Finding Exhibition Opportunities - Instructions for Unpacking, Assembly, Display, and Re-Packing
September 08, 2011
Proper packing for an exhibition is more than just protecting the work until delivery. Anticipating what the exhibition staff needs to properly unpack, assemble, display, and ultimately repack can earn you a reputation, good or bad, for subsequent exhibitions.
When your work arrives at an exhibition packed professionally, it earns the respect of the exhibition staff. You gain a reputation as a prepared and professional artist who knows what to do.
Good packing accompanied with instructions and reusable packing materials for repacking helps assure that your work will be returned in the same condition.
In the previous post on ASK Harriete, these five boxes (right photo) were shown. They hold the sculpture titled, Pick Up Your Pencils, Begin. I didn't like the printing on the boxes. It is distracting and looks kind of cheap, in a very bad, NOT good WAY!
RECOMMENDATION: If there is printing on the box, cover it with tape.
Use Gummed Kraft Tape. This is the tape that you make wet with a sponge. I have gummed kraft tape in brown and white. I use the brown color for brown cardboard boxes and white for white boxes.
Remember to weigh your boxes so you can estimate your shipping costs as accurately as possible for the exhibition sponsor. Are you ready with your shipping information?
Pick Up Your Pencils, Begin ships in five boxes; each box is 40" ht. x 12" x 12". Weight for each box: 26lbs., 26lbs., 30 lbs., 25 lbs., 23 lbs.
Prepare Instructions for Unpacking, Assembly, Display, and RePacking. I glue this to the outside of the box, and/or inside the flap and always put a loose copy in the box. Below is an example for Pick Up Your Pencils, Begin.
Here are some links to previous posts on packing.
Shipping Boxes for Art or Craft Should Include Instructions
Tips on Packing Your Art or Craft for Shipping to an Exhibition.
How To Ship Large Artwork? Asking ASK Harriete, the artist, a few questions.
Stay tuned for these Upcoming Posts on ASK Harriete:
- Is it ethical for a gallery to put consignment items in storage?
- Behind the CaFE Curtain: Insights as a Juror Using CaFE
- Behind the CaFE Curtain: Tips for Improving Your CaFE Juried Application
This post was updated on February 10, 2022.