Simply amazing customer service and great style. This shop is fun, whimsical and cozy. They do a great job, from small to large and they patiently work with you to find the best solution to your framing needs. Prices are pretty much on par with every other high end framing business in the area, so know that your getting a good deal when you do business here. Framing ain't cheap these days. The artwork and pre made frames for sale are nice features, including a live in parrot which adds another level of unique quirk to the shop. I can't recommend this business enough. Well done Alley Gallery!! read more

I've been going to Alley for years now . . .they always come through. If there are issues, and they very infrequent, they will resolve them. Alley folks also work to find a proce who can afford. Great shop to browse in . . .very old school! Check them out in Evanston! Larry read more

Alley Gallery - Alley Gallery folks busy making magic. . .Darren Oberto, Alicja Pulit and Avram Eisen ; Ross Martens had the day off. - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Came in to get wire added to the back of two large paintings and wasn't even charged. Man said it was his good deed for the day.

Alley Gallery is where you should go if you want something framed. They know what they're doing. They're artists and artful in their work. They're also craftsmen. I got personal, one-to-one service from Alicia who was just truly helpful in every way. I had a million frame & matte choices. I made a huge pivot in the middle, and Alicia took the pivot with me. And when I thought I was done, she helped me figure out what I needed to do, and what kind of choices I had to make for it to be within my budget. It's so beautiful. But I can't show a photo yet because it's a super secret. I post a photo next summer! Alley Gallery is just EXCELLENT. read more

My girlfriend and I came in to get mats cut for two photographs. It was a small job, but the owner took great care to work with us to choose the color and the placement of the window, and when he heard we'd come up from Hyde Park, he offered to cut the mats same day so we wouldn't have to drive all the way back to pick them up. The price was very reasonable, and he even threw in backing board and photo corners at no extra charge. We're glad to have found Alley Gallery and will definitely be back! read more

Love the team here and Jessica too! I needed a very sentimental gift from a client framed and Alley Gallery helped me pick out a perfect frame and mat. When the frame was delayed I stopped in and they gave me a few other options. Then the frame I originally ordered came in! It's absolutely stunning and it felt so "adult" to professionally frame such a special piece of art. read more

Loved working with this independent, local shop, whose prices were competitive with other stores nearby, both independent and chains. Alley Gallery advised me on simple frame options and made me feel good about buying the least expensive option. The result turned out perfectly, and I'm thankful to finally hang my 40x40 art print on my wall. read more

Alley Gallery - 40x40 art print with simple black frame - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Beautiful work, very thoughtful. It's expensive but it will be up on my walls forever, so I'm happy about the work and the craftsmanship.

Brought in a painting to be framed and was shown multiple options without ever feeling like I was being led to choose the more expensive ones. Instead, she focused on frames that would best highlight the painting without eclipsing its beauty. Two weeks later, I picked up the framed painting and indeed it was perfection. Highly recommend supporting this small business where artisans are still passionate about their craft. And Jessica the parrot is definitely a draw too ;) read more

I needed to pick up a framed poster for my client and they went above and beyond to wrap it, provide hooks and screws, and help me get it to my car. Everyone was friendly and professional. Plus, they have a cute parrot! read more

Excellent service + knowledgeable staff. You will choose the best possible frame here for your art work. I've been dropping off art work for the last 5 years. Choose the best; go here. read more

Alley Gallery - Photo by Serrano of LA. - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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I bought a canvass online and had it wrapped here. It came wrinkled from the seller and I was afraid Alley Gallery wouldn't be able to get those wrinkles out. They said they would try but couldn't guarantee it and would call me and let me know if they couldn't. When they they called me to tell me it was ready I asked about the wrinkles. They told me they were able to get most of the wrinkles out, "except for one you can only see if you look for it." I looked for it and I couldn't find it... They did an amazing job! They even added a wire in the back for hanging and included the nails/hooks for hanging! They helped me load it into my car and made sure nothing would potentially ruin it on the way home. I 100% recommend them. I didn't get a frame but the options they had were gorgeous. I'm tempted to go back and frame it but just moved into a new place and need to save money. I'm sure eventually I will. read more

