Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher And Corey Sickels And Young.
Hi Christopher and Corey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
French Creek Framing & Fine Art really started with a dream. Corey and I wanted to own a business of our own, and while we may not have known what type of business, this was our goal. We heard about a framing business and thought this could be a great opportunity for us to start our dream. Over the past 5 years, we have grown into a business centered around helping people not only find the perfect piece for their home or office, but also preserve the things that matter most to them.
From the very beginning, we’ve believed in doing things the right way. We took the time to learn every part of the craft from our experienced team. We learned every element, from design and materials, to conservation techniques, to glass, mourning and hardware, because we know that proper framing isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about protecting it for the long term. That’s why everything we do is completed to museum-quality standards. Whether it’s a valuable original, a family heirloom, or something deeply personal, we treat every piece with the same level of care and attention.
As our business presence has grown, our goal has stayed the same: to create a welcoming, no-pressure environment where people feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, as well as learn something along the way. Today, French Creek Framing & Fine Art has become a trusted place in the local community and surrounding areas for custom framing, fine art, and unique pieces. We’re proud that it’s built on quality, relationships, and a genuine passion for helping people showcase what matters most to them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most small businesses, our path has come with its share of challenges, however, in many ways, those challenges are what have shaped who we are and what we have come to accomplish today.
From the very beginning, one of the biggest hurdles has simply been helping people find us. Over the years, this business has changed names and locations multiple times (prior to our ownership), and even now, we still hear almost weekly from customers who walk in and say, “We didn’t even know you were here.” This is something we’ve had to continually work through. To combat this, we work on building visibility, reintroducing ourselves, and staying connected to the community.
In the early days, we also had to earn trust. Custom framing is personal as people are bringing in pieces that matter to them, and it takes time to show that those pieces will be handled with the care they deserve. That meant focusing not just on the final product, but on the experience, the education, and the level of craftsmanship we provide.
On a day-to-day level, there are always challenges such as managing growth, navigating material availability, and balancing the creative side of the work with the operational side of running a business. Through all of it, one thing has never changed. We don’t cut corners. Even when it would have been easier, faster, and/or more cost-effective, we stay committed to doing things the right way and holding ourselves to museum-quality conservation standards.
Looking back, those obstacles have been some of our greatest teachers. They’ve pushed us to be better, more intentional, and more connected to the people we serve. Ultimately, they’ve helped us build something we’re incredibly proud of which is something rooted in quality, trust, and a genuine passion for what we do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about French Creek Framing & Fine Art?
At French Creek Framing & Fine Art, we believe a frame should never be an afterthought, a frame should be part of the story. Every piece that comes through our doors represents a memory, an achievement, a legacy, or something deeply personal, and our job is to make sure it’s preserved and presented with the care it deserves.
We specialize in custom framing and fine art, but what we really provide is preservation through craftsmanship. From original artwork and limited editions to family heirlooms, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind personal pieces, we design each project around both protection and presentation. Everything we do is held to museum-quality standards, using the proper materials and techniques to ensure each piece is not only beautiful, but built to last.
Beyond the work itself, we’re known for the experience we provide. We’ve intentionally created a space that feels welcoming and approachable where clients can explore options without pressure or confusion. We guide people through the entire process, helping them understand design choices and find solutions that truly fit their piece, their story, and their price point.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way, every time. We never cut corners, even when it would be easier or more cost-effective. That standard has helped to shape our reputation and build long-term trust with our clients.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the relationships we’ve built. Many of our customers return again and again, and refer their friends and family. We consider word of mouth referral the highest of compliments. It reflects not just the quality of our work, but the way we treat people and their artwork.
If there’s one thing we want people to know, it’s that we care deeply about every piece that comes through our doors. Whether it holds financial value or purely sentimental meaning, we treat it with the same respect, attention, and craftsmanship. At the end of the day, we’re not just framing art we’re helping people preserve their stories for generations.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, our focus is on growing with purpose, not just expanding for the sake of it. At French Creek Framing & Fine Art, we’re excited about continuing to deepen our presence in the community and becoming not just a place people come for custom framing, but a space that celebrates art, storytelling, and connection.
One of the things we’re most looking forward to is expanding our offerings in a way that feels true to who we are. That includes growing the services we provide to our customers, such as professional printing and additional art-related solutions. Our reasoning behind this is to better serve our clients from start to finish. We want to be a one-stop creative resource, whether someone is preserving a meaningful piece or bringing a brand-new vision to life.
We’re also excited about the potential to grow beyond Meadville, PA. While our roots there are incredibly important to us, we see opportunity in bringing the French Creek experience to new communities and places, expanding thoughtfully while maintaining the quality and personal connection that define who we are.
Big picture, our goal is simple. Continue building something that feels rooted, creative, and lasting. We’re excited about what’s ahead, and even more excited to grow alongside the community that’s supported us from the start.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frenchcreekframing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchcreekframing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchCreekFraming/
