Category: Local

Meet Danielle Flicek, artist, chef and restaurant owner, mother, and Brazilian Jiu Jitus competitor! Dani has been a great friend and customer since she moved to Red Wing in 2014 and opened her restaurant, Staghead. We have been thrilled to work with her and her art in both our digital and framing departments, and are excited to share her artwork and story here.

Artist and chef Danielle Flicek with her oil painting of colorful mushrooms.

Artist and chef Danielle Flicek shows off some fine art prints of her oils.

What is your background in art? Where did you start and how did it grow?

I always remember creating art since I was a young child using simple crayons and watercolors, and eventually getting my hands on more media in school. I enjoyed every project we did in school but I really fell in love with painting around 9th grade. I would call myself the teacher’s pet in the art room. I would even have my lunch in the art room sometimes!

One of my most memorable projects in high school was a Toulouse-Lautrec mural. That led to a lot more mural work. I also began doing commission paintings when I was in high school and have kept this up consistently. My first oil painting experience was in an Intro to Painting class with Simon Hueslbeck at RCTC when I was in the Post Secondary program in my high school. This ended up being the only time I was ever formally taught how to oil paint. It was exciting and I fell in love with it! My teacher thought I was bizarre though because I prefer to paint on the floor instead of an easel!

After high school, I was accepted into the San Francisco Academy of Art but I decided to stay home to be near my siblings who were still small and growing up. So, I moved to Rochester, MN and managed an Alsatian restaurant, which was right next to… a frame shop! The frame shop owner was a regular at the bistro. This was my connection and introduction to custom framing, and I ended up working there too. I really enjoyed this work and was inspired by many projects. It was great to learn the techniques and hard work that goes into framing, like pairing colors, textures, styles, and so on. At this time I was stretching and prepping my own canvas, then making my own frames too. It was a good learning experience.

My family and I moved to Red Wing in October 2014 to open Staghead, which took a lot of my time. This halted my paintings for a few years. I picked it back up again once the restaurant was on its feet.

What media and styles do you work in now?

Yum! Artist and chef Danielle Flicek cooks and paints delicousness!

I only oil paint now and am backed up with commission portrait pieces! I paint a lot of wedding/engagement portraits and images of loved ones who have passed away.

I really enjoy painting food…fruits and vegetables are my favorite subjects! I love the organic shapes and textures and how colorful they are. I enjoy painting high contrast and repetition, like a pile of cherries or morels. On my easel currently is a new blackberry piece! I am working on a collection for a food exhibit this fall at The Anderson Center.

Who/what inspires you?

 I think hyperrealism is incredible. Artists like Diego Fazio or Tjalf Sparnaay inspire me. I also like to keep an eye on Daria Callie for her portraiture. I try not to look too much at other artists’ paintings while I am working on my own because I have my own style and sometimes find myself trying to mimic others. But I am definitely inspired and in awe of so many painters! If I ever have painter’s block, a museum trip or a scroll through Instagram accounts is a great motivator.

What are your biggest barriers to making art, and who is your support system?

I have tons of barriers and challenges when it comes to painting. It has taken me years to find the time again to even pick up a brush since opening Staghead. The first Covid shutdown allowed me to spend time getting it back on track and create some great pieces and portraits. I realized I needed and wanted to be painting.

Working with a life coach helped me find direction, and gave me the confidence to take my painting beyond hobby and start putting myself out there more. I was able to communicate with my husband and restaurant staff about how it is important to me and I would like to adventure more into making this a career. I can’t give them enough thanks for seeing my vision and understanding. I am so blessed to have a big team that supports my art adventure!

My husband and two sons are very supportive. My kids love to watch my process and even work on their own while I do mine. I also have to give a shout out to the staff at Staghead for stepping up and working hard so I can spend time on my art. I am also dedicated to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and am grateful to the support from my peers at RioJitsu in Apple Valley, MN. I have found that BJJ has increased my creativity and patience with painting, and with life overall. It is Yin and Yang!

