New Gallery Collection: Alphonse Mucha

We are excited to showcase the first framed pieces from our collection of Alphonse Mucha prints. Mucha, a Czech artist (1860-1939), was known to have “drawn before he could walk.” His artistic career skyrocketed after he was urgently selected to create a poster for the Parisian stage star Sarah Bernhardt's production of Gismonda. Bernhardt was enamored with Mucha's work, and his creation transformed the art poster industry. For years, Mucha's talent was in high demand. Today, we can appreciate his works in various forms, including print reproductions of his production posters and decorative panels. Mucha was celebrated for making beautiful art accessible to a broader audience, offering his prints and posters at affordable prices. 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 delighted to present our first set of framed Mucha prints, now available for viewing and purchase in our galleries. Each piece is framed with exquisite, preservation-quality materials to honor the artist's compelling vision and the inspiration and beauty he sought to elevate for everyone. Silk mats, museum glass, and delicate-style frames highlight the magnificent women in Mucha's works, offering viewers a unique experience with each piece.

Learn more about Alphonse Mucha at www.muchafoundation.org and visit our galleries to see the collection for yourself! Both framed works and prints are available for purchase in our gallery.

The Identity Project

Supporting Local Art: Riverside Central Elementary School Exhibit

In June 2018, we had the great privilege of supporting a fantastic local art exhibit developed by Riverside Central Elementary School in Rochester, MN. Over 530 students at Riverside created collages and artworks featuring their own portraits, encouraged to let their personalities shine and truly be themselves. The artwork is exhibited at the Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester and will eventually be incorporated into an outdoor mural on the school.

Our role? Framing and printing!

Six students were chosen to have their artwork reproduced and professionally framed for the exhibit. Additionally, the framed pieces will be auctioned to benefit arts education at Riverside and the mission of the Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester. We were thrilled to work with the project coordinators and, of course, the amazing young artists.

Our framing choices honored the individuality of each artist and their piece. Frames were selected to reflect the student's portrait, coordinate with the collages, and align with each artist's personality. Each student also completed an artist profile, which was displayed alongside their framed artwork.

As we always say, we heart kid's art, and this project stole our hearts in a big way. Show your support by visiting the exhibit, running through September 9, 2018, at the Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester.

Thank you to Riverside School principal Matt Ruzak, fourth-grade teacher Melanie Shaw, instructor and coordinator Lida Casper, and the Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester for their support of this project and media release.

Worth It.

What Makes Something Worthy of Framing?

Does it need to be a masterpiece by a renowned artist? Should it have a hefty price tag or historical significance? Sure, in May 2018, the Peggy and David Rockefeller family auctioned $600 million worth of original works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in New York City. These pieces undoubtedly fit all those criteria, and we would be honored to frame the work of such masters.

In the business world, perceived value is defined as "the worth a customer ascribes to a product or service." In our world of framing, perceived value extends beyond monetary worth to encompass the sentimental and emotional value a customer assigns to the artwork or object being framed. Our most cherished projects are those that resonate with our customers' stories—their hearts, histories, lives, families, memories, and hopes.

So, what if your project is just something your child drew in kindergarten, an old needlepoint your grandmother stitched, or simply a picture you found and liked? (Yes, we hear the word "just" a lot.)

Frame-worthy? ABSOLUTELY!

There is no price tag that can capture the true worth of such projects. Consider the value to you or your child who sees their artwork professionally displayed, fostering encouragement for creative and educational endeavors. Think about the value of preserving your grandmother's stitchery, a piece passed down through generations, keeping her name and story alive. And even if it's "just a picture you liked," that connection alone merits preservation. The reasons to frame something don't have to be deep or philosophical, but the impacts of these projects can be truly priceless.

You have entrusted us with your project to frame. We are honored to learn and share in your story. Fine custom framing is our passion and our story, and we are equally privileged to work with your $66 million Van Gogh or your late pup’s paw print in plaster. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

So, is it frame-worthy? Yes, and you don't need to justify it.