Meet Mr. Big
Or, if you prefer the informal, Biggie, or just Big.
Last September, we faced a heart-wrenching loss as our beloved frame shop dog, Pi, succumbed to a very aggressive cancer. For seven years, Pi captured the hearts of our customers, often being specifically requested when clients scheduled appointments. Her absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill.
However, fate had other plans. Our incredible veterinarian reached out to us with an unexpected opportunity to rehome Biggie, a five-year-old border collie. For the past three years, Biggie has served as a soothing presence for both animals and humans at the vet clinic, making him an ideal candidate for our shop.
Biggie's patience and attentiveness are remarkable, and we are thrilled to welcome him into our frame shop family. He will soon become a familiar face at all of our shops. Being a border collie, Biggie thrives on having a job to do, and we are more than happy to have his help. The rehoming process will take about three months in total, but we invite you to stop by the shop and say hello to Biggie.
Pi, the Frame Shop puppy, 2017-2024
Pi grew up in the frame shop. She always politely greeted all customers and she quickly became a customer favorite. People would often stop by just to say hi to Pi and share their own rough collie stories from their childhood. One of Pi’s favorite shop chores was to simply watch the traffic and anticipate the next customer drop-in. She always loved to accompany any customer deliveries because that would usually mean some very positive attention.
Pi's stubbornness was adorable at first, but it could be quite challenging at times. We had to develop specific techniques to get her to cooperate when she was unwilling. Since she wasn't motivated by food, that approach was entirely ineffective. However, we discovered that Pi had an exceptional ability to understand intent. By explaining our intentions and requesting a compromise, we usually managed to gain her cooperation.
Sadly, Pi developed a very aggressive lymphoma and we had to euthanize her before her quality of life significantly declined. It was incredibly hard to lose her because she was so unique, and she was only seven years old.
Free Little Art Gallery, v2.1
Being an engineer is quite simple. There are three basic rules:
Learn from your mistakes.
Don’t repeat the same mistake.
Don’t fear making mistakes.
With these principles in mind, the Free Little Art Gallery is trying something new. Initially conceived as a 'depot' for public art exchange with an unlocked box, the concept faced repeated abuse and disheartening outcomes.
So now, we're introducing a rotating exhibit space for the public. We will curate the exhibit with invited artists and print 'minis' of their creations. Every four to five weeks, we'll refresh the gallery with new art.
Our first featured artist for the Free Little Art Gallery is Ray Cook.
Ray Cook was a renaissance man with a wide range of interests, including art, handcrafts, and long-distance running. He was a licensed pilot and had a long career as an Air Traffic Controller.
Ray pursued art and painting at State Fair Community College after retirement, focusing on one of his lifelong favorite subjects: barns.
His straightforward and unpretentious watercolor paintings showcase his practice of perspective and definition, favoring a unique and distinctive color palette.
Ray passed away in 2023 at the age of 87. His light continues to shine through his art and his creative legacy.
Little Free Art Gallery
Our very own Clare had an innovative idea (and execution) to activate the neighborhood: a Little Free Art Gallery! The concept is for local artists to share their work, donate art supplies, or simply showcase their creativity for the benefit of the entire community.
The Gallery is located just outside our shop, right next to the sidewalk! Come visit and contribute!
Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
Introducing Our New Referral Program: Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
We're excited to announce our new referral program, "Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!" Here's how it works (and it's really easy):
Tell a friend about your fantastic experience at our shop. When your friend books an appointment with their project and mentions your name, we'll send you a $25 gift card to a local eatery of your choice! (See "The Food Part" below.)
Here's the fine print, in the same font size so you don't have to squint: The referred friend must spend at least $200 and be a new customer.
That's it! How you spread the word is entirely up to you. Whether it's through email, text, phone, in person, skywriting, social media messages, classified ads, a singing barber shop quartet, handwritten notes, or even carrier pigeons—we've got you covered. We also have handy-dandy referral cards available in the shop if you want to be official about it.
The Food Part
We're proudly partnered with the following Red Wing eateries. Enjoy delicious food AND top-notch framing at these fantastic local restaurants!
Welcome Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing!
We are delighted to present Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing, established in August 2019!
Since opening Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2002, our goal has been to create a triad of certified custom framing shops that 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) locations, our dream is coming to fruition. We are immensely grateful to our customers, friends, families, and business supporters who have made this possible. Thank YOU!
Our new shop is located in the beautiful Bridge Square of downtown Northfield, MN. The area offers ample parking along the streets and neighboring lots, and our design and retail shop has fantastic mojo. Northfield is a community rich in industry, agriculture, arts and culture, a fantastic foodie scene, and home to 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 ready-made 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 (11-7 pm) and Friday/Saturday (11-5 pm)! 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!"
Clare Lorraine Recognized as a Certified Picture Framer
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Clare Lorraine has earned the prestigious title of Certified Picture Framer (CPF) from the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA)! On June 20, 2019, Clare successfully passed her CPF examination, marking a significant milestone in her career and our company's journey.
Clare began her professional framing adventure in 2012 at Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing, apprenticing under the expert guidance of Master Framer Valerie Becker. Over the years, her passion and dedication have propelled her to manage production for our 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," Clare shares. "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 designation isn't just a title—it's a testament to an expert skill set in framing, especially when it comes to archival and museum-level custom work. Administered by the PPFA, this certification reflects a framer's commitment to preserving art with the highest standards of quality and care.
For over 35 years, the Professional Picture Framers Association has been the cornerstone of the art and framing industry. Serving professional custom picture framers, art galleries, museums, and framing manufacturers, the PPFA advocates for its members and elevates professional standards through education and promotion.
Clare's achievement amplifies our dedication to excellence. With her expertise, we're more equipped than ever to provide unparalleled framing services that not only showcase but also protect your cherished artworks and memories.
Have you ever considered how proper framing can preserve your valuable pieces for future generations? Archival framing is essential in safeguarding the stories and histories that art carries. Whether it's a priceless painting or a treasured family photograph, the right frame makes all the difference.
We're here to help you tell your story. If you have a framing project in mind—be it new or steeped in history—Clare and the rest of our talented team are eager to assist. Let's work together to ensure your art is preserved with the care and professionalism it deserves.
Feel free to reach out or visit us—we're excited to bring your vision to life!