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Category: Framing

In 2019, we framed and preserved an influx of antiquated artworks, thrift store treasures, historical relics, and found family heirlooms and photos. So we are starting the New Year quite inspired by our customers’ “old is new” projects and we hope to see this trend continue. Nothing wrong with brand-spanking-new, but with so much societal focus on “reduce, reuse, recycle,” we’d love to motivate YOU to have some framing fun your “old” finds.

We have a few customers who are topnotch treasure hunters and well versed in the art of “lost art.” They’ll find old, discarded, and forgotten artworks in secondhand and antique stores as well as online (Etsy, Ebay, etc.). Originals, prints, etchings, drawings, paintings, needle works…the variety of media is endless, and the conditions of the artworks vary. The name of our game is both preservation and presentation—we prepare the art to be displayed in a fittingly aesthetic manner and ensure it will be protected for many ensuing years of enjoyment. Old family pieces and “lost and found” childhood artworks have also been high on the frame-worthy list. Check out a few of our favorite “up-cycled” artworks. Its amazing what a fresh frame and mat can do!

Another facet of the “old is new” movement is the restoration of old family photos. Our digital experts can revitalize, refresh, and digitally repair your old photos. Need some extra prints of Great Aunt June for your cousins? And yikes…does that photo have an old coffee stain across Grandma’s brow? We can fix that, and we can print that! We are also experts at caring for original photographs. The science behind preserving old photographs is special and extensive, and our certified professionals will help you make the right choices with materials and mounting processes to ensure safekeeping of your photographic heirlooms. The safest place for your old photos, if not in an acid-free album in the dark, is in a frame with UV glass and archival materials.

This photo had fade marks, poor color, and insect excrement. Our digital team brought the image back to life.

Great Grandpa’s military portrait had faded and torn. We proudly restored this photo and provided prints for the extended family.

The old photo on the left had tears, fading, and other flaws that we touched out before printing for our customer.

So what do you have under the bed in that old “family box” that might be worth displaying? How about that drawing your daughter did in 8th grade, or Great Aunt June’s cross-stitch sampler? Come across a painting at the Salvation Army that warrants a revival?

Art is all around us, and we challenge YOU to make the old new in 2020.

We are very proud to present
Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing
Est. August 2019

 

Since opening Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2002, our goal has been to create a triple focus of certified custom framing shops which are easily accessible to a large portion of south central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With the addition of Northfield to our Red Wing (2002) and Rochester (2014) outlets, our dream is being realized. We are grateful to our customers, friends, families, and business supports who have helped make this happen. Thank YOU!

Our new shop is located in the beautiful Bridge Square of downtown Northfield, MN. The area has ample parking along streets and neighboring lots, and our design and retail shop has fantastic mojo. Northfield is a community rich with industry, agriculture, arts and culture, a fantastic foodie scene, and two prestigious universities, Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

In addition to our wide selection of custom framing samples and fine printing offerings, we are excited to offer readymade frames, framed and loose prints, original art, artisan crafted jewelry, handmade quilts, bags, and notions, pottery and Motawi art tiles, art cards, and fine gift items. Please stop by and see us Thursday (11-7pm) and Friday/Saturday (11-5pm)! Shop our wares, design a project with our master framer, take a seat in our comfy chair, and enjoy the opulence and warmth of our brand new space.

“Come on in, the framing’s fine!”

Our customers had a busy and fun season, which means so did we! Stop in with your summer vacay projects and keep the smiles of the season going strong all year long…

We are pleased to exhibit the first framed pieces from our collection of prints by Alphonse Mucha. Mucha was a Czech artist (1860-1939) who “could draw before he could walk.” His career as an artist took off after he was chosen “in desperation” to fulfill an immediate art poster demanded by Parisian stage star Sarah Bernhardt for her production, Gismonda. Bernhardt fell in love with Mucha’s work, and his creation revolutionized the art poster industry. Mucha worked in high demand for years after.

Today we enjoy his works in various forms, including print replications of his production posters and decorative panels. Mucha was championed for bringing beautiful artworks to a wider public, making his prints and posters affordable and available. According to the Mucha Foundation, “It was Mucha’s belief that through the creation of beautiful works of art the quality of life would be improved. He also believed that it was his duty as an artist to promote art for ordinary people.”

