The 2019 Annual Red Wing Pottery Convention
Exciting News: Sponsoring the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention!
We are thrilled to once again sponsor the Red Wing Collectors Society Annual Convention, taking place this July 11-13 in Red Wing, MN. Collectors from around the world gather in our charming river city to celebrate their shared passion for Red Wing Pottery. This three-day event features auctions, socials, sales, swaps, workshops, education, networking, and more.
Last year, Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing presented three framed prints by the beloved local artist Larry Veeder for the Collectors Society auction. Red Wing Framing Owner and MCPF Valerie Becker, along with Red Wing Collectors Society Executive Director Stacy Wegner worked together in preparation for this year’s convention.
This year, Stacy entrusted us with a box of Collectors Society miscellany and said, "Have fun!" And we certainly did! Check out our delightful shadowboxes, filled with an eclectic mix of Collectors Society swag. These charming pieces will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Society's important work in preserving the legacy of Red Wing Pottery.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Red Wing Collectors Society and Ms. Wegner for the opportunity to support this wonderful organization and showcase our community pride. Learn more about the Red Wing Collectors Society on their website, and follow the action on their very active Facebook page.
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.
Valerie Becker appointed to International Framing Competition Board
Valerie Becker Appointed to International Framing Competition Board
Valerie Becker of Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing was appointed to the International Framing Competition Board by the Board of Directors of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) at the annual PPFA Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2017. This prestigious three-year appointment places Valerie at the helm of all framing competitions, overseeing the approval and accreditation of judges, and ensuring the continuous review and updating of framing design standards and judging criteria.
Valerie remarked, "I am excited to be working with creative framing experts from all over the world. This is a professional honor for me, and I will be a better framer from this experience."
Valerie Becker is a Master Certified Picture Framer, as designated by the PPFA. She owns and operates Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing and Rochester Framing & Fine Art Printing.
The Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) has been the industry trade association for professional custom picture framers, art galleries, museums, and framing manufacturers for 35 years. With over 3,500 members, PPFA plays a crucial role in maintaining industry standards, providing education, and promoting the art of framing.
Happy new year!
Autumn's Latest Window Display: A New Shop Favorite
Autumn, our talented window artist, has created a stunning new display that's quickly becoming a favorite at our shop.
Happy 2017! We always feel a sense of relief when the holiday season wraps up. In our line of work, we don't get to enjoy the holidays much because we are so busy. But, being busy is truly a blessing. Here's to a busy and blessed 2017 for all of us!
The business of being in business...
Our Commitment to Excellence
Years ago, we made a pivotal decision to strive for the highest standards in our work. That became our business plan. In 2014, Valerie became the first Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF) in Minnesota. This achievement was a significant milestone for us and has opened up many opportunities.
Valerie has continued to make valuable contributions to the framing industry, and this January, she will compete in a national framing competition in Las Vegas. These efforts drive us to continually improve our skills and services.
This is just the beginning of our journey towards excellence.