In Our Own Backyard follow-up
In Our Own Backyard: U.S. Poverty in the 21st Century Exhibit Update
A little over a month ago, a prototype of the 2009-2010 traveling exhibit 'In Our Own Backyard: U.S. Poverty in the 21st Century' was unveiled at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. This was an opportunity to gauge reactions and measure the effectiveness of the message. Think of it as a preseason event before the annual Catholic Charities USA convention in Portland in September 2009.
Things have not slowed down since then. Details have been fine-tuned, and the new website can be found here. The tentative schedule for the traveling exhibit is:
September 24-29, 2009: Portland, Oregon
October 29, 2009: Sacramento, CA
January 21, 2010: San Antonio, TX
February 24, 2010: Atlanta, GA
March 8, 2010: Albany, NY
March 25, 2010: Nashville, TN
April 22, 2010: Cleveland, OH
April 29, 2010: Chicago, IL
Better living through framing
Innovative New Products from Red Wing Framing Gallery
Since the beginning of 2009, Red Wing Framing Gallery scientists have been quietly and diligently working on a number of new products. With the advent of 'digital everywhere' technologies, customers have been eager to use their own images to decorate their environments in ways that reflect their lifestyle and taste. Our challenge is to meet this expectation with innovative and unique products.
Two exciting products are nearing introduction:
Gallery Panel: Targeted at contemporary customers who want a unique and fresh way to present their images, the Gallery Panel is elegant with old-school details but also offers a bold and progressive presentation. Think of it as a harmonious blend of ebony and ivory.
Image Sandwich (I-S): Still in the early stages, this product is a bit further behind in its introduction. The I-S will be a transmissive image that allows light from behind and lays flat on a wall. Early prototypes are promising, though practical size limitations may need to be determined. As a humorous note, I-S Version 2.0 might also function as a PDA. :)
The European marketplace tends to be more aggressive in pushing image technology. Interestingly, some of the best ideas come from European organizations that have been in the image business since the Middle Ages. We aren't above learning from our European counterparts, but it's essential to remain unique and creative.
We will announce new products as they are ready, and teasers are always free and unsolicited.
And please disregard any misinformation.
Who photographs the photographer?
A Paradox
In a village, there is a very special barber. He has a sign in his window that says, “I cut the hair of everyone in the village who does not cut his own hair.” The question becomes: who cuts the barber's hair?
For the past several mornings, I have been getting up at 5 am to try and take a specific photo at sunrise, which is around 5:45 am (are you impressed yet?). This time of year, the sun rises directly to the east of The Eisenhower Bridge over the Mississippi River. At sunrise, the barge traffic begins moving for the day, heading northbound for the Twin Cities.
For those keeping score, The Eisenhower Bridge was dedicated in 1960 and is 1,631 feet long (1/3 mile). It is 35 feet wide (two lanes) and is 65 feet over the river.
The shot I wanted didn't happen today because of low clouds on the horizon. The early barge traffic was already on the move when the sun started to peek out, so things did not coordinate this time.
The shot above is the only shot of merit that I took. Pretty, but not what I needed or wanted.
I went home and then got to work the same morning when my friend Tim emailed me the following photos and asked me if I knew who was on the bridge (look closely). The first photo was taken within a minute after mine, judging by how his sun seems ever so slightly higher (factoring in the difference in height) and the wake from the fishing boat. The second photo was a minute later (I keep a corner of my eye on those oncoming tractor-trailer mirrors).
Above two photos courtesy of Tim Alms,
Back to the barber; we don't know who cuts his hair. It is a self-contradiction.
Does the barber cut his own hair? No, because the barber cuts only the hair of those who don't cut their own hair.
Does the barber not cut his own hair? No, because then the barber would have to cut his own hair, as he cuts the hair of those who don't cut their own hair.
Using an even more complex explanation, the barber is trying to be a part of his own set, those who do not cut their own hair. But the set cannot include the barber because he is the set. This is the contradiction.
Johnny Cash’s eldest daughter
This is a big deal. A free concert at the new Central Park Bandshell by Rosanne Cash is a fantastic way to inaugurate this beautiful new venue.
If your musical tastes include country, folk, rock and the blues, then circle Saturday July 4, 2009 on your calendar. Go to www.RosanneCash.com for details.
The Red Wing Framing Gallery Panel Print
Introducing the Red Wing Framing Gallery Panel Print
For years, people have been wondering, "if they can put a man on the moon, why can't they put a print on a panel?"
Well, wonder no more!
Introducing the Red Wing Framing Gallery Panel Print.
It's a Panel! It's a Print! It's a Panel Print!
Starting with any digital photo, this innovative product ends with a full-bleed, UV-protected, 1/4" thick hardboard panel print that is pool-table flat and incredibly rugged!
The Panel Print features a linen laminate finish and a 1" reverse frame mount. This mount lays flat against the wall, while the print itself is elevated, creating a modern 'drop-shadow' effect.
Available in any size or aspect ratio (perfect for panorama photographs), it has become particularly popular among photographers who appreciate its contemporary look. It's also ideal for commercial projects that are restricted from using glass or need to cover large wall surfaces, yet still want to project elegance and creativity.
Call the shop today at 1-651-385-0500 to create your own art from your own images!
Now, back to the regularly scheduled programming.
Word of the Day:
Pugnacious.
1) That which is about the mannerisms and/or characteristics of the pug-nosed dog. E.g., "That dog is sure pugnacious!"
2) George Will.
The Shell takes shape
Central Park Bandshell Construction Update
The Central Park Bandshell took a big leap forward yesterday when the crane arrived to install the ironwork. The entire back wall will be glass, making the bandshell inviting from both sides. The roof shape is designed to create a better acoustical environment. The rendering on the bottom image is the architectural orthographic projection.
And just to clarify, the actual audience will not be semi-transparent. 😊