Alley Gallery

Framing, Artwork/Murals

About us

Brilliant custom picture framing since 1985. Our skilled artists can handle the difficult art framing jobs that other chain stores cannot. We frame the UN-frame-ABLE! Independently owned and operated by a small, friendly staff, we go above & beyond to make your custom framing experience phenomenal & fun. If you've been to Downtown Evanston, chances are you've walked by without even knowing it. Tucked down an alley between Sherman and Benson Avenues, we like to think of our shop as "discreetly located". There's parking right at our door and our parrot, Jessica, will surely keep you company. Call us or stop in today. We look forward to helping you soon.

Business highlights

40 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Custom Picture Framing, Art Conservation, Fine Art Prints & Posters, Greeting Cards

Services we don't offer

Home construction and interior home carpentry framing.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Photos of past projects

Reviews

5.017 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.6
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Showing 1-17 of 17 reviews

MARA D.
05/2018
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
Although a little hard to find the shop, I'm glad I did. They had excellent suggestions on how to showcase my art, and it was easy to see how different choices in frames, glass etc affected the final price. The prices were reasonable, the work was done by the promised time, and the framing turned out great!
Description of Work: Framing two Dr. Seuss drawings

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

James G.
03/2017
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
They gave me exactly what I sought in framing and were helpful and friendly. They exhibited all the professional expertise I was looking for. They delivered on time. I also like their location.
Description of Work: I had a valuable small print framed and wanted professional preservation-quality work.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Bianca G.
01/2017
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
Have not picked up picture yet.
Description of Work: I had a very large oversized charcoal drawing. It was very difficult to work with and it was very delicate. The guys there took great care of not only the art but me too. Wonderful group of guys!!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000

BONNIE L.
11/2016
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
I had a small original painting from an artist in California. I got excellent advice and assistance at the Alley Gallery. They recommended floating the painting on the mat so the we would not lose any of the artist's signature. The piece looks fabulous. And the price was reasonable. And I was able to use an Angie's list coupon!
Description of Work: I had a small (8 X 10) original painting framed.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Alyson J.
06/2016
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
I have been going to Alley Gallery for a decade. After my first visit I was a committed customer for life. When I moved from Evanston to Chicago I continued to come here anytime I needed something framed. And now that I have moved again to Highland Park I still come here and only here. Darren and the whole team will treat whatever you bring in as an important work of art. They have made me realize what an art form framing is by walking me through why they are suggesting specific mattes and frames. They find things in the pieces that you bring in that you haven’t noticed before and use their skills to highlight those aspects though the framing. They say that they frame the “un-frame-able and they do! We have brought all sorts of items to have framed and each one has turned out great! They stand by all of their framing, so that if something ever comes loose (which happened on a recent move) they will repair it free of charge. My husband and I look forward to coming in here not only because we know we will end up with an amazing framed piece for our walls but because the people who work here are so much fun and care so much about their work!
Description of Work: Framing

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$140

MARIAN H.
03/2016
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Matting and framing of an old picture that I love, and never had framed before. Will be ready for pickup very soon. | |I highly recommend these folks for all your framing needs. Professional, very pleasant and a lovely shop as well.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Michael G.
10/2015
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
unknown

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Julia P.
06/2014
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
The work was excellent and significantly cheaper than the estimate I was given at another frame shop in the area.
Description of Work: Alley Frames reframed some pictures and prints, saving wood for a similar picture I expect to frame next year. They dismantled an old two-sided glass frame, saving the 100-year old newspaper, and reframed it in a two-sided acrylic frame.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Robert S.
02/2014
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$390

Cynthia B.
01/2014
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
We chose the company based upon its reviews on Angie's List and Yelp, and it was great. The store was delightful and inviting, the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful, and they did a good job of explaining our options to us. They also have a parrot in the store that can talk as well as an extensive selection of gifts and cards for all occasions.
Description of Work: They framed a photographic reproduction.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro

Robert D.
08/2013
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
Perfect
Description of Work: Framed an antique oriental rug

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$700

craig P.
07/2013
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
It went well. They had great customer service. I didn’t do any comparison shopping.
Description of Work: I used Alley Gallery for photo frames.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Taleatha L.
07/2013
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
They were wonderful. They went above and beyond. They fixed one picture frame and didn’t even charge me for it so they were great. They only charged me for the glass and it was under $100. With the picture frame that was cracked, it was double framed so they just took the first frame off and gave it back to me. They have an excellent supply of frames, I mean the whole place is great and then they have a bird there. It took them less than a week to fix those.
Description of Work: I went to Alley Gallery because one of my picture frames cracked and in another one, the glass broke, and they fixed both.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$90

Trey M.
03/2013
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
It was a great experience working with the team at Alley Gallery
Description of Work: Alley Gallery framed some antique bar doors that had family history. They helped find a great looking frame that didn't break the bank. This was a bit of a challenge because the bar doors were thick and heavy. The final product was a great looking custom custom frame job.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$750

Elisa B.
04/2012
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
Staff was friendly and helpful in selecting frames. Beautiful selection. They did an excellent job of explaining all options and did beautiful work. Love the resident bird, too.
Description of Work: A little expensive, but worth it. Excellent selection and friendly, professional advice. Beautiful job.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Kiran J.
05/2011
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
My husband and I have been going to the Alley Gallery for over six years and have probably had them frame more than 18 pieces of art and photography. We have always come home with beautifully framed pieces. Our last trip was no exception as we had two large pieces of art, each approximately 3 ft x 4 ft, framed and covered with UV glass. Most if not all of the framers have art backgrounds which is really helpful when you need guidance in selecting matting colors and frames. The folks over at AG are very friendly, easy to work with, spend as much time as you need when selecting materials and willing to offer alternative options when the materials you select come in over your budget. They can also frame almost anything as we have brought in artwork made of non-traditional materials in the past. Most importantly we appreciate their attention to detail as my hubby and I are really picky. AG is really easy to miss location-wise as the shop is located literally in the alley between Benson and Sherman Ave. in downtown Evanston.
Description of Work: Framed one large oil painting, one large lithograph and a small print.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000

Travis W.
10/2010
5.0
picture framing
  + -1 more
They were great! Very professional, friendly, and easy going. They gave great advice and we look forward to using them again in the future.
Description of Work: Framed about 20 pieces. Consulted in depth on design and then did the framing itself.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,000

    Contact information

    1712 Sherman Ave #2, Evanston, IL 60201

    http://www.thealleygallery.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Monday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Licensing

    Insured

    No License Required for Trade
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Framing,
    Artwork/Murals

    FAQ

    Alley Gallery is currently rated 5 overall out of 5.

    Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

    Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Alley Gallery accepts the following forms of payment: Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
    Yes, Alley Gallery offers free project estimates.
    No, Alley Gallery does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Alley Gallery does not offer a senior discount.
    No, Alley Gallery does not offer emergency services.
    Yes, Alley Gallery offers warranties.
    Alley Gallery offers the following services: Custom Picture Framing, Art Conservation, Fine Art Prints & Posters, Greeting Cards
    Home construction and interior home carpentry framing.

    Contact information

    1712 Sherman Ave #2, Evanston, IL 60201

    http://www.thealleygallery.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Monday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    Friday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    10:00 AM - 6:00 PM