Framing Your Artwork

Congratulations! You have now completed a body of artwork AND have been selected for the Artist Exhibit Program. What now? Here are our guidelines for preparing 2-D and 3-D artwork for exhibit:

The Clackamas County Arts Alliance exhibits all 2-D artwork using the Arakawa Hanging System (a cable hanging system: www.arakawagrip.com)

1. Selecting a Frame…You do not need to spend a fortune to have nice, professionally framed artwork!

• Consider creating work that will fit in standard-sized mats and frames; custom frames can be expensive.

• Make sure to shop around if you plan on having your work professionally framed

• Frames do not need to be fancy, expensive or ornate to look professional. Remember: you are showcasing your artwork and not the frame! Simple mats and frames are just fine!

• Canvases can be displayed with or without frames

2. Choosing hardware for the back of your work…This is an important one!

• Please use good D-rings, larger screw eyes, metal-frame D-rings, all securely installed.
  Examples of Acceptable Hooks:

• Please DO NOT use clip-frames, saw-tooth hangers, a single triangle hanger at the center, back of frame, triangle hangers/wires that are not attached to the sides of frames, very small screw eyes or corded backs—these items/methods are not compatible with the Arakawa Hanging System.
  Examples of Unacceptable Hooks::

3. Hanging wire…Please comply with the guidelines below:

• For the safety of your artwork, please use quality picture hanging wire.
• Please refrain from using fishing line, electric wire and mesh cord.

4. Attaching hardware and hanging wire to the backs of frames:

• When adjusting your hanging wire, make sure to leave plenty of lead to wrap around the wire after looping your D-Ring or screw eye—it is more secure that way.
• We recommend looping your D-Ring or screw eye hardware twice for increased safety of your artwork.

Lead wire securely wound around D-Ring	Double Loop through D=Ring	Secure lead through ring tightly wound
Short lead wire can come apart	Loose wrap can unravel	Short wire not cleanly wound and fraying

• Ideally, your hanging wire should be long enough so that, when pulled up tight, the top of the wire is at least 2” from the top of the frame.
• Please make sure that your D-rings and large screw eyes are attached at least 2” down from the top of your frame.

5. Labeling your work…even if you sign the front!

• Please attach a small card that displays your full contact information and the title of each work securely to the back of your artwork.

6. Clean your artwork before your exhibit—this will be the first time that many viewers are introduced to your work and to you as the artist. Make a good first impression!

• Dust off your work, remove fingerprints from the glass, clean out any dirt and repair any damage on the outside AND inside of your work.
• Make sure any mats are pressed snugly to the glass or Plexiglas and are not crooked in the frame, “bubbling” out or loose in the frame.

7. Preparing 3-D artwork for exhibit:

• Clean your artwork and make sure that items are: sturdy, free of flaws, and that it will fit into the 3-D display cabinet.