Category: Framing

“Built to last”

In this day and age, the phrase can sound more like marketing fodder than a true commitment to quality. But as professional certified framers, we take it seriously. This means we use the highest grade of conservation materials when framing your artworks, photographs, special objects, and memorabilia.

The conservation and archiving industries have learned much over the last 30 years, and are always endeavoring to improve standards and practices. As conservation conscious framers, we believe it is imperative to learn and follow the standards set by the Professional Picture Framer’s Association to ensure that your projects last a lifetime and beyond, and as certified experts, we are committed to continuing education in this field.

When designing and building a framing project, we practice three “P’s”: Protection, Preservation, Presentation. Not every project demands all three P’s, but we will always endeavor to “Do No Harm” by considering conservation methods and materials first.

Protection: We mitigate the risk of damage from light by using UV protective glazing (glass or acrylic) made right here in Minnesota by TruVue. UV glazing is recommended for all artworks, including oils. All light will act to fade artworks, not just the sun! Glazing also helps to protect artworks from dust, grime, sneezes, fingerprints, and physical damage.

Projects are sealed in the back to guard against insects and other pests, and harder substrates are included to guard against punctures. A gently sealed (not air tight) framing package creates a more stable environment when it comes to temperature and humidity fluctuations, and will discourage the growth of mold. When applicable, we also seal the wood on a frame to protect the framing package from acid, and avoid direct contact of artwork to wood whenever possible. The examples demonstrate various degrees and types of damage that can occur.

Preservation: We use archival quality mat boards, backing boards, and mounting materials. You may hear materials described as “acid free,” which is a general term suggesting the material is pH neutral. The highest conservation grade substrates are those that have been neutralized and buffered to slow the process of oxidation, and/or alpha-cellulose mats in which the lignin has been removed. Solid cotton substrates are natural to preservation standards.

When the project is truly priceless, our mounting methods are non-invasive and completely reversible. In the examples shown, not only was the artwork in direct contact with a acidic wooden board, but it was taped to a non-conservation grade mat board with masking tape. The glue could not be removed and the points of contact had faded and burned the art paper.

Presentation: We make it look GOOD! The appropriate style is of course relative to the client, the space, and the subject being framed. Browse our blog and social media for examples of some of our great designs.

Because every framed artwork or item is unique, it is our privilege to serve you by appointment in order to ensure the time and care that you and your projects deserve. Make an appointment today by calling 651-385-0500 or using our online scheduler at www.redwingframing.com.

 

 

Out of the 936 photos you have on your smart device, at least one or two must be worth displaying! Selfies, pets pics, family snaps, nature shots, flower photos, travel memories…why not decorate your space with your art? Imagine your photos printed on long lasting and fade resistant fine art papers or stretched canvas and displayed in high quality beautifully designed frames and mats.

The process is a simple team effort. You point, click, shoot, send. Together, we design either in person or via email or text. We print, mount, frame. You hang, smile, and enjoy!

How to and tips for success:

  • Set your device camera to capture large file sizes.
    • We will help you determine “how big” your photo can go and what sizes will be most appropriate to ensure a high quality image.
  • Set your device email to send the largest file size possible.
  • Email to redwingframing@gmail.com
    • Subject: ATTN Phone to Frame
    • Include your name, phone number, any preferences or wishes, and preferred avenue of design (in person or online.)

We are looking forward to helping you move your snaps from phone to frame!

 

 

 

As we look back at the past year, a lot of emotions bubble up, and the strongest one is gratitude.

Thank you Red Wing Framing customers for making us essential.

The past year, that word “essential” has taken on new meanings. It seems to get tacked on to just about everything these days! Essential workers, essential businesses, essential services, essential…custom framing?

Yup.

Dear customer, friend, by allowing us to frame, preserve, restore, and enhance your essentials, you have made us essential. We have seen quite an uptick in family mementos, treasured photographs, personal crafts, stitchery and needle arts, children’s art, sports memorabilia, spiritual art and icons, lots of personal and collective historical figures and items, political posters, and “saved” thrift store artworks.

So thank you. You are 100% essential to us. Our hearts are full, our shop is bustling, and we are proudly soldiering on as an essential preserver of personal, collective, and public essentials! Make an appointment with us today, to preserve and display YOUR treasures.

A few favorites from our crew…

Angelic counted cross-stitch.

Stitchery! Valerie says, “There is something about stitching that is very comforting to me. It is one of my own personal passions and I was able to get some great stitching in this last year. It has been a great joy to see how others have stitched through the COVID year as well. Our personal creative passions help to slow down the craziness of life and leave riches for generations to enjoy. Let’s keep creating!”