Alley Gallery - Before: Originally how I received it from online vendor (with wrinkles) - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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We always take our art to Alley Gallery. We have had a variety of art to be framed...for example, two beautifully designed 3-D animals (husband and wife) and Alley Gallery came up with a great way to show case them. We rely on Alley Gallery to give us ideas for framing our art and they never let us down. Always timely and affordable. Plus the guys are super nice. Alley Gallery has interesting art shows inside their building. Highly recommend. read more

THE best place for full service framing. I refer all my customers to these guys and they've batted a thousand. Chris- Quartet Digital Printing read more

Alley Gallery did a phenomenal job in framing my poster. It looks amazing. The staff were knowledgable, professional and courteous. I will be taking other art to them for future framing. read more

Every time I need something framed I take it to the guys at Alley Gallery. The customer service is always very personal, professional, and patient. I don't always know how I want to have something framed, so I often lean on the recommendations of the staff there. Which is excellent and I've been very happy with their work every time. The prices are very reasonable and the quality of the materials and the expertise of the staff is excellent. I honestly wouldn't take my artwork anywhere else to get it framed. Hands down the best Framing Gallery around. read more

Wonderful staff, great picks, and solid advice which I really needed! Really appreciated that I could setup an appointment and that the staff was masked. read more

As part of Covid precautions, I needed to make an appointment and wear a mask. The staff all wore masks, social distanced and had hand sanitizer available. I was helped by Avram who is a master of framing! He has a great artistic eye and really knows how to make you art look fantastic! It is so much fun trying different styles of frames and matting - and he will try to work within your budget should you have one. His professionalism was very impressive and I appreciate that he did not rush me. I highly recommend The Alley and ask for Avram! read more

Multi-media artwork framed beautifully! Art Gallery did a fabulous job with this commissioned piece (http://danzeyland.com/). Thank you, thank you! read more

Alley Gallery - Multi-media artwork - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Shop tucked down an alleyway, talking parrot, $25 large posters, custom art, tons of cool gift items, and it still has the same wow factor after 10 years... what's not to LOVE?! I can't believe it took me so long to get back to this place after 10 years - shame on me! The best part about coming back is the fact my hubby had never been here, so it was like rediscovering it for the very first time. They do custom framing here (discount with Yelp check-in), and you can find extremely reasonable prints to select from... hundreds of them in all price points. Vintage prints, photography, classics, and I even saw a Willy Wonka movie poster (save it for me please). If you're looking for a unique gift item, you'll find something for everyone here. Cool giant wall maps, custom artwork, prints on canvas, fun magnets, cards, and more. Aside from the extremely cool architecture of the shop, there is an overwhelming (in a good way) amount of things, things and things to set your sights on. I will be back for sure, and I REALLY hope you get the chance to stop in here too. Remember: I called dibs on the Willy Wonka! read more

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This is a great shop! They really work with you to come up with a frame that looks great and fits your budget. They have arts backgrounds (both applied and historical) that give them real insight into what approaches to try out. There is also a great selection of posters, prints and old magazine ephemera to check out while you're there. And best of all, a very friendly parrot. read more

Beautiful job custom framing my prints! I am so happy with the job and service! They made my daughter's art look even better.

Creative, patient, and willing to explore framing styles. Loved my experience, will go back again. Also, a beautiful setting!