“Being able to paint allows me to live and see more creatively in other parts of my life, like at the restaurant or martial arts or even parenting. Not to be cliché but it’s a good reminder that everyday, like every new project, is a blank canvas and I am the painter.”

Wedding portrait commission by Artist Danielle Flicek.

Ok, where can we see more of you and your art!?

I am currently working on pieces for the art show this fall at The Anderson Center in Red Wing. They can be viewed for the first time there or you can see other originals on the walls of Staghead, my own personal gallery!

I love to do commissions, and find them incredibly rewarding. It is important to me to be emotionally involved and to know the story behind the subject. For commission pieces or original and prints inquiries, you can find me on Instagram @daniflicek or email danielleflicek@gmail.com.

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!”

Red Wing Framing’s Clare Lorraine has been recognized as a Certified Picture Framer (CPF) by the Professional Picture Framers Association. Clare took her CPF examination on June 20, 2019.

Clare Lorraine, CPF

Clare began her apprenticeship in professional framing at Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2012 under Master Framer Valerie Becker. She manages production for Red Wing, Rochester, and Northfield locations.

“I am extremely blessed to be working under a Master Certified Professional Framer, and enormously proud to be serving our customers. I look forward to continuing my work as an archival framer, and advancing my skills and knowledge in this craft, which I believe is crucial to the guardianship of our individual and collective histories.”

The Certified Picture Framer examination is administered by the Professional Picture Framers Association. It demonstrates an expert skill set in framing, especially as it applies to archival and museum-level custom framing.

The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has served as the trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, museums and framing manufacturers for 35 years. PPFA serves the art and framing industry as an advocate for its members and by offering programs that elevate professional standards and strengthen the industry through education and promotion.

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.

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.

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 accordingly. Dan was cool, easy to work with, and he appreciated our high touch service style.

“You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames and I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen any more?” he 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 said of his horses.

As well as being a horseman, Dan is a cat man! Here’s Angel and Smushie.

We are proud to continue to help Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that fits both the artwork and his home decor style, and likes 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 projects!

Ready to tell YOUR story? Let us help you share it through custom professional framing!

To call Dave a history buff is an understatement. “I’m here with my latest treasure,” he says each time he stops in with a new project. As a treasure hunter, Dave has researched and collected the historical postcards, artifacts, and photographs of the City of Red Wing for many years.

As a retiree of the Northern States Power Co., Dave is a fan of the old electricity mascot, “Reddy Kilowatt.” He boasts and extensive collection of historic media, mementos, and relics.

Dave discovers many of his treasures on Ebay. When he finds something of interest, he conducts research at the Goodhue County Historical Society to ensure its legitimacy.

Dave has framed several newspaper ads, tintype photos, military certificates, and most recently a playbill from the Red Wing opera house, which burned down in 1882.

When it comes to framing, Dave is no frills–preservation is his game. His aim is to ensure history “will be around for future generations.” As museum quality framers, we are proud to help Dave achieve his goal.

 

We are proud to serve the Prairie Island Indian Community, which is located approximately 15 miles northwest of our Red Wing shop. We’ve been blessed to preserve several pieces of historical significance to the tribe.

The community proudly operates Treasure Island Resort and Casino, which is Goodhue County’s largest employer. This large gallery wrap will welcome hotel visitors. The inscription reads:

The people of Prairie Island are descendants of the Mdewakanton Band of Eastern Dakota, also known as the Mississippi or Minnesota Sioux, who were parties to the treaties with the United States from 1805 to 1863.

Autumn is our window artist and this latest window is quickly becoming a shop favorite.

Happy 2017.  We are always relieved when the holiday season is over.  In our line of work we don’t get to enjoy the holidays so much because we are so busy.

But being busy is a blessing.  Here is hoping you have a busy and blessed 2017.

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