Saturday, February 8, 2020

Saturday Solutions: ways to save on art displays


When I was in grad school, one of my classmates, a printmaker, had the ingenious idea to deliberately create work that would fit into cheap frames from IKEA, and stock up on them. I think of his strategy often when I watch fellow artists who make work on paper struggle to afford to get their work custom framed. Face it, sometimes framing feels like an expensive nuisance. Yet as an interior designer, I often come across inventive, interesting, and unusual frames, cases, and other display accessories that are far less costly than what custom framers offer.

Whether you plan to exhibit original work on paper, prints, or photos, if they're in standard sizes, here are some intriguing ways to display it:






 This Infinity Photo Frame from Umbra would look better with circular artwork inside, but I like the concept.








The Umbra Exhibit Photo Display can even be mounted diagonally.
Imagine the possibilities if you were to remove the mats from this two-sided Umbra Pano Room Divider and Photo Display.

This minimalist Lucite poster frame from Poketo essentially disappears and leaves the focus on the art.

Another clear display I've long admired is the Acrylic Tripod Easel from CB2.



If you would prefer a version of this in color, there are some great options at H Studio.


The easels are the most expensive option I'm sharing, but they can be reused indefinitely, unlike frames.


And for small sculptures and installations, these glass storage boxes from Kikkerland are an inexpensive option:



This display stand from IKEA would be great for collection of small sculptures or an installation piece.

And this display from IKEA is like a miniature museum and can be viewed from all sides.





So if you're an artist looking for a way to display your work in art shows without breaking the bank or having to build your own frames from scratch, begin with the end in mind.


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