Still life floral, oil on board.

Florals! Clare says, “One of my favorite quotes is by Lady Bird Johnson, ‘Where flowers bloom, so does hope.’ This past year, hope has been in great need and too short supply for many folks, so it makes sense that people want to be surrounded by the simple and timeless beauty of nature. Flowers don’t care about the pandemic or about politics. They just keep delivering their elegance, grace, and steadfastness. Flowers bring hope of renewal, and they’ll always look great in a frame on the wall facing your Zoom webcam!”

“Live Long and Prosper” puzzle.

Puzzles! John says, “Puzzles have boomed in the pandemic era, and we’ve had a lot of fun seeing what our customers have put together. Pandemic puzzles will represent various memories of these times. They invoke a sense of comfort and maybe even exemplify a “job well done” while one has waited to go back to his or her job. Or maybe a puzzle is just a puzzle, too!”

 

 

In 2019, we framed and preserved an influx of antiquated artworks, thrift store treasures, historical relics, and found family heirlooms and photos. So we are starting the New Year quite inspired by our customers’ “old is new” projects and we hope to see this trend continue. Nothing wrong with brand-spanking-new, but with so much societal focus on “reduce, reuse, recycle,” we’d love to motivate YOU to have some framing fun your “old” finds.

We have a few customers who are topnotch treasure hunters and well versed in the art of “lost art.” They’ll find old, discarded, and forgotten artworks in secondhand and antique stores as well as online (Etsy, Ebay, etc.). Originals, prints, etchings, drawings, paintings, needle works…the variety of media is endless, and the conditions of the artworks vary. The name of our game is both preservation and presentation—we prepare the art to be displayed in a fittingly aesthetic manner and ensure it will be protected for many ensuing years of enjoyment. Old family pieces and “lost and found” childhood artworks have also been high on the frame-worthy list. Check out a few of our favorite “up-cycled” artworks. Its amazing what a fresh frame and mat can do!

Another facet of the “old is new” movement is the restoration of old family photos. Our digital experts can revitalize, refresh, and digitally repair your old photos. Need some extra prints of Great Aunt June for your cousins? And yikes…does that photo have an old coffee stain across Grandma’s brow? We can fix that, and we can print that! We are also experts at caring for original photographs. The science behind preserving old photographs is special and extensive, and our certified professionals will help you make the right choices with materials and mounting processes to ensure safekeeping of your photographic heirlooms. The safest place for your old photos, if not in an acid-free album in the dark, is in a frame with UV glass and archival materials.

This photo had fade marks, poor color, and insect excrement. Our digital team brought the image back to life.

Great Grandpa’s military portrait had faded and torn. We proudly restored this photo and provided prints for the extended family.

The old photo on the left had tears, fading, and other flaws that we touched out before printing for our customer.

So what do you have under the bed in that old “family box” that might be worth displaying? How about that drawing your daughter did in 8th grade, or Great Aunt June’s cross-stitch sampler? Come across a painting at the Salvation Army that warrants a revival?

Art is all around us, and we challenge YOU to make the old new in 2020.

We are very proud to present
Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing
Est. August 2019

 

Since opening Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2002, our goal has been to create a triple focus of certified custom framing shops which are easily accessible to a large portion of south central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With the addition of Northfield to our Red Wing (2002) and Rochester (2014) outlets, our dream is being realized. We are grateful to our customers, friends, families, and business supports who have helped make this happen. Thank YOU!

Our new shop is located in the beautiful Bridge Square of downtown Northfield, MN. The area has ample parking along streets and neighboring lots, and our design and retail shop has fantastic mojo. Northfield is a community rich with industry, agriculture, arts and culture, a fantastic foodie scene, and two prestigious universities, Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

In addition to our wide selection of custom framing samples and fine printing offerings, we are excited to offer readymade frames, framed and loose prints, original art, artisan crafted jewelry, handmade quilts, bags, and notions, pottery and Motawi art tiles, art cards, and fine gift items. Please stop by and see us Thursday (11-7pm) and Friday/Saturday (11-5pm)! Shop our wares, design a project with our master framer, take a seat in our comfy chair, and enjoy the opulence and warmth of our brand new space.

“Come on in, the framing’s fine!”

We are very excited to once again sponsor the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention this July 11-13 in Red Wing, MN. Collectors from across the world converge in our river city to share their common appreciation for Red Wing Pottery. The three-day event consists of auctions, socials, sales, swaps, workshops, education, networking, and more.