Alley Gallery is my "go-to" place for all framing and art handling services. Not only are they practicing artists themselves, but they are expert advisors and handlers of delicate, antique, large scale and one of a kind art pieces. They are considerate and kind, funny and fair. These are the local businesses we need to keep alive in Evanston. read more

I am an emerging new gallerist in town and needed a framer. Alley Gallery was referred to me by another artist and they have never disappointed. They are kind, respectable, and supportive of my vision, and I will likely not go to any other framer in town. I am sending them the greatest of luck and best wishes, as they navigate this Clovid-19 pandemic. Art is for life. Period. read more

I have gone to the Alley Gallery several times over the years and the guys never disappoint. They are always very helpful in making the right choices for whatever artwork you may have. Also the turnaround time is terrific! They are very professional and courteous. I am a fan for life.. thank you for all you do! read more

Alley Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Custom Orders Built Sort Of The Way You Want It For Exactly the Way You Want It Prices! Alley Gallery standards in quality and customer service have really slipped. A few years back I ordered a custom mirror for my new bathroom from Alley Gallery. It was expensive but it was perfect: exactly as I had ordered it, and exactly the right dimensions I had specified. I had a tight space to fit it in so that was particularly important and I appreciated their precision. A couple years later I decided I wanted a matching full length mirror, and went back to Alley Gallery since they had done such a good job with the first one. The result however was entirely different this time. I had specified it to be exactly the same construction as the previous one, except it was to hang vertically, and be 32" x 66" outer dimensions. I was assured that was no problem, the frame I wanted was still available. When I came to pick it up, I found that they had installed D-rings for mounting instead of a cleat like the previous mirror. When I brought this up, they were accommodating and took the time to correct the mounting hardware while I waited. I paid the balance and left. But then when I went to install the mirror the next day I found it was too small. I had specified 32" x 66", and it measured 31" x 65". I called them and explained the problem. I told them I was willing to keep the mirror, but I would like a price reduction on the materials cost, since I was essentially shorted roughly 4" of frame and 97 square inches of glass. I was told very politely they would look into it. When I was called back a few hours later I was told "the computer" had made a mistake in materials calculation, thinking the frame was a 1/2 inch wider than it actually was. (They left out the part that a human has to tell the computer how wide the frame is.) I stated I was unconcerned how or why, I just wanted a little credit for the materials I was billed for but did not receive. With this mirror costing $850, I expected more precision. I was then told that the way the frame and glass companies bill them that if I had ordered a 31" x 65" mirror it would have been the same price, so they could not offer me a rebate on the materials. The glaring error in this logic is that I did NOT order it this way, and I was being courteous in offering to keep it if I could just get $50 back because they made it too small. Whether or not something less than what I ordered costs the same is irrelevant. I ordered and paid for the mirror to be a specified size. If the glass company charges by the whole square foot, that means that the extra glass purchased was thrown away rather than put in my mirror. I was still not given glass that I paid for. The whole point of commissioning custom work is to get things exactly the way one wants it. It seems ludicrous to me that someone would say something other than what I ordered costs me the same amount as what I actually wanted. Furthermore, it is obvious that no one at Alley Gallery was paying close attention to the project. Even though the glass showed up incorrectly, someone should have noticed that the 65" x 31" frame they were cutting did not match the 66" x 32" frame on the work order. Anyhow, I was stunned that after discovering that they did indeed make a mistake, they called me back to offer me NOTHING whatsoever, not even an apology. As I expressed my irritation that I shouldn't have to pay full price for their error (even though they blame the innocent computer), I was told "maybe we can give you store credit..." But I certainly had no desire for another custom job done wrong. So now every morning I have to stare at the missing 97 square inches of glass I paid for but never received. (Or not stare at, as it were...) Those darn computers! Whatever Alley Gallery's quality standards were in years past, they are no longer in effect. I certainly would not recommend it, but if you choose to do business here, my advice to you whether you are a returning customer or a brand new one is this: Do not pay in full in advance. Double check every particular. Ask to see the exact details they write on their work order. On delivery, double check everything again. Do not trust that they will do it right. Only when you are satisfied should you pay. As can be seen from my story, once they have your money, they won't do anything for you. If it is not right, tell them to do it over or demand your money back. Bring your tape measure! read more

I love Alley Gallery! These guys are the best, and their work never disappoints. It's great to see their beautiful parrot when I come in to visit. read more

