Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth.

Michael Curneen is a Battalion Chief of the FDNY. And for years, he would frame items for the other firefighters as a sideline. After attending a four-day course, he took up the craft as a hobby in 2014. But soon, he saw that what he was doing as a labor of love could be very helpful in paying for things like soccer, math tutors, piano, and drum lessons for his five children.

Flatbush Frameworks operates out of a garage-turned-studio in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. The location isn’t just convenient. It helps keep costs down. Something he takes pride in passing on to the consumer. He said, “Let’s face it, I want to be successful and make money, but I can make a profit and keep my prices low since I don’t have to pay rent for a storefront. My clients are happy, and they come back.”

And the customers are happy indeed. Flatbush Frameworks has a rare five-star rating on Yelp. One customer said, “Working with Michael was wonderful! We had 4 items needing framing, all different requirements, and I had ideas in my mind but wasn’t sure how it would look. He quickly understood what we wanted, made suggestions on a couple and made everything look better than I imagined. He was very fast in turning these around, super easy to work with, fair pricing... overall, an outstanding experience. We will definitely use Mike again!”

Curneen estimates he makes roughly 30 frames per week and believes he’s had at least 12,000 clients since beginning his framing business. Flatbush Frameworks offers any kind of frame or mat option, shadow boxes, and canvas stretching. They use acid-free conservation mats and foam boards, conservation, and museum glass. He has mastered almost every type of frame – metal to wood – and his favorite, floating frames. Custom frames start at a very affordable $75. You can view his work in this gallery or on Instagram.

He proudly features his work on Facebook along with some photos of his family, who are a motivation in his work. “I plan to teach my 5 kids this craft and would love to make this a family business one day,” he said.

Curren usually works as a firefighter in the late afternoon, leaving him free to work on framing during the day. The Frameworks is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed on Sundays. For more convenience, you can also contact him here for appointments and estimates. 

Curren said, “I really love doing this work. I create my frames from scratch and I love every step in the production. The best part is showing my clients their finished frame.” He continued, “I am grateful for every order I get and have made some new friends.”

Good neighbors who take pride in their craft are one of the things that Broadway Stages loves about New York City. Whether the craft is presenting a family keepsake or responding to someone in need, Curren is a prime example of this. We are glad to have him in our neighborhood and are sure you will be too when you visit his shop. And when you do, be sure to tell him Broadway Stages sent you!