Framing and wiring paintings is an important step in preparing paintings to show because it protects and presents it for exhibition. The professional presentation of a well framed piece of artwork enhances it and is an important finish which show judges do consider. 

The following general framing requirements apply to all WSA shows:​

  1. Works on paper must be matted and framed or firmly adhered to cradled wood panels with no loose edges.

  2. Any artwork with glass must have a frame. Artwork under glass that is over 22”x 28” must be framed with plexiglass. Museum or archival quality plexiglass is recommended. 

  3. Only wire is accepted for hanging. All artwork must have a wire attached to the frame with D-rings. Wire must be of sufficient gauge to bear the weight of the art piece. Wire must be affixed in such a way that when the piece is hung from either one or two hooks and the wire does not show. Clip art, saw toothed frames or pinch clip hangers will not be accepted.

  4. All frames must be presentable. This means clean, dust-free, and undamaged. Corners must be square with no loose frame corners.

  5. Works on canvas should be framed unless the canvas is gallery-wrapped. In that case, the sides must be painted. See below for more information about  gallery wrapped definition.

  6. All art pieces must include a label on the upper left back corner with:

 

How the wire should be secured to the back of a frame…

Wire Secured with D rings for Wooden Frames 

 

Wire Secured with Screw in Hangers on Metal Frames

What is a gallery wrapped canvas? 

The canvas material wraps around thick, durable wooden stretcher bars. Because the canvas material folds tightly around the canvas, you can’t see the staples or fasteners used to secure the stretched canvas. Most gallery wrapped frames are at one and half to two inches. 

                               Gallery Wrapped 

Staples on the side of wrapped canvas is NOT considered gallery wrapped. It is referred to as “studio wrapped”. Studio wrapped canvases must be framed. 

NOT Gallery Wrapped

 

What is saw tooth?

                                NOT ALLOWED

Pinch Clip Hangers and Clip Art Frames

                  NOT ALLOWED

 

Area frame stores:

Page Waterman Gallery and Framing

Framed in Time,  Framingham

Online:

Blicks

Wholesale Frame Company

King of Frame

Florida Frames