Team Spotlight: Sara Ritchey, Designer and Production Manager
With more than three decades of experience in the custom framing industry, Sara Ritchey brings a rich blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and care to her role as Designer and Production Manager at Walter Adams Framing. Sara works out of the West Portal picture framing store location and she continuously goes above and beyond for her clients.
“Sarah has a wonderful eye, sense of color, and proportion. I’ve had her help me with the reframing of some wonderful family pieces,” shares Michael, a client based in San Francisco. “I’d recommend her to anyone looking for quality work done for art they love.”
Originally from the United Kingdom and holding the American equivalent of a master’s degree in English Literature, Sara sees custom framing and design as a form of visual metaphor. She explains, “I love using the same kind of language and approach to build up layers of meaning.”
Areas of Expertise:
In addition to her custom framing expertise, Sara spent 20 years working as a costumer in the theatre world. That background comes through in her meticulous handling of textiles and clothing. Whether preserving a delicate piece of clothing or hand-stitching a vintage jersey into a shadowbox, she approaches each piece with the precision of a conservator and the eye of an artist.
Sara’s expertise includes:
- Framing 3D objects, textiles, and garments: From medals to baby dresses, every piece is handled with care and precision.
- Conservation framing: Using the highest standards of preservation to protect and display cherished items.
- Intuitive, collaborative design: Helping clients discover the perfect framing solution through thoughtful, personalized design.
- Creative problem-solving: Finding unique solutions for unique challenges—because if you can name it, Sara can frame it.
Over the years, Sara has tackled a wide range of unique framing challenges—from a bird’s nest to Chuck Berry’s gold lamé pants. “A lot of what we do is problem-solving,” she says. “Sometimes I’m literally up on a ladder re-stretching a canvas that barely fit through the door!”
Prioritizing Client Care As A Designer
Beyond the technical skills, it’s the connection with clients that makes this work meaningful for Sara. Helping clients to identify and build up a narrative about their cherished artwork and memorabilia is one of her favorite aspects of being a designer. “I love helping people arrive at a design that is perfect for the artwork, an expression of themselves, and a lasting beauty in their homes.”
That dedication to service hasn’t gone unnoticed. With relationships that span two and even three generations, Sara is deeply committed to client care.
She also takes pride in the close-knit team at Walter Adams Framing. She notes that their dedication to accuracy, detail, and structural integrity is first rate. “We are very proud that we helped the business grow during the challenges of COVID. It felt like working backstage in theatre in that way. We may spend most of our time in the wings, but we keep the show going, building frames with high quality craftsmanship for our three picture framing stores.”
The custom framing industry is built on trust, and Sara understands that it is very important for clients to know that the team frames on site, and can be counted on to handle their cherished, irreplaceable, and highly valuable pieces with the utmost care. For Sara, framing is not just a job—it’s a passion that continues to grow. “Even after 35 years, I’m amazed I get to do what I love every day,” she says. “I’m so in love with some of the beautifully crafted materials we get to work with. It’s deeply rewarding when one gets to recommend something truly exquisite, to see the client’s joy, and to know it will be part of their lives, and their families, for many years to come!”
