Week in Review 2023 – 10/06

Setting Up an Exhibition

Where do I begin when setting up an exhibition? It doesn’t matter whether I am working on a group exhibition or a solo exhibition the first step is always the same. I view and measure the space where the exhibition will take place. If that isn’t possible I request a gallery or floor plan. Still there is nothing better than viewing the space in person. Why, because you make discoveries, such as wooden wainscoting, railings and light switches.

Take Measurements

One of the awkward walls that might appear on a floor plan as being good for a large quilt, but clearly can only handle small work. The paintings are Bob Beaulieu.

Once in the space where the exhibition will take place, I (actually the Senior Executive Director of Studio Operations aka my husband) takes picture. We measure the space and make notes. The measurements are transferred to the images.

Now this wall can accommodate a large quilt or two.

Now it is my turn, really. I create “walls” scaled down to a 12:1 – actual size of wall to planning paper wall size. Next I do the very same thing with the quilts to be hung. I print their scaled images. This allows me to curate the exhibition. Here’s a great tip: use Zig’s (or similar product) two way glue. If you let the glue dry completely it functions like a Post-It note. In other words it sticks, but can be removed again and again. Once I am satisfied with the exhibition layout, I save it in a file folder until it is time to hang the exhibition.

Remember that awkward space? I solved it by grouping six 8″ x 8″ artworks.

The Big Day Arrives

Finally the big day arrives, it is time to hang the exhibition. I gather up the art, the SEDOSO (husband) gathers up tools and other necessaries and we head to the venue. I have the file folder with the scaled exhibition plan handy. The SEDOSO working with the facilities manager climb ladders, hammer hooks in the walls and measure the walls for where those hooks needed to be located. I let them know what will hang where using my scaled exhibition as a guide. “We” hung 16 artworks in 90 minutes. We spent a little longer in order to take pictures. Now that’s how to hang an exhibition!

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

I finished my Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt!

How Does Your Garden Grow, my 2023 Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt is on the left.

I’m linking up to the following posts:

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By Gwyned Trefethen

I am an artist who uses fabric, thread and miscellany to create designs gifted to me by my imagination.

10 comments

    1. The title of my exhibit is Creatures Great and Small. The side by side quilts (How Does Your Garden Grow and Out of the Ashes) both contain butterflies. I was so glad I worked ahead so I could use my 2023 RSC quilt.

  3. What a great organization for setting up a show! Your RSC is lovely on this big wall. I love SEDOSO’s contribution ;))
    Thank you for sharing your process, and linking up!

    1. Frédérique, I will let SEDOSO know you approve of his help. He does like a mention now and again on my posts. He definitely deserves them. Thanks for your positive feedback about Creatures Great and Small.

  4. Thanks for the behind the scenes look at setting up an exhibit! Your artworks all look fantastic in their new space. Congratulations on finishing your RSC quilt – it looks fantastic, too!

    1. I’m glad you liked the behind scenes view of what it take curate and hang an exhibition. It is really like most things – a little planning goes a long way when it comes to executing a project.

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