About Upper Canada Stretchers
Supporting Artists in Their Quest for Excellence
We help bring your artistic vision to life.
Upper Canada Stretchers designs high-quality, custom art supports to meet the exacting standards of high-end artists, conservators, galleries, and museums across North America.
Our ServicesOur Portfolio
A Message From Our Owner
‘Good art deserves good bones’
At Upper Canada Stretchers, we believe that the foundation of a work of art is as crucial as the art itself. Just as a house must be built on a solid foundation to ensure its stability and longevity, so too must artwork be supported by a meticulously-crafted frame.
This core belief is reflected in our tagline, “Good art deserves good bones,” and it drives us to create products that provide the strongest possible support, enabling artists to focus on their creative expression without concern for the structural integrity of their canvases or panels.
We are committed to providing the highest quality art supports, ensuring that every artist, conservator, museum, and gallery we serve can showcase their masterpieces on the best possible foundations. At Upper Canada Stretchers, we are dedicated to being the difference that helps artists bring their visions to life.
Bob Nadon
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower artists to realize their full creative potential by providing them with the highest-quality custom art supports.
Ambition
We aim to be the leading provider of made-to-order art supports across North America.
Dedication
We ensure artists have access to the materials, tools, and knowledge they need to create and showcase their artwork.
Inspiration
By consistently delivering exceptional products, we inspire and enable artistic innovation and expression.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver professional-grade art supports tailored to the specific needs of high-end artists, conservators, museums, and galleries.
We are committed to offering a wide range of custom solutions, from regular stretcher frames to intricate, multi-dimensional structures. By combining precision engineering with artisanal craftsmanship, we ensure each and every product we make meets the exact specifications and quality standards demanded by our discerning clientele.
Through unparalleled customer service and a passion for innovation, we strive to be the trusted partner for artists seeking the best in art supports.
Our Values
Customer Service
We place our customers at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to individualized attention ensures that each artist, conservator, museum, and gallery receives products that meet their unique needs and specifications.
Precision & Quality
Quality is the cornerstone of our business. Our products are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they meet the highest standards of durability and performance.
Passion
Our team is driven by a deep passion for the arts and the craftsmanship involved in creating superior art supports. This enthusiasm translates into every product we make.
Care & Attention
We approach each project with care and dedication, treating every order as a unique opportunity to contribute to the art world. Our attention to detail guarantees that every aspect of the customer’s requirements are met, from the initial design phase through to the final product.
Innovation
Innovation is at the core of our company’s culture. We continually explore new materials, techniques, and technologies to enhance our offerings. Our ability to create custom, innovative solutions sets us apart in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of contemporary artists.
Employee Support & Training
At Upper Canada Stretchers, we believe our employees are the heartbeat of our success. We prioritize a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered, because we understand that their commitment is integral to our ongoing achievements and growth.
Our Story So Far
In The Beginning
The story of Upper Canada Stretchers begins with a quiet drive on a country road.
While on his way to purchase a red tractor with a neighbour, Bob Nadon mentioned a woodworking business that had recently gone out of business. The pair decided to attend its auction where they purchased the company’s assets—including inventory, machines, and a 1-800 number—for $67,000.
While brainstorming a name for the new company, Bob happened to be drinking an Upper Canada beer, which inspired him to name the business Upper Canada Stretchers.
A Dramatic Shift
Initially, Upper Canada Stretchers was producing economy-grade stretcher bars and some custom builds. However, within six months, it became apparent that the prices needed to be adjusted to cover increased material costs. Bob saw potential in custom builds and began to shift the company’s focus.
After launching a website, Upper Canada Stretchers saw exponential growth in its customized offerings, doubling year after year. By 2004, Bob bought out his partner’s share of the company, fully committing to developing innovative products, including laminated heavy-duty stretcher profiles.
Period of Growth
The business transformation continued in 2015 when CNC machining capabilities were brought in-house. This technology allowed Upper Canada Stretchers to produce unique and complex shapes, and marked a significant expansion in the company’s capabilities, as it could now cater to even more intricate and specialized artist needs.
Throughout the past two decades, many challenges have arisen, but each has provided valuable lessons in handling large-scale production orders and managing business risks. Today, Upper Canada Stretchers provides some of the most stable and structurally sound stretchers in the market.
Looking Ahead
Bob’s passion for craftsmanship, rooted in his early days of home building and product development, drive the innovations that continue to set Upper Canada Stretchers apart.
From developing the most advanced stretcher frames to surviving economic downturns and industry shifts, the company’s journey is a testament to vision, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of quality.
Upper Canada Stretchers will continue to be a trusted partner in the creative process, enabling artists to realize their visions on the best possible supports.
Our Commitment to the Creative Community
Upper Canada Stretchers is not just a supplier; we are a partner in the creative process.
Each frame, each support we make is crafted with the specific needs of our clients in mind so they receive the best possible foundation for their art. This dedication to our clients’ success is what sets us apart.
Customization
Whatever the situation, whatever the need, Upper Canada Stretchers can create the perfect support. From regular stretcher frames to custom, uniquely shaped, and three-dimensional structures, we have the expertise and innovation to bring any artistic vision to life.
Reliable Quality
Our clients trust in the quality of our products and the reliability of our brand. This trust is earned through our unwavering commitment to delivering only the finest art supports, crafted with precision engineering and artisanal craftsmanship.
Fast Deliverability Anywhere in Canada & USA
We understand that artists, conservators, museums, and galleries need supports delivered promptly and in perfect condition. That’s why we offer expedient production standards, shipping our custom frames within 5-10 business days, with even faster options available.
