Framing the Sweetness: A Wayne Thiebaud Exhibition Poster at Underglass

What does it mean to frame a poster like it’s a piece of art? For us at Underglass, it means taking the time to understand not just the image—but the mood, the message, and the memory it holds. That’s exactly what we did for this recent custom frame project: a Wayne Thiebaud exhibition poster from the Legion of Honor.

Thiebaud’s work has always played with dimension—sugary pastels layered in painterly texture, and compositions that hover somewhere between realism and dream. So when a client brought us this beautiful poster, we knew it needed more than a standard treatment.

We chose a custom mint green frame, a modern yet soft touch that reflects both the artwork’s palette and the museum's own exhibition design. It’s subtle, but intentional—and adds a refined vibrancy that feels totally “Thiebaud.”

Instead of matting the print, we opted for a simpler look—but with a twist. We hand-cut ¼-inch archival white mat board strips and used them as spacers, creating a shallow shadowbox effect. The result is airy, dimensional, and perfectly aligned with the art’s spirit.

This approach is a great example of conservation framing that doesn't scream "formal." The poster is preserved with acid-free materials and protected behind UV-filtering acrylic, but the overall aesthetic is bright, clean, and approachable—just like Thiebaud's art.

Whether you're framing fine art, a $1,600 photograph, or a poster you picked up after a museum date—our job is to help you elevate it, protect it, and make it yours.

Got something hanging around unframed? Let’s do it justice. Visit our shop in the Castro or click here to start your custom quote online.