Spring Cleaning: ProPanels Display, Double Panel Lights and TrimLine Canopy
Got out some of my art fair booth setup this past weekend and everything looks ready to go.
Meet Me on Main at the Art on Main Gallery and Gifts - #carmelIN #carmelindiana #meetmeonmain
On Saturday, March 9 from 5-9 p.m., you’re welcome to visit Carmel Art on Main Gallery’s. It’s the opening reception for their March Feature Exhibit & Sale that includes myself and 11 other accomplished artisans.
Art in the Bathroom. Good Idea? - #decor #tips
A lot of people like to hang fine art in their homes. Living rooms, hallways, any space where they want to add detail or character. This can also include the bathroom. It needs decoration, too, right? Absolutely! But let’s take a minute to think it through and do it right.
Humidity is one of the biggest enemies of fine art prints, and bathrooms are full of it! It can cause mold and foxing (brown spots that appear crinkled on the paper), effectively ruining the piece. If you absolutely have to hang a fine art piece in your bathroom, there are some steps you can take to protect against the moisture.
9 Rounds
Use the exhaust fan. Have it running during a shower or bath and leave it on for 15 minutes after you’re done
Use metal frames. Wood frames are subject to changes in temps so they will expand and contract which can not only damage the frame, but allow in moisture. For this reason alone, I always suggest you not hang an item purchased from me in a bathroom.
Circulate the air. Leave the door open whenever possible.
Choose art that is created using a high standard of archival-quality materials. These are less susceptible to the environment.
While these can help, it’s not a guarantee. the bathroom is not the place to hang pieces that are irreplaceable.
How Does UV Protection Work With Picture Frames?
What Is UV Light
Light plays a big role in photography! We may want the best light while we are in the field, but we definitely want our artwork protected from light at the end.
UV light, both A and B, is not in our visible spectrum but is present in the light we see every day. It is a very strong light that can have a very big impact. It is more prolific in sunlight and fluorescent lighting, but is present everywhere.
When looking at a fine-art photo, you may notice several components: the colors pop, the shadows are striking, the detail is phenomenal, etc. The dyes, papers, inks all used to make that final piece of art are essentially chemicals. UV light is so strong that it will break down those chemicals when exposed…colors will fade and paper will become brittle and yellow over time. Having the right glass helps to ensure your investment is protected!
Of course, there many variations on UV protection: glass can be glazed with a protective coating, the glass itself can be made with protective materials within its layers…some work to absorb the UV rays, others work to reflect the UV rays. None are necessarily better than the other from a protection standpoint, but they may impact viewing of the artwork. “Museum Glass” is often described as the best for this purpose: it blocks harmful UV rays, but also doesn’t impact the color/clarity/detail of what you can see behind the glass.
Red Eye
To Give Your Art the Best Chance For Survival
I include UV Anti-Reflective Glass Water ArtGlass (Museum Glass Quality), this is the ultimate in art visibility and protection. It provides 92% UV protection with low-iron and no-tint. This museum quality artglass is an ultra clear framing glass that will protect your art and preserve the fine details of the work's texture and colors. It’s smooth surface allows for details to emerge unaltered, with a scratch resistant and easy to clean Artglass AR coating. Please Note: all items larger than 24" x 28" use a museum quality non-glare acrylic with 92% UV protection.
All of my pieces are archival, which means that I use only certified archival papers, inks, signature pen and other framing materials. The inks and papers I use are rated for longevity and permanence by Aadenburg Imaging and Archives to last decades without fading or color change when displayed under proper conditions (no direct UV light for extended periods of time). You can be sure your investment will remain in the same condition in which you received it for many generations.
To best protect your possessions but still display your artwork, make sure that no paintings, prints and photographs are hanging in direct sunlight and follow the advice located here Artglass, Frame and Acrylic Cleaning Instructions
How to enjoy your art fair!
Tips for Enjoying Your Next Art Fair
Fairs are a great place to see a variety of art all in one place, enjoy a day solo or with family & friends, and find unique pieces for your home or office. Be careful, though…they can be overwhelming. A few simple tips can help keep it enjoyable!
- Be weather-aware. Sunny & 90 degrees, be sure to bring water & sunscreen. Rain the previous 2 days, be prepared for mud if it’s in a grassy area. Being prepared for weather will take a lot of the stress off!
- Do a practice lap. First, make a leisurely trip around the fair, taking a quick peek at all booths. Make a note of those you want to come back to on lap two. This will make sure you see all options before purchasing and also allow for a more relaxing experience since you won’t feel rushed.
- Schedule down time. Check the fair schedule ahead of time and see where you may be able to take some breaks. Will there be live music? Food options? Definitely plan to stop and enjoy these added perks. You will want to be able to take the time and take in the art in the booths you enjoy. If you’re pushing through 30 booths in one hour, fatigue will set in. Take some breaks and enjoy some art in musical and culinary forms.
- Take photos. Maybe an artist or piece catches your eye, but you’re not quite ready to buy. Take a quick photo of the tag with the piece name, as well as the artist card or statement. When you’re ready, you an easily reach out through their website/email. However, please make sure it's ok with the artist before capturing an image.
- Engage the artists. Feel free to ask them about their materials, inspirations, background, etc...This is their passion, their craft, and most are eager to have these conversations. This is a great way to connect with the art, don’t be shy!
- Traveling with picture frames. When you’re traveling with your own car, small and large frames can be packed similarly to how you would when it’s being shipped. I use these custom art boxes with puncture guard liners for online purchases or these GalleryPouches for items purchased at art fairs to guard against nicks and dents, and overall protection. When traveling with a picture frame, ensure that it’s secured inside the car so that it will not shift or bounce around. Anything that isn’t tied down can become a dangerous projectile in even a small fender bender.
See You There!
take a minute to visit me at some of the best juried art fairs in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois.
