Our Story

Established in 1989, our store has deep roots in the Forest Hills community. Originally known as Embassy 1 Hour Photo, we began as a neighborhood hub for film development, offering ready-made and custom frames alongside our photography services. Business flourished, and exciting changes unfolded in the heart of Queens.

During this time, former employee Paul stepped into ownership, leading the shop alongside his wife, Gi. As New York evolved, some things remained constant—small businesses continued to shape the character of their communities. For over two decades, our store provided quality service, lasting smiles, and craftsmanship to our customers. Nestled on Austin Street, we remained a thriving presence, cherished by the local community.

In the next chapter of our story, Kevin joined the team, eager to learn the art and operations of framing under Paul’s guidance. With dedication and perseverance, Kevin honed his skills, gradually taking on a leadership role. As the years passed, he officially took the reins, establishing Ideal Framing, Inc. With a commitment to excellence, Kevin continued to serve Queens residents and art galleries throughout the NYC metropolitan area, ensuring the store grew while staying true to its original vision.

In 2025, the business entered a new era under the ownership of Nikola and Sandra, along with their daughter Helena. They rebranded the shop as A+ Art Gallery and Framing, Inc., embracing both tradition and innovation. While continuing the exceptional framing services established by Kevin, they also expanded the store’s offerings, introducing a broader selection of original artworks by local artists. Their vision is to celebrate the creativity of the community while maintaining the same dedication to craftsmanship and customer care that has defined the store for decades.