Artist to Artist: Tips for Art Preparation

Have you ever shipped your work across the country?

When should you use glassine? 

What did you package your work in when you dropped it off at the museum? 

Is bubble wrap your friend or foe? 

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh hosted a conversation among our members on art preparation. Preparing your work for transport is important: it protects the art and presents you as a professional. During this open conversation, we invite you to bring both your questions and expertise to your fellow members. Together, we swaped success stories, learned from one another's missteps, and tackled current transport issues. You can find some additional resources below Joining us for the conversation will be AAP artists Mary Culbertson Stark and Scott Hunter. 

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Notes from the workshop:

Boxes/Packing

-Look for cardboard being thrown away in order to make your own packing. Good places to find cardboard like this are window/hardware stores.

-Custom boxing from professional companies are great for shipping or far travel. They are expensive. (Pak Mail in Irwin,PA was recommended for this)

-Foam is better for acrylic.

-Glassine is great if it is new. Once used and crinkled it can have sharp edges that may damage the piece.

-Spacers are great to include. Make this with more cardboard.

-One person suggested cardboard against a piece, then bubble wrap, and then cardboard again.

Do you have a tip for Artwork Preparation? Send us an email at aap@aapgh.org