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.
The 2018 International PPFA Convention Review
By Valerie Becker, MCPF
Annual Professional Picture Framing Convention: A Recap
In January, I spent an incredible week in Las Vegas for the annual Professional Picture Framing Convention, held at the Paris Hotel. It was a fantastic success! My first year on the Competition Board has flown by, and it has been immensely fulfilling to be part of a team with colleagues Robin Gentry (Bowling Green, KY), Alan Abeyta (Phoenix, AZ), and Elizabeth Hellsten (San Antonio, TX). Here are some highlights from the event:
Day 1: The first day was dedicated to unpacking the competition pieces that had been sent in for judging.
Day 2: The judges arrived at 8 am and worked late into the night to evaluate the numerous entries.
The PPFA competitions feature two categories:
- **PRINT Category:** Each year, the competition board selects a specific artwork. The challenge is to frame this designated print using proper PPFA established techniques and appropriate design.
- **OPEN Category:** This fun category allows framers to choose their own artwork or object to design and frame.
As a member of the Competition Board, I am not eligible to compete during my term. However, I greatly enjoy the educational benefits of being on this side of the competition!
Day 3: Before the tradeshow opened, we hung all the competition pieces for display. The winners were announced at the annual PPFA President’s Dinner. The display was enormous, inspirational, and showcased stunning craftsmanship.
Congratulations to this year’s PRINT and OPEN category winners!
Education and Networking:
After our initial competition duties, it was time for education. The Competition Board taught two classes: Understanding Competition and a Judge Update class. One of our key priorities is to train and recruit judges for the competition.
I also attended several classes to keep my Master Framing designation up to date, as my MCPF recertification is required every four years. I had some time to catch up with my frame vendors and hunt for next year’s competition PRINT. The final day was spent carefully repacking the competition pieces for shipment to their owners. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many fantastic colleagues!
I have two more years serving on the Competition Board for PPFA, and I’m looking forward to an exciting year of industry competition, inspiration, and education.
Frame Story: Dan and His "Fur Family"
Meeting Dan: A Journey in Framing and Friendship
We first met Dan in 2015 when he visited our Red Wing shop after a Google search for framing and printing. Dan’s initial project utilized both services—printing his commissioned artwork and framing it. He was a pleasure to work with, easygoing, and appreciative of our high-touch service style.
"You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames. I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen anymore?" Dan remarked.
Meet Dan, Paavo, and Miss Belle! Paavo resides at Wishbone Ranch and is part of the non-profit "This Old Horse" retirement program. "Miss Belle" is a young Friesian cross who is still in training. "They bring a lot of joy and meaning into my life," Dan shared about his horses. In addition to being a horseman, Dan is a cat lover! Here's Angel and Smushie.
We are proud to continue helping Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that complements both the artwork and his home decor style, and he appreciates our Tru Vue museum glass for its unmatched clarity and UV protection.
"I have been super pleased with all the work you’ve done. Important since I look at them every day!" Dan shared.
Check out a few of Dan's amazing ‘pet’ projects!
Big Turn Music Fest - 2018
We had the pleasure of participating in the inaugural Big Turn Music Festival (BTMF) in downtown Red Wing on February 16-17, 2018. This festival spans multiple venues, featuring musicians or bands performing short sets in various locations, from retail storefronts to churches. It brought a lively and festive atmosphere to what are typically some of the coldest and quietest days of the year.
As one of the smaller venues, with a capacity of 39, we hosted eight groups over two nights. We reached full capacity several times, and the music was truly exceptional. We look forward to doing this again next year.
Cead Mille Failte
"A hundred thousand welcomes" is the English translation of this Gaelic salutation. This cross stitch was expertly mounted over an archival board and framed with a perfectly patterned moulding. These projects showcase the time, talent, and creativity of needle artists, and we are experts at helping our customers achieve their finished piece. I wonder how one might express "a hundred thousand stitches"?