As longtime members of the Society of Gilders, we bring a deep education to the table for all our gilding projects. The foundation of our work is very much the same as it's been for centuries: applying 24-karat gold leaf to a carefully-prepared surface, then using specialized processes to preserve the finish for years to come. We have extensive experience with a wide variety of gilding techniques to achieve the perfect finish, whether an understated contemporary tone, a reflection of the age of a cherished antique, or a classical water-gilt shine.

A classical tradition with a modern flavor, we've gone beyond our roots to offer truly custom picture framing. Whether you're interested in a simple float frame made to your exact specifications, a contemporary take on a tabernacle-style frame, or even something which expands upon the motifs in the art itself, we can design the perfect new home for your favorite piece.

We're also available for all your traditional custom picture framing needs. We'll even come to you!

When our business was founded in 1968, it began as a custom picture framing shop, so it's no surprise that frames play a large role in the development of our talents over the decades. Many antique frames were designed and built specially to house the art within, so they deserve the same careful preservation; this often involves structural work to keep them stable, recasts of missing or warped ornamentation, and refinishing (whether with gold leaf or another appropriate surface style).

Over the years, our horizons have broadened to include all manner of ornamental objects in need of repair or stabilization: furniture, signs, chandeliers, sculpture, and much more. Whatever your budget, we can help ensure that your beloved pieces are with you and your family for generations to come.

For more information about the process, read our FAQ.

In one of the most exciting aspects of our recent expansion, we're opening up shop with a new line of unique and handmade gilded items. Besides our one-of-a-kind embellished mirrors and contemporary curios, you can also commission custom lettering for house numbers or any other purpose, either done on-site or framed and ready for display.

Come back soon to see our online store! In the meantime, contact us for personal commissions.

Known as Verre Églomisé, we've brought the age-old process of mirrormaking into modern decor with a few embellishments of our own. By reverse-gilding a glass surface, we can achieve unique designs, whether leaving them with a simple antique surface or integrating a work of art into the mirror itself. We can also put our framing concepts into practice by hand-building a frame to suit each individual mirror.

When it comes to catching the eye of passersby, nothing can compare to real gold. You can design your storefront to attract any sort of clientele, whether traditional or trendy, but even the best design can only take you so far. For centuries, gilding has set the high watermark for class and visibility. Thanks to the wide variety of precious metal leaf such as gold and palladium leaf and metallic leaf styles available, we can tailor our work to most budgets. Contact us now to inquire about quotes or bids on your project.

We have extensive experience creating gilded walls, ceilings, and ornamental flourishes. These include work in Nashville's neoclassical Schermerhorn Symphony Center, as well as Nashville's replica Parthenon; gilding the Athena statue of master sculptor Alan LeQuire is one of our greatest achievements as artisans. We offer many options for residential and commercial projects alike, and can provide some understated character using a wide variety of gold and other metallic leaf.

Besides our trade skills, Reed Artisans is proud to represent some gifted painters from different backgrounds and disciplines. Micki Cavanah has exhibited and sold her oils and watercolors internationally, and has also been commissioned to create historical replica portraiture.

Reed Cavanah's film-inspired ink paintings have been displayed in Nashville's legendary Belcourt Theatre, and he is available for painting and mural commissions.

Our instructor, Micki Cavanah, teaches all facets of restoration and gilding. Classes are geared toward the individual student’s choice of subjects. Classes are one-on-one and dates can be scheduled according to your needs. Tuition is $700 per day, per student. Experience has shown that a 2 to 3 day class will suffice for almost any student. Contact us for more information.

We are also a retailer of gold leaf and gilding supplies, shipping domestically. Contact us for pricing and availability.