We are thrilled to present our first set of framed Mucha prints, for sale and view in our galleries. Each is framed with exquisite and preservation quality materials to honor the compelling vision of the artist, and the inspiration and beauty he aimed to elevate for all people. Silk mats, museum glass, and delicate style frames show off the magnificent women, and the interpretation of each work will be an individual experience that viewers will enjoy. Learn more about Alphonse Mucha at www.muchafoundation.org, and stop in to our galleries to see the collection for yourself! Framed works as well as prints are for sale in our gallery.

 

In June 2018, we were given the great privilege to support a fantastic local art exhibit developed by Riverside Central Elementary School in Rochester, MN. Over 530 students at Riverside created collages and artworks featuring their own portraits. Students were encouraged to let their personalities shine, and truly be the individuals that they are. The artwork is exhibited at the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester and will eventually be incorporated into an outdoor mural painted onto the school. (Media source.)

Our job? Framing and printing! Six students were chosen to have their artwork reproduced and professionally framed for the exhibit. Additionally, the framed pieces will be auctioned to benefit arts education at Riverside and the mission of MCM Rochester. We were thrilled to work with the project coordinators and of course, the amazing artists.

Our framing choices were made to honor the individuality of each artist and his or her piece. Frames were selected to reflect the student’s portrait, coordinate with the collaging, and sync with each artist’s personality. Each student also completed an artist profile, which was displayed along with his or her framed artwork.

As we always say, we *heart* kid’s art, and this project stole our hearts in a big way. Show your support by visiting the exhibit, running through September 9, 2018 at MCM Rochester.

Thank you to Riverside School principal Matt Ruzak, fourth grade teacher Melanie Shaw, instructor and coordinator Lida Casper, and the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester for their support of this project and media release.

What is it that makes something worthy of framing? Should it be a work from a notable artist? Should it cost X amount of dollars? Should it be historically significant?

Sure! In May 2018, the Peggy and David Rockefeller family will auction 600 million dollars worth of original works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in New York City, USA. These pieces surely fit all of the above criteria, and we’d certainly be proud to frame the work of such masters.

Son’s Stormtrooper Mask

Grandmother’s Needlepoint

In the business world, perceived value is defined as “the worth a customer ascribes to a product or service.” In our business world, perceived value can be used to describe the non-monetary value a customer ascribes to the artwork or object considered for framing. Our very proudest projects are those that connect to our customers’ storiesyour hearts, your histories, your lives and families, your memories, your hopes.

Travel Postcard

So what if your project is just something your son drew in kindergarten class, or, just this old needlepoint that your grandmother stitched, or just some picture you found and liked? (Yah, we hear the word “just” a lot.)

Frame-worthy? ABSOLUTELY!

Puppy Paw

Van Gogh Print

Literally, JUST Wrapping Paper! Why not?

There is no price one can use to describe the worth of such projects. What is the value to you or your son who sees his professionally displayed artwork and is encouraged to continue creative and educational endeavors? What is the value of preserving your grandmother’s stitchery, passed down through generations of family who will remember grandma’s name and story? And what if its “Just some picture you liked”…well, there is a reason it drew a connection, and doesn’t that connection merit saving? The motives to frame something don’t have to be deep or philosophical, but the impacts of these projects can be truly priceless.

You have brought us your project to frame. We are honored to learn and share in your story. Fine custom framing is our heart and our story, and we are equally privileged to work with your $66 million Van Gough or your late pup’s paw print in plaster. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

 

So, is it frame-worthy?

Yes, and you don’t need to justify it.

By Valerie Becker, MCPF

 

In January, I spent a week in Las Vegas for the annual Professional Picture Framing Convention. It was a great success! My first year on the Competition Board has passed quickly! It is fulfilling to be a part of the team with my colleagues Robin Gentry (Bowling Green, KY), Alan Abeyta (Phoenix, AZ), and Elizabeth Hellsten (San Antonio, TX). Here are some highlights from the convention, held at the Paris Hotel.

The first day was spent unpacking the competition pieces that were sent in for judging. On day two, the judges came in at 8 am and worked late into the night. There were a lot of pieces to judge!

PPFA competitions offer two categories. The PRINT category is a specific artwork chosen by the competition board each year. The challenge is to frame the designated print using proper PPFA established techniques and appropriate design. The OPEN category is a fun group in which the framer chooses his or her artwork or object to design and frame. Since I am on the Competition Board, I cannot compete for the length of my term, however, I am greatly enjoying the educational benefits of being on “this side” of the game!

