Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc
PO Box 1545, Westerville, Ohio 43086 .

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Tips on how to be a successful gallery artist

Studio Artist Space/Shared Gallery Space

Gallery 202 Member Benefits

Framing Tips

Exhibits Tips

Gallery 202 requires that all consignment art have proper hanging and framing requirements and/or construction . Work that does not meet the Gallery standards will not be accepted and will not be covered under the insurance requirement while on the gallery presmises or it¹s outside locations.

The following are suggestions to minimize problems with framing.

1. Do not use plastic clip, glass clip or saw tooth hangers at any time. Make sure wires do not show above the painting when it is hung. Check that glass or plastic covering is neatly inside of frame, no buckling.

2. Preferred mats are light in color, neutral for drawings, watercolours etc. Photos may have black , white/cream. Mats that are dirty or old need to be changed.

3. When hanging works on paper, attached the work by acid free tape to the top of the work and let it hang freely to allow for any expansion of the paper due to changes in humidity. Use spacers if you are not putting the artwork under a mat (especially for pastels, charcoals etc.)

4. Finish (lightly glue in place, no tape) the back off with either brown or white paper to give a professional look especially if there is writing on the back or a poor backing is used. Place your name on the back if you wish.

5. If using lathe or thin boards - make sure the corners are neat and sanded down, not warped and are secured to the painting frame, glue corners together if necessary. Finish with a light coat of sealer. If painted - keep neutral. If painting on a thin surface, placing the artwork on a separate backing board and leaving a small 'crevass' around the piece and the frame. The frame is attached to this backer board but paint edge of artwork if necessary.

6. For paintings, depending upon the work, no frame is necessary but paint the edges accordingly. Drawings can be shrink wrapped on foam board/mat board

7. Avoid the use of poster frames for large pieces - they may be less expensive but they also make the work look less professional - the frame is too thin for larger works. Often premade frames do not fit the size of the piece and the matting is off. Use frame sections that are available in various sizes to construct your own frame. Thin frames often look better on unmatted pieces. Experiment.

8. If you are displaying several pieces, frame one or two professionally and the rest in simple frames or mat and shrink wrap.

9. Bring in all work ready to be hung at time of drop off. A charge of $25 per piece will be assessed for any work that is not ready to hang for an exhibition or needs to be corrected by the Gallery. The artist must supply all the hanging wire, eye screws etc. Clean up the glass and frame from dirt, nicks etc.

10. When in doubt, ask and creative frames are possible. But remember, a frame is used for protection, should not detract from the original artwork , can be a part of the artwork and depending upon the potential customer, the frame may be the deciding point in a sale. Do not underestimate the need for a professional look.

Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc. specializes in community art programs for all ages and encourages the interaction between Artists, Patrons and Businesses.