Earlier this year at the PPFA Convention held in conjunction with the West Coast Art & Frame Expo in Las Vegas, I was honored to receive their highest award, the PPFA Lifetime Achievement Award. It is almost impossible to communicate to friends and colleges what a huge honor this is, especially in light of the company that I share in having previously received this award… James Adler (2002), Paul Frederick (2006), Vivian Kistler (2009), Pat & Bill Bradley (2010), Charles Saucier (2012) and Julius Schultz (2013). These folks are and were visionaries, and major contributors to the growth and professionalism of our industry.
When I returned home, I shared this story with a younger friend with whom I have great respect – his initial response was, “Don’t they give those awards to Dead people?”. Of course he made me laugh, and although made in jest, sadly, several of the respected names that I listed above have already left us, despite the fact that their legacy and influences surround us today as picture framers.
The PPFA Awards recipients appeared in formal press releases from PPFA/PMA, and were also shared on the industry forums, but the presentation itself was only modestly attended and was sandwiched on the first day of the convention between many other meetings, seminars and activities. Due to time restraints, and the number of awards, there was no time allocated for an acceptance speech. In light of the significance of this award, I had actually prepared a few comments and for the record, would like to share those with you now…
John Ranes II, CPF, GCF – PPFA Lifetime Achievement Award
The undelivered acceptance speech…
First of all, I need to say what a distinct honor it is to receive this award – I am very conscience of those distinguished individuals who have received this award before me and that this perspective is not lost on me.
I realize that the time today is precious but I must say a few more words…
I would first like to thank the awards committee for this great honor and to those individuals who took it upon themselves to submit my name for this award.
I would also like to thank my wife, Sarah for her support and compassion for our shared values in life and in working together in our business.
I would be remiss, if I did not thank The Fletcher-Terry Co. and True-Vue and the folks from these two respected industry manufacturers for providing me with the opportunity to teach and share in many different corners of the world – Thank you Jen Gramm and John Peterson for being here today.
I would also like to acknowledge those associates and friends who traveled some distance to be here today to share this moment with me, especially Marco Farne (Italy), Louise Hay from the Fine Art Trade Guild (UK) and Keith Hewitt, also from the UK.
Finally, I would like to share a short story with you…
In July of 1981 I had owned my frame shop for less than 3 years. I elected to drive the 17 hours and attend my second PPFA Convention in New Orleans – the trade show filled the floor of the Super Dome. Our shop entered the PPFA framing competition and we won in both categories taking Second Place from a field of 118 entries in the Print Competition as well as an Honorable Mention in the Open Competition. Needless to say, with this being only our second framing competition, we were very excited. But what I recall mostly from that trade trip, happened later that afternoon as I was walking down one of the show aisles.
Approaching me with his arms wide open, was Burt Fosse who would later become PPFA President. He and I had served as fellow officers of the Minnesota Chapter at the time. He grabbed me and gave me the most heartfelt hug and congratulations for our competition wins. He greeted me like a father would… He was as enthusiastically happy for me as if he had won the award himself – I will never forget this experience. I believe that it his contagious empathy that epitomizes the essence of what PPFA is all about… the sharing and caring of our fellow framers success and the industry as a whole. I think that many within PPFA abide by this mantra and I invite all of us to play that forward. Thank you!
