Bay area museum shows off picture frames that elevated to art

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibition of picture frames so finely made, they are the sole object of admiration. 

“When people come to see this exhibition, we are excited for them to see how frames are the bridge between fine and decorative arts,” said Andrea Morgan, operations manager at the Museum of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

There are some pictures, and the frame not only compliments, but elevates.

In all, more than 40 frames hang in this exhibition “Masterworks of American Frame Design.”

Closeups show the intricacy of the work — painted, embellished and gilded — all by hand.

“We usually think about the art as what’s between the frame,” said Morgan. “So this is a really unique opportunity to consider the frames on their own as art in and of itself.”