These guidelines are designed to yield simple, successful presentation solutions that spotlight your art. Please know that costly frames are not required.

• The finished presentation – front, back, top, bottom and sides – is part of the whole work. It should appear to  be new and well crafted, without scratches.  All work should be sturdy, not flimsy or fragile.

• All work must be presented as ready‐to‐hang upon delivery. All 2D artwork (including framed works, canvases  and panels) must have a wire hanging system. Wire should be attached to the back of the frame between  one‐third and one‐quarter of the way down the piece.  Stainless steel braided picture wire works best for smooth  hanging and deters rusting.

• Do not use sawtooth hangers. They are not strong enough to support the weight of  most frames safely.

• Some grand masterpieces are well suited for hand‐carved gold frames; however most pieces look best in modest frame moldings with clean lines and black, white, neutral, or natural wood finishes. 

• Photographs and all two‐dimensional work on paper should be matted with neutral  tones (white or off‐white) and covered with clean, scratch‐free glass or Plexiglas.

• Any photograph or digital image printed on an aluminum substrate must have its own hanging system included (see photo for example).

• Float‐mounting the artwork over the mat, so that the edges are seen, is an option when an artwork has a deckle edge or is constructed with handmade paper. A spacer within the frame should be used to keep the art from touching the glass or Plexiglas.

• When framing a stretched canvas no glass or Plexiglas is required – as the canvas needs to breathe.

• Large oils or acrylics on heavy‐duty stretchers do not need to be framed. The canvas should be stapled on the back and the edge should be painted.

• 2D and 3D work cannot weigh more than 100 lbs.

• Sculptures can be displayed on pedestals provided by the HCA.

• Quilts and other fiber work should include a sleeve or other place for your hardware – and be ready to hang.