Why Framing Matters When Entering Shows
When submitting your artwork to a gallery or juried show, first impressions aren’t just important, they’re everything. At a recent presentation hosted by the Cambridge Art Association, Frame Center’s own Dave Petty shared insight into a topic that’s often underestimated but deeply influential: framing.
The talk, playfully titled “Does This Frame Make My Art Look Big?”, unpacked the subtle but powerful ways framing can enhance or hinder an artist’s work. From presentation and professionalism to protection and perception, proper framing does far more than just “look nice”. It plays a critical role in how your art is received.
Presentation: Framing Sets the Tone
Framing is an extension of the artwork itself. It sets the stage for how viewers and jurors interpret a piece. As Dave explained during the talk, “A great frame doesn’t just hold the art. It helps tell its story.” The right choice can highlight key colors, echo emotional tones, and lend a sense of completeness to a piece.
Whether you choose a minimalist floating frame or a natural wood finish, the goal is cohesion. A well-framed piece feels intentional, like it belongs in the spotlight.
Professionalism: Framing Reflects Your Artistic Identity
In shows and galleries, framing is often a cue to your professionalism. Sloppy matting, ill-fitting glass, or overpowering frames can send the wrong message. On the other hand, high-quality framing signals that an artist takes their work seriously enough to present it with care and attention.
Frame Center encourages artists to consider framing as an integral part of their brand. Just as a signature style or palette can build recognition, consistent and thoughtful framing choices help define and elevate an artist’s identity. As Dave noted, “Framing is like packaging. It makes the piece feel finished and ready to be collected.”
Preservation: Framing Protects What You’ve Created
A show-ready frame isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about protection. Improper framing can lead to long-term damage, like fading, warping, or wrinkling from moisture exposure. Museum glass, acid-free mats, and well-fitted backing ensure your work doesn’t just look great. It lasts.
This isn’t just theory; it’s a priority for Frame Center, with over 50 years of experience helping artists safeguard their pieces for decades of enjoyment.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
During the Cambridge Art Association talk, Dave highlighted a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overpowering the art with heavy or ornate frames.
- Poor matting choices that clash or compete with the artwork.
- Using glass with heavy glare makes the piece hard to view.
These may seem minor, but they can drastically affect how a juror or buyer responds to your work.
A Broader Reach, and Deeper Commitment
While Frame Center is proudly rooted in the South Shore, our partnerships with respected organizations like the Cambridge Art Association demonstrate our growing presence in the broader New England art community. Our recent collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting artists not just locally, but throughout the region.
Whether you’re preparing for your first juried show or are a seasoned artist looking to refine your presentation, Frame Center is here to help you make every piece show-ready, with framing that does your art justice.
Reach out to Frame Center and let’s elevate your work, because the right frame doesn’t just make your art look good. It makes it unforgettable.