Exhibition Preparation

Preparing artwork for an exhibition is an important part of the creative process because it teaches students how to present their work professionally and with care. Presentation influences how viewers experience the artwork, and a well-finished piece helps communicate the artist’s message clearly. By taking time to refine edges, mount the work properly, and add necessary details, students learn the value of craftsmanship and pride in their artistic voice.

Finishing an artwork includes cleaning up smudges, straightening edges, reinforcing surfaces, and ensuring the piece is fully dry and ready for handling. Students may mat or mount their work on cardstock or foam board to give it structure and enhance its appearance on display. This step also protects the artwork from damage during installation and throughout the exhibition.

Labeling is the final part of preparation and is essential for helping viewers understand the artwork. Each piece must include the student’s name, class, title of the work, and medium. Clear, consistent labels help create a unified and organized gallery experience. Once finished and labeled, artwork is arranged thoughtfully in the exhibition space—grouped by class or theme, balanced by color and size, and placed where it can be viewed comfortably. Preparing artwork for display is both a practical skill and an essential part of learning how artists share their stories with the world.

1. Artist’s Name

• First and last name of the student
  (Example: Maria Lopez)

2. Title of the Artwork

• Written in italics or inside quotation marks
  (Example: “Window to Belonging”)

3. Medium / Materials Used

• What the artwork is made of
  (Example: Watercolor on paper, Acrylic on canvas, Ceramic hand-building)

4. Class / Grade Level (optional but recommended for school shows)

(Example: Art 1, Art 2, AP Art, Ceramics 1)

5. Year (optional)

(Example: 2024–2025)