Where to Start
Most of us start with creating and then think about how to display or prepare for exhibition well into the process. What follows here are suggestions that will help with managing the cost of finishing your work for exhibition and improve your success with professional presentation of your work. Professionally prepared artwork greatly enhances your exhibition opportunities and sale of work. If you are creating work for a specific exhibition read all conditions of artwork presentation carefully before starting.
Wall Mounted Art Work - Gallery Systems vs Traditional Hooks and Nails Explained
There are many factors determining whether a venue has a gallery hanging system, uses traditional nails and hooks or a combination of the two. As an artist preparing art to work with either system will save time, trouble, money and build relationships.
A gallery hanging system consists of a rail at or near the ceiling with wire and a hook at the wire end to attach to the artwork. The wire is visible with the hook hidden. Gallery hanging systems require traditionally framed artwork or artwork securely mounted/created on a stable structure. Galleries using this system require that the wire on the back of the artwork is at least three inches from the top of the piece. Usually a single wire is used for lighter pieces and two wires for heavier bulkier pieces.
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With traditional nail and hook hanging, placement of nails and hooks are moved and changed for each new artwork with wall repair and painting as needed.
The traditional system is more forgiving in hanging non-traditional and unframed artwork. In this picture from an exhibit at Arc Gallery, the work is hung creatively with decorative nail pounded through the glove at the end of the bar.
Even though traditional hanging with hooks and nails allows more freedom, it should never be assumed that the gallery/venue will accept unframed work such as hanging a paper work or unstretched canvas with tacks at the corners or even the creative method of hanging artwork as pictured above. Always inquire in advance.
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Wiring Artwork for Wall Hanging - Do's and Don'ts
The same rules apply for wiring whether the artwork is framed or unframed.
Do NOT wrap wire across the back in a tangle as shown above. Do NOY use sawtooth hangers as in the picture below
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This is DIY (do it yourself) professional quality wiring on light weight natural wood frame. Paper backing was applied to cover archival board and tacking before adding D-rings and wire. Wire is knotted at ring and wrapped close to edge for easy safe handling. Close-up below
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Framing supplies can be ordered online This alternate style D-ring 1/2" x 4" with four screw holes can be used with heavier works, especially works mounted on board. Always make sure the wire selected is tested to hold the weight of your artwork. One of the many framing supply sites which carries a large variety of D-rings for small to large heavy works is http://www.unitedmfrscatalog.com/lg_display.cfm/catalog/Catalog_772_Revised/page/2
Wire is taped to cover rough ends
Eye hooks can be used on the inside of stretcher bars
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Bumpons are placed at the bottom of the piece so that it hangs level. They also help to keep the artwork hanging straight and minimize scratches to the wall. They come in felt as shown here, foam and clear plastic.
Choosing Frames and Framing Basics
For artists that work in mediums requiring framing, planning ahead to create artwork that will fit in standard size stock frames saves money, lots of money, time and frustration. A trip to local stores selling frames to check quality and standard stock sizes available in your area is time well spent. Chose plain non-decorative frames. Simple well constructed black frames work everywhere. Natural wood is an alternative. For matted work, choose non-color white mats. Even in venues that do not limit styles and colors of frames and mats, following the recommendation of plain black frames and white mats gives a professional appearance and increases the possibilities of where your work can be hung in a gallery.
Standard Frame Sizes
This list represents common sizes found at both a chain art supply store and local independent: 8 x 10, 10 x 10, 11 x 14, 11 x 17, 12 x 16, 12 x 18, 14 x 18, 16 x 16, 16 x 20, 18 x 24, 20 x 24, 20 x 28, 20 x 30, 24 x 30, 24 x 36. Quality in ready made standard stock size non-decorative frames does vary. In this sampling, the local independent had the most professional appearing frames.
Plexi versus Glass
More and more galleries are setting the standard for plexi for exhibitions. When framed work is shipped, even if there is no restriction to using glass in framed work, it is a good idea to use plexi so your work arrives intact. For the exhibit Choice we ask for plexi for shipped work and accept glass for hand delivered work.
Non-traditional and Unframed Work
The goal as an artist is to have professional looking finished work. Deep stretcher bars often called gallery 1 3/8, 1 1/2 or museum 2", 2 1/4", 2 3/8" look great with the painting carried over the sides or with solid finish. Paintings on traditional 3/4" stretchers should be framed. Non-traditional works need to have finished edges so the curator and gallery staff can handle the work without getting slivers or other injuries. Always check with the gallery for fabric works and other non-traditional unframed works for local requirements for hanging artwork.
