Anyone doing Art Shows? - DPChallenge Forums

04/17/2007 12:50:27 AM · #1

Well, I'm getting into some local art shows this summer. I'll have framed prints, but I'd also like to offer some unframed prints, to cover the lower end of sales. I'm a firm believer in hinge mounting for framed prints. But for just prints, any I've seen for sale lately, they have been matted and dry mounted to foam core backing. My question is-to anyone already doin it, how do you offer just prints?

Second question- what do use for a display wall to hang your framed pieces?

Third question- for small, local type shows, what kinds of prices seem to work? for say, framed and unframed 8 x 10s, 5 x 7s, 11 x 14s ?

Fourth question- do you do anything at all with say, 4 x 5s?

Fifth question- do you have any answers to questions I havn't thought to ask? (advice :-) )

thank-you :-)

mcrael

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D

04/17/2007 02:24:32 AM · #2

Hi Gene,

First question: Attach print to back of front mat, place this in a crystal clear bag with a foamcore backing. I used to tape the foamcore backing to the back of my mat, but then discovered that some standard frames were not deep enough to hold both, meaning the customer might have to pry apart and then discard the backing.

Second question: I use 4' x 4' display grids. My grid spaces are 4" square, but I wish they were smaller because 4" squares can make hanging the work a bit difficult - spaces between pieces are either too wide or too tight. My husband custom-made a display unit for me. 4 display grids assemble onto the frame he made in a U-shape. 8 feet wide, 4 feet deep, my display booth is a 10' x 10' space.

Third question: you'll just have to try all sizes and see what works in your area. I started with 5x7s in 8x10 mats and 8x10s in 11x14 mats. I sold very few of the 5x7s. The 8x10s do better. I also sell the 8x10s in frames and they do okay too. Last year I added 16x20 framed pieces, and do well with those too.

Fourth question: the only thing I sell smaller than 5x7 is note cards. If you offer a deal like 4 for $10 they seem to do well.

Fifth question: subject matter; you'll just have to try to see what works in your area; keep track of what you sell to see if customer preferences are apparent, or you see patterns. I track size, mat color, image, and even frame color. You know what? I sell a bit of everything - no strong trend in any given area. What sells one year, may not sell the next.

Good luck!

Linda

04/17/2007 05:56:42 AM · #3

Thanks Linda.
So, to make sure I'm clear- you hinge mount the print to mat, then just put in a foam core back loose in the sleeve? And this keeps the package rigid and safe enough?
And, do you have a good source for the plastic sleeves?

Also, that is a good idea about tracking. I mean, I did plan on tracking what prints and what sizes did well, but I hadn't even thought on keeping track of mat and frame colors :-) thanks

Message edited by author 2007-04-17 05:58:23.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/17/2007 07:51:15 AM · #4

good mornin' bump :-)

_eug

Nikon D50

04/17/2007 12:31:09 PM · #5

Found it.

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=411327&highlight=plastic%20sleeves

ralph

Nikon Z9

04/17/2007 12:46:21 PM · #6

excellent thread on dpreview
//forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1014&message=22800267