Wow, what an incredibly, unbelievably awful experience. The only reason there's a star attached to this is because you can't leave a zero-star review. Though I sincerely believe that's what Plaza Art & Frame deserves. If you were running a business - let's say, I don't know, a picture framing shop - and someone came in to pick up a job and pointed out that the glass wasn't what they ordered, would you: A) Say, "Oh, sorry, we'll fix it." or B) Blame and attack the customer, become disagreeable, unpleasant, and combative, and say, "I have a mind to not even work on them now! I might just give them back to you! Do you know how much work it is to tear these apart, cut new glass, THROW AWAY THE OLD GLASS, and put them back together?!" If you said 'A,' you'd fix it, you know more infinitely more about customer service than Lance and Nancy at Plaza Art & Frame in Yucca Valley do. They chose 'B.' I'll spare you the painful details, but the gist is Lance gave us a quote to frame eight small watercolors. They framed them with the wrong glass, and Nancy immediately tried to blame us, over and over, for their mistake. Then Lance came out from the back room and said the bit about not wanting to do the work to fix their mistake. I couldn't believe how off the rails the whole thing went. I said (three times), "I don't understand the problem; we're going to pay the difference." But both of them were just awful. A couple of years ago I brought in a pair of photos to frame, and they did a lovely job, and Lance was friendly and nice. I didn't deal with Nancy during that time. So it was really something else to be ganged up on by the two of them. I was dumbfounded at being treated that way by a business we were paying a substantial amount of money to. When I say "disagreeable, unpleasant, and combative," I'm not just talking about that day. It was every time we had to go into their shop for this job. I dreaded going in there (for the last time ever) to pick it up because I knew they'd be awful, and they were. I would say I don't understand how they stay in business, but I do know. It's because they're the only framers within 50 miles of Joshua Tree. If another framer opened up shop in town, Plaza Framing would go out of business in a month. Or maybe they'd eke out a living framing American flags and pictures of The Orange Man for the people they actually like and respect while all the queer weirdos (like us) go somewhere that knows how to treat people with decency and respect. (Yes, that insinuates what you think it does.) Larry David did an entire season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" around opening a "spite store." Maybe I'll do that. Open a framing shop here in Joshua Tree just to spite the disagreeable, unpleasant, combative folks at Plaza Art & Frame. Ha, just kidding, of course. Maybe. read more

