Some projects are memorable because of their scale. Others because of the people involved. Every once in a while, a project comes along that is both.
As the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library prepares to welcome thousands of visitors in Medora, North Dakota, it represents far more than a new building on the prairie. Set on a site overlooking the Badlands that Theodore Roosevelt famously credited with shaping his character, the library has been designed to immerse visitors in Roosevelt’s life, leadership, conservation ethic, and enduring connection to the American West. Its architecture is intentionally integrated into the landscape, reflecting the very environment that inspired Roosevelt more than a century ago.
For Carden Custom Framing, it was an honor to contribute to this historic project through two independent collaborations with acclaimed photographer Shane Balkowitsch and renowned artist Ben Brick. Although each project was unique in its scope and objectives, both required the same commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and careful attention to detail.
Preserving Shane Balkowitsch’s Original Vision
Wet plate photographer Shane Balkowitsch has earned international recognition for his mastery of the historic wet plate collodion process, a photographic technique dating back to the mid-1800s. Every image is created on a handcrafted glass plate, making each one an original work of art that cannot simply be reproduced.
For the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Shane chose a series of remarkable large-format wet plate photographs from his Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective collection to capture the spirit and legacy of North Dakota’s History and represent our Native American culture.
Our role was to archivally frame five of these original works for permanent display.
Projects involving one-of-a-kind artwork demand more than an attractive presentation. They require conservation-minded framing practices that protect the artwork while allowing viewers to experience every detail as the artist intended.
Working closely with Shane, we selected materials and framing methods designed to preserve these high-quality prints for generations of visitors. Every component – from archival mounting materials to conservation-grade glazing, like TruVue’s Optium Museum Acrylic, and precision craftsmanship – was chosen with the long-term preservation of the artwork in mind.
It was a privilege to help prepare these extraordinary pieces for a collection that will educate and inspire visitors from around the world.
Bringing Ben Bricks’ Portrait to Thousands of Visitors
Our collaboration with artist Ben Brick presented an entirely different challenge.
Ben created a stunning original oil portrait of Theodore Roosevelt that serves as an important visual element within the library’s visitor experience. Rather than framing the original painting, our role centered on helping extend its reach.
Working directly with Ben, we produced 4,000 quality giclée-style reproductions of his original portrait.
Achieving that level of consistency across thousands of prints requires meticulous color management, careful calibration, and premium printing materials. Every reproduction needed to faithfully capture the texture, color, and character of Ben’s original painting while maintaining exceptional quality from the first print to the last.
Large production projects demand not only technical precision but also dependable scheduling. Throughout the process, we worked closely with Ben to ensure the reproductions met both his quality expectations and the library’s project timeline.
The result is a collection of beautifully reproduced portraits that allows many more visitors to experience Ben’s remarkable interpretation of Theodore Roosevelt.
Two Artists. Two Different Projects. One Shared Commitment.
Although these collaborations were completely separate, they shared a common purpose: helping exceptional artists present their work at the highest possible standards.
Shane Balkowitsch entrusted us with preserving irreplaceable original artwork through archival custom framing.
Ben Brick relied on us to reproduce his original painting with extraordinary consistency across thousands of fine art prints.
Each project required different techniques, different workflows, and different expertise, but both demanded close collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. By working alongside each artist individually, we were able to meet their unique creative goals while staying on schedule for one of North Dakota’s most anticipated cultural destinations.
Craftsmanship That Supports the Story
Whether preserving an original wet plate photograph or producing thousands of fine art reproductions, our philosophy remains the same.
Our job is to help artists present their work in a way that honors their vision.
Sometimes that means selecting archival materials that protect an irreplaceable original for decades to come. Other times, it means achieving exceptional color accuracy across a large production run. In every case, the details matter.
The artwork may capture the viewer’s attention, but behind every finished piece are countless decisions, careful craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality that often goes unseen.
Honored to Be Part of North Dakota History
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is more than a destination for history enthusiasts. It is a place designed to inspire leadership, stewardship, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the landscapes and ideals that shaped Theodore Roosevelt’s life. As one of the most significant cultural projects ever undertaken in North Dakota, it stands as a lasting investment in education, conservation, and the arts.
Knowing that our work helped support two talented artists whose creations will become part of that experience is something we are incredibly proud of.
At Carden Custom Framing, we believe every project deserves the highest level of craftsmanship, whether it is a treasured family heirloom, an original work of art, or a commission destined for a nationally significant institution.
Our collaborations with Shane and Ben are a reflection of that commitment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in bringing their extraordinary work to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
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