MEGAN'S CUSTOM FRAMING: Creating keepsakes with a blend of artistry and experience
By Robb Helfrick
Custom framing transforms art into a unique focal point that is meant to be shared. The professional expertise and care put into a finished piece are just as important as using quality materials. Framer Megan Knarr owns the skills that bring all these elements together. Utilizing her art and design background, she opened Megan’s Custom Framing in 2024. Her business is located on Walnut Street in Waynesboro.
Growing up around art, Knarr found inspiration from her mother, an accomplished painter. “She encouraged me from a young age,” Megan said. Using her cat and love of figure skating as subjects, Megan tinkered with her artistic style as she matured. “I was always creating art.” Today, while Megan still draws and paints, she directs most of her artistic energy into framing.
Other key elements in Knarr’s background prepared her for her work in the framing industry. She took art history classes at Clarion University and later worked for Sherwin-Williams. Megan also taught art workshops and sold her personal art at craft shows and online. Combining those experiences, Megan mastered color and design, which are vital elements when creating attractive home décor.
Armed with those skills, Megan started her first brick-and-mortar retail business after purchasing the frame shop from the previous owner. She was honored to carry on the legacy of her predecessors, both women, who ran the shop for more than 30 years.
Knarr entered the business world with a head start, as the space included inventory and framing equipment. She has since made the shop her own with new décor that incorporates her creative style. “I enjoy working here. It’s my retail storefront, but it has also become the space to be my artistic self.”
Mixing the heart of an artist with the practicality of a businessperson, Megan gets excited when a customer entrusts her with a unique piece. “Original art is my favorite thing to work with.” However, she also enjoys prints, needlework, textiles, and shadowbox projects. “I’m putting my care and expertise into the piece, and I’m helping beautify someone’s space, which is the goal of any artist.”
Asked why custom framing is so important for artwork, Megan took a few seconds to reflect. “When it’s done right, framing complements the art and completes the work,” she said.
Since a framer has many options for achieving that positive result, Knarr shared her personal philosophy about her services. “Framing is an extension of the art.” She doesn’t try to compete with the artwork. Megan attempts to match tones and uses other complementary framing elements. “But I also challenge where the art ends as I create a container. I want to give it a full-circle finished look.”
Through her prior experience, Knarr learned to ask her customers the right questions. She will suggest color and design options, but Megan also listens. “I respect what the customer wants. They’re the ones who will be looking at the piece for many years to come. But it’s also important to help guide them through the process.”
Megan’s goal is to bridge the gap between the customer’s perceptions and her own professional opinions. “I want them to be excited about the finished work.” Knarr’s framing process is dictated mostly by design considerations, but she also understands the need to work within a customer’s budget.
As with any business, Megan must keep up with the latest trends and technological advances. One modern style features slender or low-profile designs, which include floater or acrylic frames. Earth tones are also popular. “I like using them if the piece calls for it.”
Framing is an artistic endeavor, but it is also exacting. Mastering the mathematical aspect of Megan’s craft came after her artistic skills had already developed. “I’m always learning,” she said. “Now, I love the fractions and love the numbers. I feel those are the boundaries to work with within my creativity.”
Mixing those talents has made Megan Knarr a confident yet careful framer. “It’s a balance. Framing should always try to match the piece.” As she works on a project, she’s always mindful of the end goal. “I’m creating an air-tight environment for the piece to live in safely,” she said, “so it’s always important to pay close attention to each project.”
When a customer walks into her frame shop, Megan’s knowledge and curiosity offer unique benefits. “I’m immediately asking questions about the art and recognizing its style. I love using all my artistic and educational experiences in my business.”
Knarr is also connected to her community, serving as a Board Member with the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro. Like many art lovers, she believes sharing creative works brings joy and improves everyone’s quality of life.
The success of local art programs and individual artists has encouraged Megan during her personal and professional journey. “I have big goals for the future,” she said. “I’m excited to grow in the industry, and I want to help make custom framing more accessible. But it’s important to do it right.”
By framing her skills within her business- while simultaneously pursuing her passion for the arts- Megan Knarr will continue with her success. Megan’s Custom Framing is located at 114 Walnut Street, Suite 2, in the Boro Plaza. For more information, call 717-655-5206 or visit online: meganscustomframing.com
