TAL Blogs

 

WHAT IT TAKES TO SET UP AND TAKE DOWN ART EXHIBITS
— IN HALF A DAY

 

"There's an art to hanging a show. — Sue Lewis"

 

It sounds incredible: In less than four hours, one exhibit comes down and a new one goes up — with as many as 120-plus pieces of art all together.

How can a small handful of people possibly do all that on one day, before noon?

Sue Lewis and Dottie Novak are the TAL members responsible for developing art exhibits to be enjoyed by the Terravita community and guests.

They create the theme, call for entries, decide where each piece will be displayed and what pieces will be in close proximity. They work as a team with experienced volunteers — Wendy Klein and Jarrett DeMartino — who help with placement decisions and hanging the art. Deb and Gene Hanson, Suzy Fleury and Deb Weckesser also help with labels for each piece and anything else that needs doing.

Consideration must be given to the overall look and continuity of the show. "We look at the art's content, size, medium and many other factors to make sure adjacent pieces are complementary," Dottie said.

"Doug Holderried and the rest of the maintenance staff also provide great support, supplying ladders and dealing with any facility issues that might come up," Dottie added.

 

THE HANGING SYSTEM

When the new Desert Pavilion opened, the Art League purchased a professional hanging system.

The system comprises tracks mounted discretely near the ceiling. Wires hang from movable mounts in the track and have hooks attached that can be moved up or down on the wire depending on how high the art needs to hang.

Dottie said, "Because the art hangs on a hook, each piece must be fitted with hanging wire."

Early on setup morning, the team starts taking down the previous exhibit. When all the new art has been checked in, the team decides where each piece will go and what surrounds it. Then they begin hanging, adjusting, leveling and adding labels.

By lunchtime, an exciting new show is ready for visitors.

PHOTOS FROM THE SETUP