I have trusted the team at Alley Gallery to frame several pieces over the years and would not go anywhere else. The staff, all artists themselves, genuinely enjoy creating the perfect match for each piece. Their professionalism, knowledge, creativity, talent, attention to detail, and variety of options are unmatched. The store also offers a huge assortment of prints, postcards, and trinkets for sale or perusal. In addition, they are very community oriented and regularly host shows to highlight local artists and other special events such as concerts. This is definitely a local gem and worth a visit. read more

Alley Gallery did an outstanding job at framing a very large, difficult piece of artwork, and did so for an extremely reasonable price. In addition to the framing services, which are outstanding, the shop has a lot of very cool, unusual posters, as well as some nice cards and gift items. The staff is super-friendly and helpful. Highly recommended! read more

The guys at Alley Gallery are very professional. They know what they are doing, and I trust their opinion. Plus, they are also good artists. They have a gallery space, the Saw Room, that Darren and Ross curate. They display a diverse selection of art from local artists. Not to mention, their bird, Jessica the parrot, is quite interactive. The Alley Gallery is a hidden gem. read more

The Alley Gallery is amazing; they can literally frame anything and make it look great. Terrific local business with an awesome (and knowledgeable) staff. Highly recommended. Plus, they have cool parrots! read more

What a find! Was so happy to support a local business for framing a very delicate piece of art. What impeccable, friendly service! Great selection of frames, matting and covers. Check them out. Also, the place is local artist owned and driven! read more

I had 5 pieces custom framed at Alley Gallery a while back. The professionalism, care and expertise of Darren and Ross did not go unnoticed as they took their time to help me find the most fitting frame for each of my artwork. How they were able to find such apt frames among the thousands of frames they carry, in a blink of an eye, is remarkably impressive. Even when I felt we found a great match they insisted we look at some more options to guarantee i was 100% satisfied. I just can't recommend these guys more. Just stop in and take a look. You won't be disappointed. read more

Service, service, service! Although it's temping to go to corporate Michael's and get their sales and whatnot, this is the place to frame your work. I will repeat what everyone has said below - the employees/owners are extremely personable, friendly, knowledgable, patient, and they do great framing work. That alone makes for a great experience, and is worth whatever it may be to frame your work. If you like to support local businesses, this is the way to do so. They have a funny parrot that hangs out there, too. read more

Alley Gallery did a beautiful job of repairing a broken frame and also at a reasonable price. I also appreciate the extra effort of picking it up and delivering. Thanks!!! read more

We just had 3 Jay Ryan posters & 1 of his original paintings framed at the Alley Gallery, and were super happy with the entire experience. The staff was really helpful and knowledgeable - and was accommodating to my finickiness about how things have to look. They had a ton of frames tucked away in drawers and in back, and made recommendation after recommendation, actually listening to us when we had ideas of our own. After spending upwards of 2 hours with us, we picked out all the frames, and a week or so later, we had some of the most beautiful framed artwork I've ever seen. Oh, and they have a parrot in the store. Awesome. read more

Super cute place with a wide selection of vintage art and custom framing options. Great great great for a unique college dorm room or apartment decor. Plus they have an awesome bird! The guys who work here are super nice and will do any sort of custom job you want. There isn't a huge selection of basic frames or materials, so it's best for poster shopping and custom framing jobs. read more

We had a great experience with Ross and the team at Alley Gallery. I easily set up a zoom meeting to review the project and ideas. Ross was able to share options and ideas easily and show how they impacted the cost. We had a large pieces with some complexity and they easily handled and did a great job. Framing isn't an inexpensive venture, but we found their prices less or equal to the big stores WITH their big discount coupons. And the framing came out beautifully. read more

I had a great experience with Alley Gallery and their staff. They worked with our tight deadline, waived our rush fee, and even finished framing our certificates a whole day before we expected them to. Their staff (and parrot, Jessica) are super friendly and made the whole process easy peazy. But don't just come to them for framing and art. They have really funny and unique greeting cards for every occasion, old-timey postcards, and unique pictures of Chicago from the early 1900s. And did I mention their parrot, Jessica? She'll let you feed her sunflower seeds. Check out the Alley Gallery, you don't know what you'll discover! read more