Crafts National & Shipping work

I am thrilled to be a part of Crafts National at the Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, Kansas. 1089 works were submitted, and just 100 were selected. The work will be on display from May 5 - August 19, 2012.

This work, "Woven" was selected for the show. It is made entirely of patterned fused glass and then "rolled up" in the hot shop. The process of these works is what makes them unique, as these color patterns cannot be created with traditional hot working techniques.

So tonight, I am packing my work. Double boxing, of course.

After unpacking many glass exhibitions, I have always made it a point to pack my work in a very clear fashion. Unpacking considered & organized work is a TREAT. Your gallery will appreciate it.

Tips:

- Always double box your work. This means that there is a smaller, interior box that contains your artwork, surrounded by a larger box. The larger box also has padding/protection. If the big box gets dropped, it absorbs the impact.

- By including a picture of your work on the boxes, it makes it easier for the gallery staff to match your work with it's packing materials. It also helps them know what they are unwrapping.

- Things get separated. Write your name on everything.

- Organize your loan form/shipping label/whatever in an envelope. Place the envelope in a very visible place, inside the large box.

- Include printed instructions for packing/unpacking. Tape them to the box so that they are clearly found.

- While it is very important to pack the work securely, you don't want to make it impossible to decipher how to unpack everything. Someone else- who may not know what's inside- will be unwrapping it. Consider this as you're endlessly taping and wrapping bubble wrap around your piece. (picture & instructions!)

- Packing peanuts are the devil. They stick to everything, spill everywhere, and result in the gallery staff crawling around the floor trying to pick them up. Minimal use, please. Your gallery will thank you.

If you have any tips or horror stories about shipping artwork, reply and let me know about your experiences!