Catch-up/ketchup
Reinventing and Expanding Our Horizons
We've been very busy reinventing ourselves here at the shop. To start, we've been focused on unveiling Red Wing Digital. This print-on-demand product offers unique large-format presentation options, including the Panel Print and the Acrylic Print. While the Acrylic Print has taken longer to get ready for production, we're excited about its potential.
Additionally, we have a new business partner, Fine Art Prints on Demand, a UK-based company. We've been quietly working and growing this side of the business (printing and framing fulfillment) for several years. FAPoD is our third customer in this area.
These developments have driven our third initiative: moving our production to a larger facility. We've narrowed down our options and expect to make some final decisions soon.
2011 Flyway Film Festival
Flyway Film Festival: A Creative Celebration
The Flyway Film Festival is one of our favorite events each year. This uninhibited creative endeavor spans three days in October. Each year, the festival has grown in size and scale, and this year promises to be especially exciting.
First, the Flyway Film folks received a generous grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, which will significantly boost marketing efforts. This extra funding will help expand the festival's reach.
Second, the festival graphic is noteworthy for its artist. Gaylord Shanilec created the original etching of the three pelicans used in the poster. Gaylord is undeniably talented, and pelicans are indigenous to this area, making it an exceptional image representing our region.
Lastly, a very limited edition of signed fine art prints will be available for purchase, with proceeds helping to fund the festival. We printed these limited edition prints on Hahnemühle textured 100% cotton paper, ensuring they will last for hundreds of years.
Mark your calendars for October 23-25. We can't wait!
2010 Flyway Film Festival
Flyway Film Festival: A Red Carpet Sponsorship
Once again, we are delighted to be a red carpet sponsor of the Flyway Film Festival. Now in its third year, this event is really beginning to gain traction. The quality of the movies this year is very impressive.
The Festival kicks off on Thursday, October 21, with a gala event where sponsors, directors, actors, and organizers get together to nibble on snacks, drink some wine, and engage in creative discussions. The evening will conclude with an awards ceremony.
The films start on Friday, October 22, with the screening of "Baraboo," an intriguing film about life and the hands we are dealt. Over the course of the weekend, 21 films will be screened.
For more details, visit FlywayFilmFestival.org. See you in Stockholm in two weeks!
American Poverty and Catholic Charities USA wrap-up
Final Chapter of the Poverty Awareness Photojournalism Exhibit
This week marks the final chapter of the poverty awareness photojournalism exhibit entitled "In Our Own Backyard." This exhibit has crisscrossed the United States for the past 18 months and next week the exhibit finishes in Washington DC at the annual Leadership Summit for Catholic Charities.
Since this is the final and highest-profile stop of the tour, all of the large-format images are being reprinted and remounted, which is close to 120 images.
It is a very moving set of images, addressing all manners of poverty and everyday life. It is really hard not to stop and soak up the texture and realism of each image.
This has been a challenging and gratifying project. One of the best parts of this project has been working with Steve Liss. He is a natural-born educator and an amazing photojournalist who gets right into the thick of it.
Time for a Max Becherer update
Max Becherer Update
It has been 18 months since the last Max Becherer update. Just to refresh, we came to know Max five years ago when we hosted his photojournalism exhibit entitled "Through the Lens: Life in Iraq." Max has been in Iraq since the very beginning of the conflict (remember "shock and awe"?) and has seen action in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Gaza.
Max has since gotten married and splits his time between Cairo, Egypt, and California when he isn't in the field. He is still a combat photojournalist and remains extremely talented. Max's work has been featured in Newsweek, Time, The New York Times, The New Yorker, US News and World Report, and Men's Health.
Please visit Max's website and enjoy his talent. It is rare to see photography this deep in the action.
Russell Patterson, 1893 - 1977
Framing "Nude & Flowers" by Russell Patterson is a fascinating challenge indeed. With such a storied history, the frame should reflect the multifaceted nature of Patterson's career and artistic talent. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Classic Elegance: A rich, wooden frame with intricate detailing might evoke the sophistication and glamour of the magazine covers and Broadway costumes he designed.
Art Deco Influence: Given Patterson's time in Hollywood and his glamorous portrayals of women, an Art Deco style frame with sleek lines and geometric patterns could be a nod to the era's aesthetic.
Gilded Grandeur: For a touch of luxury, a gold leaf frame could highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the oil on hardboard, while also paying homage to his celebrity status.
Modern Simplicity: A minimalist frame in black or white could allow the artwork itself to be the main focus, highlighting Patterson's transition back to fine art in the 1960s.
Eclectic Mix: Combining elements from different styles, such as a modern frame with vintage embellishments, could represent Patterson's versatile and ever-evolving career.
No matter the choice, the frame should enhance the piece while respecting the legacy of the artist. It's like adding the final brushstroke to a masterpiece.
Happy framing! 🎨🖼️
Finally, a chance to use 'ubiquitous' in a sentence
The Artistry of Cash's Silk Embroideries
Cash's (sometimes called J&J Cash) is a UK company located in Coventry, England. For over 150 years, Cash's has been producing silk embroidered bookmarks, luggage and clothing labels, and name tags. You might assume that something as ubiquitous as a clothing label wouldn't merit museum-level custom framing.
But you would be wrong.
Cash's produces products that are clearly motivated by quality and pride in craftsmanship. These items are genuinely works of art, much like a beautifully machined watch—a labor of love.
One example is a silk embroidered horned owl, part of a limited run of coniferous forest animals Cash's produced. Other animals in the series include a peregrine falcon, an otter, and some wood ducks. Each piece is about the size of a business card, and each will have its own frame.
Cash's is currently producing a series of Beatrix Potter silks, which are perfect for the embroidery medium. The price is very reasonable, considering the quality and craftsmanship involved.