SOS CHAPTER RESOURCES
FCA Framing Standards
This list of framing standards has been established over the years at the Federation Gallery to keep your artwork safe, and to give it the best possible chance to sell. Recently, changes have been made in the FCA policy manual, which are reflected in the list below.
For the safety of your artwork:
1.
All frames must be properly prepared and sturdy enough to hang safely. To
that end, all wires and wire findings must be suited to carrying the weight
of the painting. Do not secure backings into frames with any kind of tape.
2. All paints must be wired on the back for hanging, no matter what size.
3. All wires must be clean, rust free and must be taut across the back of
the work. Findings must be located so that the painting hangs flatly against
the wall.
4. Watercolours under glass in metal frames must have the backing secured
within the frame with "spring bugs" or "frogs" so neither
the glass nor the matting can shift.
5. Watercolours under glass in wooden frames must be closed on the back
with paper.
6. Images surrounded by paper mats must be framed under glass.
To enhance the presentation of your artwork in a group exhibition:
1.
To benefit the overall appearance of group shows, frames should be as simple
or minimal as possible. All mats must be white or off-white, (A ¼
to ½ inch coloured liner is permissible) Hanging paintings with coloured
mats is no longer at the discretion of the Gallery manager, and as such,
failure to use a neutral mat will mean your painting is not presented to
the public regardless of the type of show, juried or rental.
2. All mats and back mats or boards must be acid free.
3. All mats and linen liners must be clean, cut and prepared in a sharp,
professional manner.
4. All mats and frames must be odour-free.
5. Frameless glass with chips is not acceptable.
6. Unframed paintings on stretched blocks of canvas must wrap around the
sides and have the staples on the back of the stretcher bars, not the sides.
Sides must be painted either as a continuation of the image or a neutral
colour, black or grey.
7. All frames (or edges) must be undamaged. When choosing a frame please
keep in mind that sturdy frames stand a better chance of resisting scratches,
etc.
8. Dates should not appear on the front of the work.
9. The title and signature line beneath an original print may not ever have
been erased or rewritten.
10. The mat surrounding an original print must be clean and professionally
cut.
11. Artists must present their artwork in a professional manner so that
the gallery staff can confidently represent the artist's ability, authenticity
and professional commitment.
Other considerations:
1.
An Accepted Painting for a Juried Show must be the same one depicted in
the slide/Digital image presented to the jury, not altered in any manner.
2. All Accepted Paintings for a Juried Show must have the completed Painting
Label secured to the back.
3. All paintings must be labelled on the back with at least: artist's name,
painting title, medium and image size.
