 Gail Johnson has offered an inspiring and informative experience with results that will exceed your expectations. We strive for understated elegance, classic proportions, dynamic textures and colors that are perfectly chosen to enhance the essence of your art, document, photograph or artifact. Our extensive selection includes burls, exotic hardwoods and gold leaf, and a variety of decorative shapes and finishes. We never allow the framing to overwhelm the art, and we save the «wow» for well-​executed details. Our motto has always been «Excellence for Everyone», respectfully working within your budget and personal style. For almost 30 years we have relied on customer loyalty and referrals for our success.

History

Established in 1985.

It probably seems a little odd that a person would choose «picture framing» as a career, out of all the possible options. But it probably traces back to my parents’ appreciation for art, my youthful association with SLO icon Myron Graham, a moderate talent in design and a compulsion for independence and creativity. I purchased my framing equipment in 1974, and experimented on family and friends’ pictures until my opportunity knocked.

I opened my first shop on Chorro Street in 1985. This is where I learned my craft, became one of the first people in the country to earn a Certified Picture Framing (CPF) designation and worked to create an art haven in a mostly-​agricultural town.

1994 was the year I purchased and restored the «Kaetzel House» on Marsh Street with a friend and ran a successful art gallery, gift shop and framing studio for over ten years. Now I’m in my third location, focusing on my first love: picture framing.

Meet the Business Owner

Gail J.

Business Owner

I grew up in Shell Beach and spent my grade-​school years at Old Mission School in San Luis Obispo. After studying Architecture at Cal Poly, I detoured to the life of «mom and homemaker» for a few years, followed my father into the insurance business, and after deciding that an «office job» wasn’t my passion, I opened my first picture framing shop on Chorro Street in 1985. This is where I learned my craft and worked to put ART on the map in San Luis Obispo.

In 1994 I established the popular art walk, Art After Dark. In 1995 I moved the business to the «Kaetzel House», an historic property across from the Jack House on Marsh Street, and operated a successful art gallery and custom picture framing business there for over 10 years.

In 2005 I relocated to the current location. I continue to focus on my first love: picture framing. But now I also make time for sailing, gardening, family (5 grandchildren) and friends.

Johnson Gallery & Framing Studio also recommends

South Coast Fine Arts Conservation Center

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review

Arts & Entertainment

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Photography Stores & Services

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Contractors

Gail J. says,

«Skilled restoration of paintings and painted objects.»

The Photo Shop

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reviews

Photography Stores & Services

Gail J. says,

«Marvelous job of restoring old photographs. Retail camera equipment. Professional face-​to-​face advice.»

Forrest L Doud Photographer

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reviews

Photography Stores & Services

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Session Photography

Gail J. says,

«Experienced commercial photographer for your fine art and 3-​D works.»

Steynberg Gallery

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Art Galleries

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Coffee & Tea

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Music Venues

Gail J. says,

«One of the last Indie Art Galleries! Peter shows „real“ art & opens his gallery for community events & musical performances.»

Giclée Print and Photo

Printing Services

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Session Photography

Gail J. says,

«Affordable digital reproductions of your photographs or fine art. Large format giclee.»