Our Story
Forty-seven years
of not ordinary.
From a single framing shop on Ingersoll Avenue to Des Moines' most beloved local destination - this is how we got here.
Our Story
From a single framing shop on Ingersoll Avenue to Des Moines' most beloved local destination - this is how we got here.
Who We Are
Tandem Brick Gallery and Frame is a premier custom framing and gift shop comfortably located in Des Moines' Ingersoll neighborhood. We offer gifts, candles, games, jewelry, toys, children's clothing, and more - all carefully chosen because we believe the things you give and the art you hang should actually mean something.
Established in 1977, we have been serving the Des Moines area for over forty years. We know our customers by name. We wrap gifts with care. We frame memories like they matter - because they do.
Whenever you need the perfect gift, a trusted framer, or just a reason to wander into somewhere wonderful - Tandem Brick Gallery is here.
Our History
Tandem Brick Gallery and Frame opens its doors at 2722 Ingersoll Avenue, at 28th Street, in the heart of Des Moines. From day one, the mission was simple: do good work, treat people well, and never settle for ordinary.
Word spread through the Ingersoll neighborhood and across Des Moines. Knowledgeable staff, quality materials, and genuine care for every piece that came through the door made Tandem Brick the go-to for custom framing in the city.
The shop expanded its curated gift selection - jewelry, candles, leather handbags, art books, toys, and more. Not ordinary gifts. The kind you actually want to give. The kind that make people stop and say, "Where did you find this?"
Handmade Starlightz - warm, glowing light sculptures - became a signature of the shop. Visible from the street at night, they turned Tandem Brick into a literal beacon on Ingersoll Avenue. People began navigating by the glow.
CityView magazine's readers voted Tandem Brick Gallery Best Ingersoll Area Store nine years running, and Best Local Frame Shop. The awards matter less than the trust they represent - a neighborhood that claims us as their own.
More than 47 years after opening, Tandem Brick Gallery is still local, still family-owned, still supporting Iowa artists, and still refusing to put anything boring on our shelves. Come see what we have to offer. You will be glad you did.
What drives us
Every decision we make keeps money, jobs, and community in Des Moines. We are your neighbors - not a chain, not a franchise.
We champion handmade, hand-framed, hand-crafted. The skill in our framing department and the work of our signature artists reflects that belief.
Fun, wacky, edgy, surprising. Our gift selection isn't curated by algorithm - it's chosen by people who love interesting things.
The Ingersoll neighborhood is home. We show up, give back, and invest in the kind of place where local businesses can thrive.
Recognition
CityView Magazine · 9 Years Running
Voted by Des Moines readers as the best destination on the Ingersoll corridor - nine consecutive years.
CityView Magazine · Readers' Choice
Recognized by the community as Des Moines' premier destination for expert custom picture framing.
Google Reviews
Customers describe us as a "hidden gem," praising our exceptional service, expert framing, and one-of-a-kind gift selection.
2722 Ingersoll Ave · Des Moines · Open Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4