For art collectors, the value is in the details — but some collectors miss this one. When collectors think about art value, they tend to start with the name on the canvas. Is it a Peter Max? An Itzchak Tarkay? A Romero Britto? But there’s an often-overlooked aspect of collecting that deserves a closer look.
Anyone who’s ever bought a piece of art knows the thrill of bringing it home and then realizing it may not be ready to hang.
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Often, being able to display your art on the wall requires more than one trip to the frame shop and hundreds of dollars just to get it on your wall.
Pricing out options like matting and molding can delay the joy of showcasing your new piece. If you want to avoid this problem, you may consider purchasing art from Park West Gallery, which offers professionally framed artwork shipped right to your door, whether you buy on a cruise ship or land based galleries.
Many art lovers don’t think to calculate what a custom frame costs or what’s included when they buy through a gallery like Park West. But those materials, finishes, and labor hours add up. And when comparing Park West’s full-service approach to common DIY options at major craft retailers, the price gap can surprise even seasoned buyers.
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Danielle Rosen
What goes into a frame and what it costs without Park West Gallery
Custom framing isn’t just about slapping a border on a picture. High-quality framing includes archival matting, protective backing, UV-resistant glass or acrylic, expert mounting, and in most cases, custom-built molding to fit the dimensions and aesthetic of the piece.
Collectors who opt for Michael’s — one of the most popular custom framing retailers in the U.S. — may find themselves wishing they had taken advantage of Park West Gallery’s inclusive framing options, especially for embellished or unique works.
Park West not only includes custom frames with many of its pieces but also offers framing services for lithographs upon request.
At Michael’s, a standard 24″ x 36″ piece with a custom wood frame, UV-protective glass, matting, and installation typically ranges from $350 to $600, depending on the materials selected. Larger or premium designs can quickly push the total past $1,000, which would be a significant expense on top of the cost of the artwork itself.
That cost doesn’t include shipping, insurance, or time.
Park West Gallery has a dedicated framing facility based in Miami, Florida. Artwork is framed, matted and shipped directly to your home. Framing comes included in the price of the artwork — not added on, unless you are purchasing frames for lithographs (not included in the price). Park West frames are often substantial, museum-style wood or gilded frames, tailored to the artist’s style and collector’s preferences.
For example, a hand-signed Tarkay serigraph in a gilded wood frame from Park West might sell for $800 to $1,500. If sourced through a custom shop, the frame alone could conservatively cost $400–$600 to reproduce. Essentially, buyers are getting hundreds of dollars of framing at no additional cost.
Why it matters: preservation and real cost savings with Park West Gallery
For collectors, the hidden value of a professional-quality frame is that it protects your artwork and enhances long-term value.
Preservation matters. Art that’s improperly framed is more susceptible to fading, warping, and physical damage. Acidic mats or low-grade glues can discolor prints over time. UV protection can make the difference between a vibrant piece and a faded one in 10 years.
It’s also a matter of convenience and peace of mind. Park West’s bundled approach removes guesswork and post-purchase logistics. You’re not stuck in a frame shop making decisions on mats and moldings. You’re receiving art ready to hang and at a cost that compares favorably to DIY solutions.
Collectors looking to build a portfolio, or just to collect and decorate with confidence may find that Park West’s frames aren’t just a nice touch, but they’re part of the value of the whole package.
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