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!
Framing a Nation
We were honored this past August to have a hand in preserving a very significant and special piece of history. The letter, dated 1920, contains a seal that holds pieces of lead from the “bone box” which held and transferred the bones of “probably thirty Pilgrims who died in Plymouth two hundred and fifty years ago.” The writer eloquently stated, “In looking at this piece of lead you will visualize the entire compass of American history starting with a handful of stalwart men on Plymouth Rock, to a nation of 110,000,000 people.” Whoa.These relics were brought to us by a passionate historian to be framed for display by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and more importantly, preserved for coming generations. The piece will initially be exhibited at the Mayflower Society House for the 2017 Pilgrim Congress. This assembly meets every four years to elect its Governor and officials and honor its 30,000 members across the globe. Our MCPF Valerie Becker considered the aesthetics of the display venue in the design process. It was suggested that the finished piece should be quite grand, and we were excited to deliver! The design features an exquisite Larson Juhl Biltmore Collection frame, and a complementary Nurre Caxton fillet surrounding each mat opening. Two solid and pure cotton base mats add support and depth, further highlighting the significance of the relics. Our Master Framer left no stone unturned when it came to considering the archival preservation of this piece and the materials involved in the project. Extensive care was taken to ensure that these historical objects will remain protected from dust, UV light, acid producing papers, material gasses, and other elements that cause deterioration. We are humbled to be given this opportunity and experience. Our customers’ passions are OUR purpose, and we are grateful to have such wonderful, interesting, and meaningful projects to share.