ABOUT US
District Frame & Art Co. is a proud veteran-owned framing studio and art gallery located in the heart of El Paso’s Arts District.
Combining design insight, skilled craftsmanship, and technical precision, the studio approaches every project with a thoughtful, detail-driven process—whether working with private collectors or coordinating large-scale installations.
While rooted in El Paso, the studio works with clients throughout the region, supporting projects that range from private homes to hospitals, hospitality environments, and commercial spaces. Those relationships continue to shape how each piece is designed, built, and experienced in the spaces it lives in.
Framed beautifully. Built locally.
MISSION
Our mission is to elevate and preserve what matters - through precision framing, trusted craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence that serves individuals, institutions, and the creative spirit behind every piece.
Our RICH Values
Our work is guided by what we call our RICH values—principles that shape every project, from a single piece to a full-scale installation.
Core Values
Rooted in the Community
We are deeply connected to the people, spaces, and organizations we serve. Our work reflects the relationships we’ve built and the trust placed in us across the region.
Integrity
We do what we say we’ll do. From materials to timelines, every decision is made with honesty, transparency, and respect for the work and the client.
Craftsmanship & Creative Purpose
Every piece is approached with both technical precision and intentional design. We don’t just frame artwork—we consider how it lives, feels, and functions within a space.
Honor
We approach our work with discipline, accountability, and pride—values rooted in service and reflected in how we treat our clients, our craft, and each other.
Our Team
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Marcelino Cardoza
Marc brings 17 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army into the world of custom framing, where discipline, structure, and consistency define his craft.
An artist himself, he understands the importance of protecting and presenting each piece—whether a cherished heirloom or a large-scale installation. His framing is known for its balance of durability and thoughtful presentation, earning the trust of both individual clients and organizations across the region.
Marc plays a critical role in ensuring every piece is built and installed to the highest standard—from material selection to final placement—bringing reliability and care to everything that leaves the studio. He is especially known for his steady approach and ability to execute complex projects with consistency and precision, whether working on a single piece or coordinating larger installations.
Deeply rooted in the El Paso community, he is also known for his approachable teaching style, leading in-house classes and supporting local art events that bring people together.
Outside the studio, his greatest joy is family. He and his wife are raising four children, sharing their love of the arts through exhibitions, openings, and cultural experiences across the city.
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Tinamarie Hew-Len
What began as a personal hobby—refreshing and reframing artwork—has grown into Tina-Marie’s signature approach: helping people rediscover and elevate the art they already own.
She works closely with clients—often on-site—to reimagine collections, update meaningful pieces, or source the one missing piece that completes a space. Her approach centers on understanding both the artwork and the environment it lives in.
With years of leadership experience in El Paso’s nonprofit and healthcare communities, Tina-Marie has built lasting relationships across the region—connections that continue to shape the work at District Frame & Art Co. She brings that same level of care and follow-through to every project, from private homes to large-scale commercial spaces.
A connector at heart, she also curates and sells original art, giving clients access to pieces that feel personal and lasting.
Outside the studio, Tina-Marie and her husband are often on the road—traveling, chasing live music, and gathering inspiration that finds its way back into the spaces she helps shape.
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Aaron Silva
Aaron’s path to framing is as diverse as his skillset. After graduating from culinary school and running his own bakery in Arizona, he found a second career in the art world—bringing over 13 years of experience to his craft.
At District Frame & Art Co., Aaron specializes in precision mat cutting and operates the studio’s Valiani computerized cutter—one of the most advanced systems of its kind in El Paso. This allows him to execute highly detailed, custom layouts that go far beyond standard framing.
He is most in his element when a concept calls for both creativity and exactness, translating ideas into clean, intentional compositions that enhance the piece without overpowering it. Known for his problem-solving mindset, Aaron is often the one who figures out how to make a complex concept work.
He also enjoys sharing his knowledge, making the process approachable and collaborative for both clients and peers.
Outside the workshop, Aaron is a second-degree black belt and Judo instructor, an avid hockey and football fan, and a lifelong music enthusiast who draws inspiration from every rhythm and lyric.