I'm a local artist in Joshua Tree who exhibits nationally. After five years of living here permanently, I decided to try Plaza Art & Frame for five of my 23 x 30-inch watercolors--a size I regularly work on. I was hoping to match some older frame jobs I had that float without a mat in a nice maple frame. I've been framing them this way for at least fifteen years. I even brought one of them with me in my car in case I couldn't explain myself clearly. I came in and met Nancy, who was friendly and willing to help me. Other than her calling me "Hon" a bunch of times (which may offend certain people like me), things started smoothly. But when I began to tell her what I wanted, she said the paper I used was much too heavy to frame floated because it would fall down quickly. I told her that I knew there was some way to do it and brought along one that was already framed, and she was welcome to take the backing off to examine it. It had been in its frame for twelve years. The paper has never fallen. She was not interested in looking at it. She said she'd been in the frame business for thirty years and floating paper that heavy doesn't work, and they would look better matted anyway. I tried to explain they needed to match the others, but she was not willing to frame them. About a year later, I needed more than a half-dozen pieces framed, all different sizes, and this time, with mats! I wanted a simple maple frame again, and since they're watercolors, I wanted the usual UV glass. On this visit, I met Lance. I truly liked him, as he seemed to know his stuff and gave me an extremely thorough estimate, using the largest of all of the pieces so as not to underestimate. He got me to get non-glare, too, showing me the differences in some samples. He wrote it down on one of their invoices, and I said I'd come back on another day. When I returned, Lance was in the back having lunch and Nancy was there, and wouldn't you know it, I forgot that invoice with the estimate written on it! Dang it...I told Nancy, I'd have to deal with Lance, not her, because I forgot the paper. She kept trying to help me anyway, but I kept insisting that he knew the job already. "But he's at lunch right now!" She kept saying, "I can help you." Lance must have heard us snipping and came out. Then, they both helped me. Both Lance and I told Nancy what I wanted, and she wrote it down. Both Lance and I remembered the exact price, even with the tax and change. When I came to pick up the job, the glass on all the frames was not UV or non-glare. I mentioned it, but Nancy said, "You said 'clear!'" But I never said that. I said, "Even Lance knows I wanted non-glare..." and so started an unbelievable eruption. She blamed me for not bringing in the paper and yelled at me about some fantasy how she ASKED me and I answered that I wanted clear glass. (Never happened!) I said I'd pay for their mistake (because I really hated this conflict we were having, and I still wanted to have a local framer for my art). But I wouldn't frame a stinkin' cockroach there. She was so mad because the price skyrocketed to change the glass out, even though I was the one paying for it. Luckily, I came back in before I drove away just to make sure she knew it was UV glass, and her head nearly exploded. "NOW you want UV, too!!!!??? Oh my god!" I told her, I always wanted UV; it's watercolor!" That's when Lance came out, more angry than she was, and threatened not to do the job at all! I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong by paying the difference and paying them to do a job. I didn't argue about who was right or wrong. By then, it was extremely pricey because of the labor to pull apart the back, cut new glass, etc. (even though you pay for the labor when you order ANY glass from any framer). I didn't care. I just paid it, and got blamed. And they lost a good and loyal customer for life. At least I don't have to hear (over and over) how they both have been working in the frame business for "forty years." I thought it was thirty, but I guess it went up a decade because they were so irate. Now that it's forty, they match how long I've been getting my art framed. I should have mentioned that. Ha! To be fair, I've seen their work, and it's precise and professional. I also think their prices are fair to good under normal circumstances. But they will only be nice to you when the mood strikes them. I've experienced them when easygoing, and I've experienced the opposite. So, be forewarned. read more

Oh my goodness! What a gem in the desert! Lance and his wife are such professionals and framed my Araki print so beautifully I can cry tears of joy! I will only bring my prints here to get framed and recommend that everyone visit them. They have been in business since 1991, so that says so much read more

Plaza Art & Frame - Framed beautifully! - Art Galleries Near Me - Yucca Valley, California

This was my first time at this framing store in Yucca Valley. I had several fine art prints sent to me of my horses from Germany and I needed them framed. What awesome service from Nancy! She guided me to choose the perfect frames for my prints, along with UV protective glass to preserve them. I could not be more pleased with the product or service. Thank you for being there for this community read more

Plaza Art & Frame - My baby horse Lily. - Art Galleries Near Me - Yucca Valley, California

Echoing all the previous reviews, these two are the real deal! I love supporting local small businesses and Lance and Nancy are friendly, down-to-earth and know their stuff. They added glass to my framed mid-century pastel painting with a non-glare UV, which is done so well you can't even really tell there's glass at all. This piece is now an heirloom that I don't have to worry about... I would love to buy some more art to see how they'd recommend framing it. Five stars and thanks for waiting those extra minutes after closing! read more

My art that I had purchased needed plexiglass inserted. I was so worried about how it was going to happen. I had previously dealt with Plaza Art and Frame in the past but not with anything that I had previously purchased. Lance did an EXCELLENT job and in very little time. Plaza Art and Frame will ALWAYS be my go to place for any of my framing or art needs. He also carries many beautiful art pieces in the store. Thank you Lance for your awesome work! read more

Excellent work! We had a great experience at the Plaza Art & Frame store. Great customer service and framing came out looking fantastic. We will be back for more framing for sure! read more

