The Best Framer In The Loop

services

She is Alphonsa Burcheri, the owner of Alfonsa Bucheri Framing Studio Inc. and she holds forth in room 400 in the building at 1 Quincy Court (see below for real address).  Alphonsa specializes in very unusual mouldings that you're not likely to find elsewhere and a large variety of same.  There are even handcarved and custom guilded frames, including imports from Italy available for a very special piece.

Although about forty percent of Alphonsa's business is corporate framing (she does work for the Chicago Symphony, Columbia College and Leo Burnett, to name some of her better known clients) she is warm and accessible and takes a personal interest in each framing project.  She will do on site consultation and installation so it's a "start to finish" kind of framing.  Clients also include fine artists, collectors and photographers.  Her successful business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals.

Pursuing a longtime interest, Alphonsa majored in art in college and graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  She worked part-time at a frame shop and gradually worked up to the point of starting her own business.  She particularly enjoys marrying the technical with the artistic, so that each piece is suitably framed.  The mark of a good framer, she says, is also knowing when a piece doesn't need a frame at all.  Customer satisfaction is always her prime concern.

Because she's now the mom of a year old son she finds flexible hours work best.  She and her small staff are generally there from 7-2 daily but it's best to call ahead to make an appointment.  I've had smaller pieces framed and jumped right on the subway,  virtually at her front door, feeling very smug with the ease of it all.

When you go to see Alphonsa, don't miss the vintage marble entryway of the white terra cotta building, the impressive marble staircase to the left, the huge old mailbox, directory frame and the original side light fixtures.  The building dates from 1912-13.  Alphonsa wisely says that it is buildings like these that enable small entrepreneurs to stay in business downtown, since the rents are still affordable.

Alphonsa Burcheri Framing Studio is really at 220 South State (formerly 1Quincy Court). Call 312.347.4560 for hours.

Comments

[Rose]

Alfonsa knows what her customers want...
she has a very classy way of taking your prints/items and making sure you are 100% satisfied.

She has moved to the suburbs, but is in the city twice per week, picking up and dropping off pieces to all her clients.

Please note her new address is:
9210 W. Gulfstream
Suite D
Frankfort, IL

Tel# 815 469-1991

You will be glad you called her!