Wed, March 27: The Gallery, Store, and Offices are closed today due to flooding around the Torpedo Factory.

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Framing & Presentation
Guidelines

The Art League gallery strives for our Exhibiting Artists to present their work in a clean, professional manner. After all, the better the presentation, the better received your artwork will be by judges, purchasers, and your fellow artists!

To help you succeed, here are our presentation guidelines & tips when submitting work for jurying with some real-world examples of DO’s & DON’T’s:

Nine frames from “The Artistic Frame: An Inquiry into the Enhancement of Paintings,” curated by William Adair and juried by Clarice Smith.
Nine frames from “The Artistic Frame: An Inquiry into the Enhancement of Paintings,” curated by William Adair and juried by Clarice Smith.

1.

NO clip frames, taped frames, or saw tooth hangers, please

2.

Works on paper

Works on paper should be matted and any work with a paper mat must have a protective covering of glass or Plexiglas – unless approved by the gallery director prior to drop-off.

3.

Works must be securely and suitably framed

Works must be securely and suitably framed with screw eyes or D-Rings and wires firmly attached to the frame itself, not to the backing. Wires can come loose and damage the artwork if not attached to the frame.

4.

Wire guidelines

Wires must be attached 1/3 from the top of the artwork for wall installation.

Wires should not reach the top of the artworks.

5.

Wet or incomplete works

Still-wet work or incomplete work will not be exhibited.

6.

Gallery-wrapped canvases

Gallery-wrapped canvases may be submitted unframed. Note: edges must be finished; no staples, tacks, or tape visible.

7.

Unusual displays

Unusual framing or display approaches must be approved by Gallery staff before submission.

Questions?

Any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected] or call 703-683-1780. We are more than happy to answer your presentation questions and needs.

The Art League Gallery Recommendations for Framing:

  • Carriage House Picture Framing: 215 S Union St, Alexandria, VA / 703-548-5319
  • Frame Masters: 8305 Merrifield Avenue, Fairfax, VA / 703-573-5734
Fancy Free by Ann Ruppert
Fancy Free by Ann Ruppert

Become an Exhibiting Artist

Exhibiting Artist membership to The Art League gallery provides artists with the continual opportunity to have their work judged by esteemed local arts professionals, and to compete to exhibit their work in one of Washington’s largest art galleries.