American Frame

Family owned for more than 40 years, this Ohio company crafts high-quality frames and provides custom framing of fine art pieces.

American craftspeople select the finest lengths of wood or metal for every frame.

Similar to many great business stories, American Frame started in a family garage. In the 1960s, founder Ron Mickel owned a small hardware store in Toledo, Ohio. Along with the usual tools and garden supplies, he offered custom framing. In the early 1970s, aluminum sectional frames were created, allowing do-it-yourself framing in a modern, new material. Seeing a potential for reaching customers nationwide—and interested in starting a mail-order business—Ron put an ad in American Artist magazine. Soon, frame orders were rolling in and the entire family began shipping them from the garage. The family tradition continues in Maumee, Ohio. American Frame is now a woman-owned company; Laura Jajko and Dana Dunbar, Ron’s daughters, helm the company with passion and innovative ideas.

Meticulously fitting together the corners ensures a strong, smooth joint.

American Frame provides two product types for Room & Board: frames and framed fine art prints. In many cases, the company prints and frames the art, using cutting edge technology and archival materials.

Fine art printing requires special training and a deep understanding of the process to ensure the integrity of the colors and to capture the artist’s true intent. Frames must live up to these standards as well to enhance the beauty and quality of the print. Building frames also requires specialized skills, from selecting the finest lengths of wood or metal and meticulous cutting to fitting together the corners for a strong, smooth joint.

Fine art printing calls for exceptional attention to detail and understanding of colors.

The company sources raw materials within the U.S. whenever possible. American Frame also distributes metal, wood and paper scraps to other companies for reuse and uses recyclable cardboard packaging as much as possible, ensuring that all art and frames arrive safely and ready to enjoy.