On the third day, before the tradeshow opened, we hung all of the competition pieces for display. The winners of the competition were announced at the annual PPFA President’s Dinner. The display was huge, inspirational, and demonstrated beautiful craftsmanship.

 

 

Congratulations to this year’s
print
and open winners!

First Place, and First Time High Point Entry: Karen Fox, Art Heads Custom Picture Framing, Lake Oswego, OR.

Janine Buechner, MCPF, Artists Guild LLC, Sturgeon Bay, WI

After our initial competition duties, it was time for education. The Competition Board taught two classes: Understanding Competition and a Judge Update class. One of the priorities for the Competition Board is to train and recruit judges for the competition.

 

 

 

 

 

I was also able to take a few classes for myself, in order to keep my Master Framing designation up to date. My MCPF recertification is required every four years. There was a little time to catch up with my frame vendors, and to hunt for next year’s competition PRINT. The final day was spent carefully repacking the competition pieces for shipment to their owners. It was wonderful to be in the midst of so many fantastic colleagues!

I have two more years serving on the Competition Board for PPFA and I’m looking forward to an exciting year of industry competition, inspiration, and education.

We first met Dan in 2015 when he visited our Red Wing shop after a Google search for framing and printing. Dan’s initial project utilized both services—printing his commissioned artwork and framing it accordingly. Dan was cool, easy to work with, and he appreciated our high touch service style.

“You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames and I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen any more?” he remarked.

Meet Dan, Paavo, and Miss Belle!

Paavo resides at Wishbone Ranch and is part of the non-profit “This Old Horse” retirement program. “Miss Belle” is a young Friesian cross who is still in training. “They bring a lot of joy and meaning into my life,” Dan said of his horses.

As well as being a horseman, Dan is a cat man! Here’s Angel and Smushie.

We are proud to continue to help Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that fits both the artwork and his home decor style, and likes our Tru Vue museum glass for its unmatched clarity and UV protection.

“I have been super pleased with all the work you’ve done. Important since I look at them every day!” Dan shared.

Check out a few of Dan’s amazing projects!

Ready to tell YOUR story? Let us help you share it through custom professional framing!

Happy Holidays from Valerie, John, and Clare. We are grateful for your business and friendship, and look forward to seeing you soon! In the meantime, sing along…

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…my precious family memories beautifully preserved and ready for display.


On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…my sports fantasies framed!!


On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a Tiffany style lamp and an exquisitely framed mirror to decorate my space.


On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…my priceless child’s artwork to remind me how special life can be.


On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a beautiful Motawi art tile, handmade in Michigan. These tiles are mountable and framable, or simply ready to display on an easel.


On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…an acrylic art print by a local artist. Stop in to see what we have for sale, OR ask us to make you a custom #acrylicprint!


On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…my cell phone photos immortalized as art for my walls! We print ready to hang, high quality gallery wraps from your images, or choose your art online at www.fineartprintsondemand.com.


On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…my special mementos displayed so I can see them every day.


On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…original artwork. We have ready-to-hang pieces as well as original acrylic paintings, sculpture, and signed/numbered art prints for sale.


On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a kitschy piece of artwork that brings me happy feelings, and reminds me that someone is thinking of me…


On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…some high quality ready-made frames that won’t fall apart, are backed by a quality guarantee, and will preserve my holiday photos.


On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…a fantastic gift certificate so I can have some FUN framing and printing with the ONLY #masterframer in Minnesota!


Valerie Becker of Rochester Framing & Fine Art Printing was appointed to the International Framing Competition Board by the Board of Directors of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) at the annual PPFA Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in January 2017.

This is a three year appointment and the International Framing Competition Board is responsible for all framing competitions, approval and accreditation of judges and the review and updates of the framing design standards and judging criteria.

Valerie commented “I am excited to be working with creative framing experts from all over the world. This is a professional honor for me and I will be a better framer from this experience.”

Valerie Becker is a Master Certified Picture Framer as designated by the PPFA. She owns and operates Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing and Rochester Framing & Fine Art Printing.

The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has been the industry trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, museums and framing manufacturers for 35 years. PPFA has more than 3,500 members and helps maintain industry standards, education and promotion.


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