Creativity | Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing

In With the Old…

By redwingf on January 4, 2020 in Art, Creativity, Digital, 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.

Clare Lorraine Recognized as a Certified Picture Framer

By redwingf on July 1, 2019 in Art, Business, CPF, Creativity, Framing

Red Wing Framing’s Clare Lorraine has been recognized as a Certified Picture Framer (CPF) by the Professional Picture Framers Association. Clare took her CPF examination on June 20, 2019.

Clare Lorraine, CPF

Clare began her apprenticeship in professional framing at Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2012 under Master Framer Valerie Becker. She manages production for Red Wing, Rochester, and Northfield locations.

“I am extremely blessed to be working under a Master Certified Professional Framer, and enormously proud to be serving our customers. I look forward to continuing my work as an archival framer, and advancing my skills and knowledge in this craft, which I believe is crucial to the guardianship of our individual and collective histories.”

The Certified Picture Framer examination is administered by the Professional Picture Framers Association. It demonstrates an expert skill set in framing, especially as it applies to archival and museum-level custom framing.

The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has served as the trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, museums and framing manufacturers for 35 years. PPFA serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs that elevate professional standards and strengthen the industry through education and promotion.

The 2019 Annual Red Wing Pottery Convention

By redwingf on July 1, 2019 in Business, Creativity, Framing, Gifts, Local, News

We are very excited to once again sponsor the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention this July 11-13 in Red Wing, MN. Collectors from across the world converge in our river city to share their common appreciation for Red Wing Pottery. The three-day event consists of auctions, socials, sales, swaps, workshops, education, networking, and more.

Last year, Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing presented three framed prints by locally loved artist Larry Veeder, for the Collectors Society auction. Pictured is Red Wing Framing Owner and MCPF Valerie Becker and the Red Wing Collectors Society Executive Director Stacy Wegner.

Valerie Becker, Owner of Red Wing Framing and Stacey Wegner, Collectors Society Executive Director

This year Stacy presented us with a box of Collectors Society miscellany, and said, “Have fun!” We sure did! Check out our sweet little shadowboxes, filled with a hodgepodge of Collectors Society swag! These pretty little pieces will be auctioned off to raise money for the Society’s important work of preserving the legacy of Red Wing Pottery.

Thank you to the Red Wing Collectors Society and Ms. Wegner for the opportunity to support this wonderful organization and show pride in our community. Read more about the Red Wing Collectors Society on their website, and follow the action on their very active Facebook page.

Custom framing history keepsakes pottery convention red wing collectors society red wing mn red wing pottery shadowbox

New Gallery Collection: Alphonse Mucha

By redwingf on September 28, 2018 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Gallery posts, Gifts, Standard Posts

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.