Big Turn Music Festival - 2022
Last year, due to the coronavirus, the Big Turn Music Festival (BTMF) was limited to a single location at the Sheldon Theatre and featured only one artist, Cloud Cult. This year, the festival returned to its original format, with multiple venues spread across a walkable area over Friday and Saturday. It was a delightful experience to participate once again for the fourth time.
Forever Framed
In today's world, the phrase "commitment to quality" often sounds like marketing jargon. However, as certified professional framers, we take it seriously. This means using the highest grade of conservation materials when framing your artworks, photographs, special objects, and memorabilia. Over the past 30 years, the conservation and archiving industries have made significant strides, constantly improving standards and practices. As conservation-conscious framers, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Professional Picture Framer's Association to ensure your projects last a lifetime and beyond. As certified experts, we are dedicated to continuing education in this field.
When designing and building a framing project, we follow three essential principles: Protection, Preservation, and Presentation. Not every project requires all three, but we always prioritize "Do No Harm" by considering conservation methods and materials first.
Protection:
We use UV protective glazing (glass or acrylic) from TruVue, made right here in Minnesota, to mitigate the risk of light damage. UV glazing is recommended for all artworks, including oils, as all light can fade artworks, not just sunlight. Glazing also protects artworks from dust, grime, sneezes, fingerprints, and physical damage. Our projects are sealed in the back to guard against insects and other pests, with harder substrates included to prevent punctures. A gently sealed (not airtight) framing package creates a more stable environment, reducing temperature and humidity fluctuations and discouraging mold growth. Additionally, we seal the wood on frames to protect against acid and avoid direct contact between artwork and wood whenever possible.
Preservation:
We use archival quality mat boards, backing boards, and mounting materials. The term "acid-free" generally suggests the material is pH neutral. The highest conservation grade substrates are those that have been neutralized and buffered to slow oxidation or are alpha-cellulose mats with removed lignin. Solid cotton substrates meet preservation standards. For truly priceless projects, our mounting methods are non-invasive and completely reversible. In the examples shown, the artwork was in direct contact with an acidic wooden board and taped to a non-conservation grade mat board with masking tape. The glue couldn't be removed, causing the contact points to fade and burn the art paper.
Presentation:
We make it look GOOD! The appropriate style is relative to the client, the space, and the subject being framed. Browse our blog and social media for examples of our great designs. Because every framed artwork or item is unique, we offer appointments to ensure the time and care you and your projects deserve. Make an appointment today by calling 651-385-0500 or using our online scheduler at www.redwingframing.com.
Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
Introducing Our New Referral Program: Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!
We're excited to announce our new referral program, "Great Friends, Great Framing, Great Food!" Here's how it works (and it's really easy):
Tell a friend about your fantastic experience at our shop. When your friend books an appointment with their project and mentions your name, we'll send you a $25 gift card to a local eatery of your choice! (See "The Food Part" below.)
Here's the fine print, in the same font size so you don't have to squint: The referred friend must spend at least $200 and be a new customer.
That's it! How you spread the word is entirely up to you. Whether it's through email, text, phone, in person, skywriting, social media messages, classified ads, a singing barber shop quartet, handwritten notes, or even carrier pigeons—we've got you covered. We also have handy-dandy referral cards available in the shop if you want to be official about it.
The Food Part
We're proudly partnered with the following Red Wing eateries. Enjoy delicious food AND top-notch framing at these fantastic local restaurants!
From Phone to Frame
Turn Your Smartphone Snaps into Stunning Art!
Amid the countless photos on your smart device, there must be a few gems worth displaying! Whether it's selfies, pet pics, family snaps, nature shots, flower photos, or travel memories, why not adorn your space with your art? Imagine your photos printed on long-lasting, fade-resistant fine art papers or stretched canvas, beautifully framed and matted to perfection.
The process is a simple team effort: You point, click, shoot, and send. Together, we design either in person or via email or text. We print, mount, and 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 large your photo can go and what sizes will ensure a high-quality image.
Set your device email to send the largest file size possible.
Email us at redwingframing@gmail.com with the subject: ATTN Phone to Frame.
Include your name, phone number, any preferences or wishes, and your preferred method of design (in person or online).
We're excited to help you transform your smartphone snaps from phone to frame!
Gunnar upgrade
We decided to upgrade our Gunnar computerized mat cutter. Our original Gunnar has faithfully served us for 20 years. Unfortunately, the required operating system (Windows XP) is no longer supported by Microsoft, leading the machine to eventual obsolescence.
The new Gunnar installation is substantial, necessitating a complete shop rearrangement. We are excited to explore its advanced capabilities and to offer these to our customers.
Make an Appointment easily!
Our appointment model ensures each client and project receives undivided attention. It guarantees the comfort and safety of all customers and staff and offers enhanced virtual design options for the "online era."
How to Make an Appointment:
Call Us: Dial 651-385-0500. If we miss your call, leave a detailed message with your name and project description, and we'll get back to you promptly.
Text Us: Send a detailed message to 651-380-8767, including your full name, phone number, schedule preferences, and project description.
Email Us: Request an appointment via email at redwingframing@gmail.com. Please include your full name, phone number, schedule preferences, and project description.
Online Booking: Visit www.redwingframing.com and follow the instructions to book an appointment. We will contact you to confirm and discuss your project.
Remember, we can assist you in person, via email, text, video, or a combination of these methods.
Custom Framing-Pandemic Style
Reflecting on the past year, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude.
Thank you, Red Wing Framing customers, for making us essential.
This past year, the word "essential" has taken on new meanings. It's become a label for nearly everything—essential workers, essential businesses, essential services, and even essential… custom framing?
Yes, indeed.
Dear customer and friend, by entrusting us with framing, preserving, restoring, and enhancing your cherished items, you have made us essential. We've seen a significant increase in family mementos, treasured photographs, personal crafts, stitchery and needle arts, children's art, sports memorabilia, spiritual art and icons, historical figures and items, political posters, and even "saved" thrift store artworks. Thank you. You are 100% essential to us. Our hearts are full, our shop is bustling, and we proudly continue as dedicated preservers of personal, collective, and public essentials. Make an appointment with us today to preserve and display your treasures.
A few favorites from our team:
Stitchery! Valerie shares, "Stitching is very comforting to me. It's one of my personal passions, and I was able to get some great stitching done this past year. Seeing how others have stitched through the COVID year has been a great joy. Our creative passions help slow down life's craziness and leave treasures for generations. Let's keep creating!"
Florals! Clare adds, "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 short supply for many, so it makes sense that people want to be surrounded by the simple, timeless beauty of nature. Flowers don't care about pandemics or politics. They simply deliver elegance, grace, and steadfastness. Flowers bring hope of renewal and will always look great in a frame on the wall facing your Zoom webcam!"
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 bring a sense of comfort and maybe even exemplify a 'job well done' while waiting to go back to work. Or maybe a puzzle is just a puzzle!"
