Framing Art with Meaning in San Francisco

At Underglass Framing, we’ve spent over 40 years working with art that reflects the values and voices of San Francisco. This framed painting by Bay Area artist and activist Joan Baez, The White Flower of Bach Mai, is a powerful example, a piece rooted in nonviolent resistance, personal conviction, and quiet strength.

For the framing, we wanted to honor both the artwork and its material presence. The piece is floated on a black linen mat, allowing the deckled paper edges to remain fully visible and giving the work space to breathe. Floating the art adds depth and dimension to the overall design, while the linen fabric introduces a subtle texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the paper.

To ensure the painting can be viewed without distracting glare or reflections, we used museum-quality glass, offering UV protection while keeping the experience of the artwork clear and intimate. The frame itself is a softly toned, gold ornate profile , subtle in scale, warm in finish, and chosen to complement the piece rather than compete with it. It adds a personal touch for the client and completes the presentation with quiet elegance.

Projects like this are why framing in San Francisco feels so personal. Art here often carries stories, beliefs, and histories, and thoughtful framing helps make those stories part of everyday life at home.

If you’re looking for framing in San Francisco, wondering where to frame your art, or searching for experienced conservation framers in SF, our neighborhood frame shop is always happy to help.