Fine Art Presentation: Matting, Framing, and Conservation Techniques - Winter 2027

FACULTY Danielle Quenell DATE / TIME March 6 - 7, 2027 | Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm TUITION $265 Payment & Refund Policy Scholarship Opportunities FORMAT In-person, enrollment is limited to 10 students LEVEL Foundation PREREQS None Join photographer and fine art framer Danielle Quenell for an expanded, two-day workshop in partnership with Gallery Frames on presenting photographic work to conservation and gallery standards. Over two sessions, students learn to evaluate their own prints, select the presentation approach and materials best suited to the piece, and assemble a complete framing package. March 6 | At PCNW Day One centers on looking and deciding: a lecture on conservation-grade materials and framing techniques, followed by one-on-one feedback on which presentation methods suit each student's individual piece. Students learn to size and cut their mats. March 7 | At Gallery Frames (Seattle, WA) Day Two covers hands-on assembly. Students hinge their artwork using conservation methods and assemble a simple frame package, leaving with a finished, exhibition-ready piece. Day 1 Outline — Conservation Materials & Mat Cutting Welcome and overview of the two-day arc Lecture: Conservation materials and techniques for framing fine art photography Acid-free mats, adhesives and hinging materials Acrylic spacers and glazing options How to safely handle a darkroom or digital print Presentation styles overview Floating French floating Overmatting (window mats) Archival storage best practices for unframed work Conservation vs. Budget tradeoffs: when and where it’s okay to cut corners Individual consultations: matching presentation method to each student's piece Hands-on mat cutting Calculating dimensions Shade selection Pulling for signatures and edition numbers Full mat-cutting tutorial and practice Wrap-up: each student leaves with a cut mat, ready for Day 2 Day 2 Outline — Hinging & Frame Assembly Recap and materials check Hinging artwork to the mat using conservation-safe methods Assembling a basic framing package Selecting and cutting glazing Applying spacers (as needed) Sealing and finishing the frame Appropriate hanging hardware Final review and troubleshooting individual pieces Group share of finished work What to Bring: An 8x10" sized print and frame of your choice (can be frame only, matting and glazing materials will be provided). Image by Lilly Everett, PCNW Gallery 26th Juried Exhibition Installation