framing requirements for hanging art in our gallery

GENERAL

• All works must be your own from conception. No copies or works created in coached art classes. We will be doing a “reverse image” online for any artworks that look like they have been inspired from paintings on social media or art sites.
• Art works must be well framed
• No “photo frames” will be accepted in 2026 (this includes frames with stand backs or clips on the back for hanging)
• Clean frames! Please don’t deliver artworks covered in dust and marks.
• Frames must be well joined at the corners (no gaps), free from scratches & marks.
• On the reverse side- D rings and either picture-framers cord OR plastic-coated wire firmly tied and secure. No screw eyes, string or bare wire will be accepted. [All are available from Bunnings. The gallery can provide you with cord @ $1.00 per metre.]
• Labels with your details– Your name, title of work, medium used, price. Invest in some labels that stay stuck! Vista print or similar on line is a good place to start. Office stickers just fall off after a week.
• Gallery volunteers are not responsible for guessing your info is correct, it must be clearly written by you at the time of delivery & match your entry info.

WORKS UNDER GLASS:

• • • clean the glass before delivery
    • tape the back to cover all staples
    • use professionally cut matting with bevel edge
    • use acid free backing (no MDF)

WORKS ON STRETCHED CANVAS:

• • • ONLY WIDE PROFILE CANVASES MAY BE EXHIBITED UNFRAMED; all other formats are to be framed.
    • the sides of unframed canvases must be painted and all staples are on the back of the work.

A frame can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your artwork and increase your chances for a sale. Frames surround your art to act as a window, bringing dominance and weight to art pieces. Framing sets the stage from which your art will be experienced. Frames further direct the viewers’ focus on the image within.

When exhibiting for the first time you may need to consider the cost of the framing versus what you can realistically charge for your piece.

There are ranges of “ready made” frames popping up which is helpful on the Central Coast, as there are few framers up the north end of the coast. Base Warehouse at Lakehaven has a good range for both works under glass and canvas painting. You can explore larger retailers too.

CUSTOM FRAMING

This is the ideal choice as it ensures that the frame choice and advice is top shelf. However, it is also the dearest choice, so if you are on a budget you might like to explore some of the alternatives listed below. There are many framers on the Central Coast, the best framer for you is one that is familiar with “artists work” as many cater for mainly business documents and prints. This is particularly important when dealing with works on paper, how they are attached to matts and the archival materials used. Ask your fellow artists who they use, particularly artists that have been painting for some time, rather
than beginners trying out the cheapest.

READY MADES WITH MATS & GLASS

Frames with stand backs such as photo frames are not accepted as wall art hanging at TADAS. However, you can remove the backing and replace with fomecore available at Bunnings & Eckersleys Art Supplies, then add D rings and cord. Keep in mind these are often plastic frames that do scratch and
gouge very easily. Wood frames are more durable and available in many tones to fit with both paintings and decor. Also be aware that the larger sizes often come with perspex and not glass. In the short term this isn’t a problem but after a year most of these budget perspex components begin to yellow. Remove the MDF backing (filled with acid that eats into your work) and replace with screen board or fomecore board.

READY MADE CANVASES WITH FRAMES

Very popular at the moment and take a stretched canvas to the next level in appearance are floating frames for canvas works. The canvas is set into a
deep frame leaving a small gap between canvas and frame, great way to make you canvas art stand out. Best suited to deep sided or wide profile stretcher canvases. There are ranges of packages now available that offer you the frame and canvas already for you to paint then hang! Perfect for all
levels of artist, try Base Warehouse or art suppliers on line for this option.

UNFRAMED ARTWORKS

In each of our exhibitions, we have a section that allows artists to submit for sale – up to 4 works that are unframed. What this means is that you may
display art pieces that are unframed, wrapped in clear cellophane then labelled as per framed works. If they are works on paper they need to be either matted and a lightweight rigid backing used such as fomecore or fluteboard. These works appeal to buyers that are looking for gifts or travelling and don’t have storage space in travel bags or cars. We accept up to A3 in overall size.

IN CONCLUSION

When you decide to display your art in a public gallery you are asking the public to pay money for your piece of art, you are retailing a product, the same as as anything you might buy in any store. With that in mind, think about what you expect when you purchase something brand new and what you would do if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Most people would return the piece and expect an exchange or refund. So please make sure your artwork is 100% ready for purchase.

Also consider what today’s home looks like – note decor accents including colour schemes, while that turn of the century solid wood or ornate gold frame might be in great condition, no one wants to hang it in a modern home. Our gallery buyers are generally buying for new or restyled homes.