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Display walls for artwork

Posted by Samuel B. Whitehead on December 20, 2010 at 5:01pm

Hi,

Can anybody give me some advice on what's the best option for displaying framed paintings inside a booth tent? I've seen both wire-grid walls and the carpeted-type walls, but I'm not sure what works the best.

I've looked at the Pro Panels, but I wonder if there is a less costly option, as I am a newbie (I've been a roadie at craft shows for my wife's business for 5 years) exhibitor and am unsure if my work will "catch on" with the public.

Any advice would be welcome.

Many Thanks,

S.B. Whitehead

http://www.sbwfineart.com

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Replies

Deb Fox January 18, 2011 at 2:19pm

Check out panels from new venture products .com located in Clearwater. They are made of sunbrella canvas and self heal from hook holes. Mine are grey and look like gallery walls when set up. After several years of use they still look good.
- Samuel B. Whitehead > Deb Fox January 18, 2011 at 5:06pm
  
  Thanks! The best suggestion to date!
Larry Berman December 26, 2010 at 8:14pm

Mesh walls or Pro Panels look the most professional in a booth where 2D work is hanging. If you decide on mesh walls, keep your canopy walls hanging behind the mesh walls so that the back lighting doesn't distract people who are looking at your work. Pro Panels are light weight and look like gallery walls. With a little luck, you can pick up a set used as they are always coming up for sale when artists retire or decide doing art shows isn't for them.

Larry Berman
Digital Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Diane Wright December 26, 2010 at 1:40pm

I am not a 2D artist (I'm a jewelry person) but I have been using gridwalls. I connect them using zip ties (forget those thing they sell to keep them together). I also bought the feet which helps when I need to use one or two by themselves. Gridwalls are inexpensive & let the air through during the summer, which I like. They have worked well for me although I am going to begin the switch to propanels this year. The propanels look more professional and, I think, are the industry standard.
Amy Perrier December 26, 2010 at 9:54am

I've been doing shows only 3 years and use gridwalls. I like them because of their versatility and price. I always rent 2 spaces at shows so I'm dragging around a lot of grids. The only downside to me is that they are very heavy. We have a "clydesdale" wagon which will haul them all in one shot which has helped tremendously. If you end up with gridwall, consider using zip ties to connect them instead of the little thingys they'll want you to buy. Much easier and faster to put up and tear down. I'm not sure I'll continue to use the grids; may switch to the mesh because of the weight, but it is a considerable investment.
Melanie Rolfes December 20, 2010 at 7:23pm

I really like gridwalls. They are cheap, very versatile (you can make tons of different types of walls, tables, cubes), super sturdy, easy to transport, compact and great weights for your tent. If itis hot then a breeze comes through. Lots of light can filter through as well. They are a great way to start off IMO.

I have upgraded to propanels and my sales are better with the nicer walls, but I still like the gridwalls.
- steve appel > Melanie Rolfes December 21, 2010 at 9:45am
  
  I use grid walls and they are not light. also with grid walls you can see right thru them, my neighbor at the last show i did had mesh panel walls and his work looked great against them if you go to flourish.com you will see them and prices. most of the artists i know use propanels and they love them i also know you can get them in different colors. i used grids and if you have a small van you will go thru tires or shocks within a year or so.
- Samuel B. Whitehead > Melanie Rolfes December 21, 2010 at 9:31am
  
  Many thanks!
  
  Just one other question, if I may - (I will assume for the moment that you are an artist or photographer) do you have any advice on giclee prints? What to look for, what to avoid? I've done a lot of research on the internet (more to do), but seeing as the prices are what they are, I'm keen to keep newbie mistakes to a minimum.
  
  Thanks, Sam
  - Geoff Coe > Samuel B. Whitehead December 21, 2010 at 10:12am
    
    Sam: I tried 3 vendors before I found artisticphotocanvas.com (APC)
    
    Your image is printed directly on the canvas, not printed on paper and then bound into the canvas. Great service, inexpensive shipping and the quality is outstanding. They are NOT the cheapest on the block. They ARE the best.
    
    I've also heard good things about White House Custom Color (whcc.com) but they print on paper, then bind the work to the canvas. Prices are similar to APC.