Lance and Nancy are wonderful talented framers. We have getting our artwork and photography framed by them for two decades! They always know what works best. They are artists as well art framers. Thank you Lance and Nancy for all you individual care after all these years. read more

Twice now, I've visited Lance & Nancy at Plaza Art &Frame. Twice, I have brought in second hand frames and artwork requiring some creative matting to fit properly. Their patient guiding knowledge as I described my vision led us, both times, to beautiful outcomes. They're a local, small business you can feel good supporting. They're friendly and super efficient (my last order took them less than 24 hours to fulfill - not that I imagine they can always accommodate that kind of turn around). I recommend Plaza Art & Frame to anyone on the Mesa and beyond. read more

This long-time local business consistently offers great service and quality work. I have had several pieces matted and framed here, and I've always been pleased. This past week, I needed a few things done on short notice, and they delivered ahead of expectations! Highly recommended! read more

People come to my home and are blown away by my art. I am getting on in years and when I ask friends what they want me to leave to them of my possessions, they say they want my framed art! In my life I have had two framers work for me. One is my sister who is high-end professional who frames Picassos and Monets and Rembrandts. When I lived near her she did all of my framing. Now that I live so far away, it is not practical to have art in glass shipped cross country. I stopped having new work framed until I met Nancy and Lance. In twelve years, I have spent hours and hours in this shop and Nancy and Lance rock. They are patient and respect my knowledge to the point that they they kindly let me take over a corner of the shop for an hour or two - they set me up and then leave me to my creative processes until I make a decision. They are there to give advice and technical information as I need it. But the best part is that whatever I concoct is rendered perfectly - finely fitted and assembled with high quality materials, professional equipment, and skillful technique. It doesn't matter if I need them to float, hinge, mat, or vacuum mount a piece - they do it all - perfectly! Their prices are very reasonable and they are pleasant to work with. I highly recommend a visit if you need special care in framing. Also, they have lots of pre-framed art that is cheery, attractive, optimistic, and locally themed without being saccharin or maudlin that you can walk out the door with and cheer your day! read more

Walked in yesterday to drop off 2 posters I'm having framed as an anniversary gift and a gag birthday gift. Nancy was an absolute pleasure to work with!! The shop has a ton of framing and sizing options which they can also custom size. Haven't even received my final products yet and already know this will be my go to frame shop while we're here. Absolutely worth it! read more

5 Stars! They did such an amazing job. They have a lot of options to customize your frame. The shop is clean and organized. Nancy was very nice, helpful and patient. The price seemed a little expensive to me, but when I saw the final product I thought that it was well worth it. I am so pleased that there is a local custom frame shop here in the hi desert that is trustworthy. Thank you so much Plaza Art & Frame!!! You guys did an awesome job. read more

I've been using professional framers to frame my fine art and photos since 1976. Plaza Frames is the only shop that I've ever recommended to others. Their work is outstanding and artistic, their prices are the best in the business, and the owners are interested in your happiness with the completed project. Gets no better than this. read more

Gold star. I couldn't be happier with the framing of the fine art print I took to Plaza Art + Frame. I had a Limited edition print from the street artist Mr. Brainwash. I wasn't sure where to take it to have a contemporary/modern framing job done in Yucca Valley that would suit the style of the artwork. They were very friendly and easy to work with and my framed print looks outstanding. Couldn't be happier. Bravo! read more

The experience here is warm and inviting. The staff are very knowledgeable about their craft. They have a huge selection of frames mats and glass as well as plenty of art to choose from. No where else has the quality and expertise to serve your art framing needs like they do. Thanks Nancy and Lance for helping me preserve my family treasures with your helpful kindness read more

Nothing enhances the beauty of a desert photograph as much as the appropriate frame. I collect the photographic art of Charles Teel, and I wouldn't trust any any other shop to frame it. The results are awesome. They are not inexpensive, because you are buy artistic integrity along with the frame. I am going there today with four more Teels. read more