Introduction to Framing Works on Paper | September 18th & 19th

Date  | September 18 and 19, 2026

Time  |   Friday September 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday September 19th, 1 PM – 4 PM

Location |  Colorado Photographic Arts Center

1200 Lincoln Street, Suite 111, Denver, CO, 80203

Cost  |  $225 Member and $250 Non-Member

Additional Materials Fee  | A $210 materials fee is required and covers the framing materials used in class, including frame components, mats, foam core, mounting materials, glazing, hardware, and finishing supplies. 

Instructor  |  Megan Coleman

Skill Level  |  All Levels

Objective:

Learn the complete process of framing a work on paper, from assessing and designing the project to assembling a finished framed piece. In this hands-on workshop, participants will work through the essential steps of preservation-minded framing while completing a project using their own artwork.

Course Description:

This in-person workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of framing works on paper through a combination of demonstration, guided instruction, and hands-on practice. Students will learn how to assess the condition of a piece, measure it accurately, design an appropriate framing approach, and move through the full process from raw materials to a completed framed object.

The Friday evening session will serve as an introduction to framing concepts, preservation considerations, project design, and measuring. Students will assess the condition of their artwork, think through design decisions, and gain an overview of the framing process before moving into production. The Saturday session will focus on the hands-on construction of the project, including mat preparation, mounting, frame assembly, fitting, cleaning, and final finishing.

Throughout the workshop, students will practice the core skills involved in framing their own artwork, including hand-cutting mats, aligning and mounting work within a mat, joining the frame, and fitting the completed piece. By the end of the class, each participant will leave with a finished framed work ready to take home.

Topics Covered

• Designing a framing project
• A beginning look at preservation framing
• Joining a frame
• Cutting mats
• Assembling a framed piece

Who This Class Is For

• Artists and photographers interested in learning to frame their own work
• Beginners who want an introduction to framing techniques and materials
• Anyone interested in preservation-minded presentation for works on paper

Materials Needed:

• One artwork on paper that you want to frame
• Maximum artwork size: 8 x 10 inches

If you have questions about whether your artwork is appropriate for this workshop, contact us at edu@cpacphoto.org in advance of class.