Clare Lorraine earns MCPF
‘Do no harm’ is a fundamental principle of the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) accreditation process. This credo forms the basis for professional picture framing credentials and standards. Custom picture framing encompasses the preservation, protection, and presentation of art, artifacts, and documents.
There are 75 Master Certified Picture Framers (MCPF) worldwide, with the MCPF being the highest certification level within the PPFA. Framers are eligible to take the MCPF examination only after five years of professional experience, passing the Certified Picture Framer (CPF) exam, and being re-certified at least once. It’s an arduous journey.
In case you missed it, our very own Clare Lorraine earned her MCPF designation last October. Clare is dedicated to her profession and is a lifelong learner, so it's no surprise she pursued her MCPF. She also had the privilege of working under the guidance of another MCPF, Valerie Becker. Together, Clare and Valerie make a formidable team, and clients greatly appreciate having their expertise for design projects.
Pictured above: Elli Wollangk, MCPF (examiner), Clare Lorraine, MCPF and Robin Gentry, MCPF (examiner)
The framing milk run…
Five years ago, our plan was to implement a 'spoke and hub' framing and printing production and delivery model. However, the pandemic changed everything, and now we have adopted a dynamic 'milk run' production and delivery model.
Each shop location (Red Wing, MN. Rochester, MN, Northfield, MN and Stockholm, WI) now contributes to the overall operation, offering unique project capabilities based on specific requirements. While this requires highly flexible production scheduling, it has significantly reduced overhead expenses.
For small businesses, survival means being agile and adaptable, ready to roll with the punches.
New/old neon sign
Check out our new/old retro sign! This rebuilt 45-year-old beauty just came out of retirement. It was designed and built at Neo Neon Studios in Minneapolis and inspired by the iconic work of Tom Carnase, a renowned font designer from the 1960s to the 1970s, who was dubbed "the master of letterforms" by Idea magazine.
Tom Carnase has crafted some of the most unforgettable product lettering and logographic designs over the past 50 years, catering to a who's who of corporate clients, including Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Saks Fifth Avenue, Consumer Reports, Fortune magazine, L'eggs, and Avant Garde. He has designed hundreds of typefaces and has profoundly influenced an entire generation of graphic designers.
The font used for this sign belongs to the Burorama family, created in 1970, which beautifully blends the essence of flower power and art deco typography.
Big Turn Music Festival - 2024
The 2024 Big Turn Music Festival was a delightful throwback for us, with helium balloons, a neon sign ambiance, and amazing music spread across two nights of fun and festivities. It brought warmth and excitement to what would otherwise be some of the coldest, darkest, and slowest days of the year.
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!
Welcome LaVanda!
We are so excited to have LaVanda Mireles joining our team in the Rochester shop!
LaVanda is a visual artist whose creative practice primarily focuses on mixed media collage, assemblage, and experimental printmaking using cyanotype. Her work highlights the elements and principles of design while exploring themes related to the human condition and our relationship with nature.
LaVanda studied painting and drawing at university and continues to hone her observational skills in figure drawing at the Rochester Art Center.
With many years of experience in designing and handling art in fine art picture frame shops, galleries, and museum settings, she connects with customers on a deep and meaningful level.
Fun fact: LaVanda was a member of the Regis University Rangers women’s volleyball team (a Division II program).
Big Turn Music Festival - 2023
After a few transitional years, the 2023 Big Turn Music Festival truly returned to its original format, boasting festive crowds and a wide array of musical genres. One performance that will be remembered in Red Wing Framing history was by Murder Curious, a classic power trio punk band that really brought down the house.