So here's the deal. You probably don't always need custom framing. You may not need it for years…read moreand years. But one day, there'll be one special something. It could be a piece of art, a limited edition comic book, a quilt or a special piece of clothing from a passed loved one, a bunch of pressed flowers...whatever. Whatever that something is, you're going to want it framed a little better than what you can buy off the shelf at Target or Michael's. Maybe a lot better. Whatever. There's only one place to take it. Period. Grapheteria is a small shop with a small team. And they are hands-down the best framers you're going to find. Not in Portland. Not in Southern Maine. Not in New England. The best framers, period. Now, full disclosure, the folks at Grapheteria used to be a client of mine (lots of years ago). And they're definitely friends. And for all that, I write with full confidence that their work is worth every single penny, half penny, sickle, copper, coin, and/or cent you invest in a job with them. Because that's what it is - an investment. Every piece of custom-framed art we have in our home has been handled by the folks at Grapheteria and our home is better for it. Their process is conversational and intuitive while bearing in mind cost sensitivities and design preferences. They will guide young artists to lower cost options to make their work POP for a first show and still stay affordable and can help serious collectors with archival and museum-quality glass to preserve high-end artwork. I cannot recommend Lisa and Jim and their team highly enough. And the fact that Nat Geo photographers, nationally renowned painters and emerging artists all trust work to them should say volumes.

I am from out of town and needed an embroidery piece framed. I saw the other Yelp reviews and…read moredecided to give Grapheteria a try. Well, they could not have been more helpful, instructive and courteous! They said my piece would be ready in 2 weeks, and they were exactly right. When I saw it, I realized that they are very thorough and experts at what they do as the piece came out beautifully. My thanks to everyone for their help in getting my piece framed. It now hangs proudly in my dining room!

Being new to having my artwork printed,I was slightly nervous about everything. Regan alleviated…read moremy fears with her calming way of explaining everything that I wanted to know! Her knowledge, expertise , and handling of my artwork was beyond my expectations! I have and will continue to highly recommend her for any printing needs!

I love working with this company! They suggested options as…read moremy images were not standard sizes, and were quick to check in with me/respond. Would recommend to anyone in the area.

Don't be deceived by the outside: Artisans and Craftsman is essentially an ENORMOUS warehouse of…read moreevery art supply you could ever think of. My partner *loves* coming here because he usually finds exactly what he's looking for (... and a whole bunch of stuff he wasn't looking for, but it inspires him soOooOooo he has to get all of that too). For him, it's five stars. For me, the couple of times I've been to pick up/look for something... the employees have been so, so incredibly rude. Clearly, I don't give off an artsy vibe, and they know it. One particular time that haunts me: I asked about something specific and I used an alternative term for it (but still a correct term; I had to do a quick internet search after I left to see if I really had misspoken - I hadn't) and all four employees behind the counter just stared blankly at me. I repeated my question, explaining what I needed with context so they could visualize what I was talking about, and was met with "never heard of it", "that doesn't exist", "we don't carry anything like that". I eventually found what I was looking for on my own, and when I cashed out I was met with snickers and eyerolls. "Ohhhhhhh, you meant [other term]." I felt so ridiculed and awkward and unwelcome. For me, it's a one star.

They have a good selection of supplies. Love looking through the discontinued post cards. Bad…read morecustomer service, however. Waited a full minute before the female cashier with short auburn hair rang me up. Very stiff and refused to make eye contact, seemed bored and distracted, ringing me up for a smoke break. Next time I will purchase from Blick.

This was the perfect spot to browse for a bit before the restaurant my wife and I wanted to visit…read morewasn't open yet. We could easily return and spend more time here too! If you visit definitely make sure to check out the lower level too. We saw fantastic art as well as lots and lots of maps and globes. With a large emphasis on local maps too which is awesome but it did feel like you could find a map of basically anywhere so great selection! Staff greeted people with a smile yet besides that we did not interact with anyone as we didn't buy anything. I truly am not well versed enough in any of this stuff to know its value and if the prices are good or bad here. I will say though it's definitely worth at least browsing!

Like a fun museum and art gallery where you get to buy stuff! :))…read more Had a nice long visit here and bought a beautiful New York map.

I had the opportunity to visit the Moss Galleries because my neighbor across the street is an…read moreartist and had an opening there. So close to home! It's a really nice, large space. There's a huge carpet in the middle of the room (at least with the current setup) but I can see how artificial walls could easily be brought in to make even more wall space. Having said that, it would also be a great space for sculptures. The woman working at the desk seemed very friendly, though I did not take the opportunity to chat with her much. I do feel like it's a bit of shame it's in the middle of a strip mall next to Shaw's, but we can't all land primo real estate I guess. Having said that, it's a perfect opportunity to drop by once every couple weeks before/after your grocery shopping. I believe I will do this in the future!

If you want to see (mostly) Maine artists' work, well-hung and well-lit, Elizabeth Moss Galleries…read moreare the places to go. They are welcoming, not intimidating, and the Falmouth gallery has plenty of parking. The line up is always different at the Portland gallery than the Falmouth gallery. Both offer insights into Maine's artist community at the highest levels. Elizabeth is the right person to advise you on choosing art that works for you in your space-- office or home. Their framing services are top notch, but it's the art I go for. I make a point of visiting the galleries regularly. The shows change about once a month and even when I don't want to take any piece home, I do find the work intriguing.