Last year, Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing presented three framed prints by locally loved artist Larry Veeder, for the Collectors Society auction. Pictured is Red Wing Framing Owner and MCPF Valerie Becker and the Red Wing Collectors Society Executive Director Stacy Wegner.

Valerie Becker, Owner of Red Wing Framing and Stacey Wegner, Collectors Society Executive Director

This year Stacy presented us with a box of Collectors Society miscellany, and said, “Have fun!” We sure did! Check out our sweet little shadowboxes, filled with a hodgepodge of Collectors Society swag! These pretty little pieces will be auctioned off to raise money for the Society’s important work of preserving the legacy of Red Wing Pottery.

Thank you to the Red Wing Collectors Society and Ms. Wegner for the opportunity to support this wonderful organization and show pride in our community. Read more about the Red Wing Collectors Society on their website, and follow the action on their very active Facebook page.

We are pleased to exhibit the first framed pieces from our collection of prints by Alphonse Mucha. Mucha was a Czech artist (1860-1939) who “could draw before he could walk.” His career as an artist took off after he was chosen “in desperation” to fulfill an immediate art poster demanded by Parisian stage star Sarah Bernhardt for her production, Gismonda. Bernhardt fell in love with Mucha’s work, and his creation revolutionized the art poster industry. Mucha worked in high demand for years after.

Today we enjoy his works in various forms, including print replications of his production posters and decorative panels. Mucha was championed for bringing beautiful artworks to a wider public, making his prints and posters affordable and available. 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 thrilled to present our first set of framed Mucha prints, for sale and view in our galleries. Each is framed with exquisite and preservation quality materials to honor the compelling vision of the artist, and the inspiration and beauty he aimed to elevate for all people. Silk mats, museum glass, and delicate style frames show off the magnificent women, and the interpretation of each work will be an individual experience that viewers will enjoy. Learn more about Alphonse Mucha at www.muchafoundation.org, and stop in to our galleries to see the collection for yourself! Framed works as well as prints are for sale in our gallery.

 

Our customers had a busy and fun season, which means so did we! Stop in with your summer vacay projects and keep the smiles of the season going strong all year long…

In June 2018, we were given the great privilege to support 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. Students were encouraged to let their personalities shine, and truly be the individuals that they are. The artwork is exhibited at the Minnesota Children’s Museum of Rochester and will eventually be incorporated into an outdoor mural painted onto the school. (Media source.)

Our job? 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 MCM Rochester. We were thrilled to work with the project coordinators and of course, the amazing artists.

Our framing choices were made to honor the individuality of each artist and his or her piece. Frames were selected to reflect the student’s portrait, coordinate with the collaging, and sync with each artist’s personality. Each student also completed an artist profile, which was displayed along with his or her 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 MCM 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.

What is it that makes something worthy of framing? Should it be a work from a notable artist? Should it cost X amount of dollars? Should it be historically significant?

Sure! In May 2018, the Peggy and David Rockefeller family will auction 600 million dollars worth of original works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in New York City, USA. These pieces surely fit all of the above criteria, and we’d certainly be proud to frame the work of such masters.

Son’s Stormtrooper Mask

Grandmother’s Needlepoint

In the business world, perceived value is defined as “the worth a customer ascribes to a product or service.” In our business world, perceived value can be used to describe the non-monetary value a customer ascribes to the artwork or object considered for framing. Our very proudest projects are those that connect to our customers’ storiesyour hearts, your histories, your lives and families, your memories, your hopes.

Travel Postcard

So what if your project is just something your son drew in kindergarten class, or, just this old needlepoint that your grandmother stitched, or just some picture you found and liked? (Yah, we hear the word “just” a lot.)

Frame-worthy? ABSOLUTELY!

Puppy Paw

Van Gogh Print

Literally, JUST Wrapping Paper! Why not?

There is no price one can use to describe the worth of such projects. What is the value to you or your son who sees his professionally displayed artwork and is encouraged to continue creative and educational endeavors? What is the value of preserving your grandmother’s stitchery, passed down through generations of family who will remember grandma’s name and story? And what if its “Just some picture you liked”…well, there is a reason it drew a connection, and doesn’t that connection merit saving? The motives to frame something don’t have to be deep or philosophical, but the impacts of these projects can be truly priceless.

You have brought us your project to frame. We are honored to learn and share in your story. Fine custom framing is our heart and our story, and we are equally privileged to work with your $66 million Van Gough 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.


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