I. Prepare your Art piece using archival techniques.
I.A. Paper should be a cotton rag. The canvas should be cotton or linen.
I.B. Stretchers should have finger joints and be shaped so the canvas face only touches the edge of the face. Select straight-grain stretchers that will not warp. Copper tacks should be used to stretch the canvas.
I.C. Painting supplies should be compatible. All from the same supplier is best. The use of natural materials is not a good idea as they will fade or decompose over time.
I.D. Do not paint on cloth without applying Gesso Apply gesso to the canvas thickly as an isolation layer and as a sealer. If texture is desired it should be pressed from the front or molded on the front rather than be provided by the canvas or object smashed into the canvas. Use modeling paste for a three-dimensional effect. Paint should be applied in a uniform layer. Picture varnish should only be applied after the piece is thoroughly dried and is not needed for a first exhibit.
II. Determine the best of your artwork for the exhibition. It should be an artwork that expresses who you are at your current level of development. III. Frame and wire your artwork the right way.
III.A. Work on paper must be framed and matted. Matting prevents creation from sticking to the glass.
III.B. Paintings should fit into the frame so no canvas is exposed on the side. Brads can be used with canvas boards behind the back of the board. Brads should never pierce the canvas to hold a canvas in place.
III.C. Wires should be mounted so there is no protrusion of hooks in the back so if paintings are stacked there is no protrusion to damage the next painting
IV. Label your artwork with your name, title, medium, date, and price. If your signature and date are not on the painting itself then it must be on the back. A label can be used.
V. Price your artwork appropriately. A good rule of thumb is the cost of materials plus the value of the time you spent in hours.
VI. Take good pictures of your artwork.
VII. Put this information in an inventory list or catalog for your art.
VIII. Update your bio and artist statement.
IX. Write a story about your art. Include how it was made and how the idea was developed.
X. Plan safe transport of the art to the Exhibition.