Fine Art Picture Framer — Custom Frames & Conservation

SBWI; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Petrov Frame Atelier, a high-end picture framing shop in Indianapolis, IN, seeks a picture framer to join the team as we open at the beginning of 2026. You will work on conservation-focused framing projects and mounting delicate artwork, using a variety of power tools and precision techniques.

The ideal candidate has an interest in art and framing, with experience in museum mounting, hand mat cutting, fitting, and frame joinery being a plus.

Qualifications

• Comfortable using a variety of power tools for framing projects.
• Open to learning framing-specific woodworking techniques.
• Background in art, frame conservation, or related fields is welcome.
• Experience in museum mounting, hand mat cutting, fitting, or frame joinery is a plus.
• Experience in fine wood carving or water gilding is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Cut, assemble, and join custom frames to match client specifications.
• Mount artwork securely and handle delicate pieces with care.
• Apply conservation framing practices and maintain archival quality.
• Collaborate with the team on project design and finish techniques.

Skills

Power tools experience

Detail-oriented

Art background

Frame conservation knowledge

Gilding techniques

Job description

Petrov Frame Atelier is a high-end picture framing shop in Indianapolis, IN, looking for a picture framer to join their team. Opening available at the beginning of 2026.

Candidates should be comfortable using a variety of power tools and should be prepared to learn framing-specific applications of woodworking techniques. Though not required, the ideal candidate will have experience in picture framing, including but not limited to museum mounting, hand mat cutting, fitting, and frame joinery. As a shop that often deals with original and sometimes unusual works of art, we welcome candidates with a background in art, frame conservation, or other related fields that require detail-oriented, careful work. Those with experience in fine wood carving or water gilding are also encouraged to apply.

Compensation would be $16-26/hour, commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should email their resume and references to: [e-mail].

And here are a few pictures of some featured prjects with background on each project:

"Hummingbird" is a good example of a very typical project for us. We received this frame moulding from our supplier, pretty much ready to go. The main skills involved in a project like this are frame design, cutting and joining the moulding, artwork mounting and handling, as well as several other little techniques that go into conservation framing.

"Repaired Mirror" shows quite a large project we worked on several years ago. It is a Florentine-style wooden frame holding a heavy mirror - the whole piece fell off the wall and smashed to pieces. Our framers spent months reassembling each broken piece, carving replacements for what couldn't be salvaged, and repairing the gilded surface.

"14 foot frame" is a recent project that required a lot of creativity. A customer brought us a 14' long woven paper scroll, not realizing its size until he unrolled it in our shop. Even though the frame looks simple from the front, designing and building a stable, conservation-grade frame that fit his aesthetic preferences and wasn't too heavy to hang on a wall was a real challenge.

"Portrait frames" shows an ongoing set of projects we do for a local family. We've made matching hand-carved, hand-gilded frames to hold portraits of each grandchild in the family.