Memphis College of Art
Artwork display Guidelines for BFA shows
General Gallery information:

There is only one corner in the gallery. Use of this space will be awarded to work that
necessitates it conceptually. If you think you may want to use this space please contact
Cat Peña (first come, first considered).

Students may not hang artwork from the ceiling except for very light objects from
specialty light fixtures. There are a limited number of these fixtures. Contact Cat Peña to
reserve (first come, first serve).

Gallery ceilings are between 12ft and 13ft.

There is a border at the base of all gallery walls that juts out…plan accordingly if your
work extends to the floor.

Different walls have different load bearing capacity (i.e. the two back walls on the side of
the security desk are false and cannot hold heavy pieces).

There are plug and electricity limitations. All electricity needs should be indicated in
proposals.

Placing artwork on the landing on the staircase is possible, but use is limited (i.e. cannot
impede traffic or normal function, work cannot be dangerous for pedestrians). Conceptual
need is very important when determining the use of this space (first come, first
considered).
Artwork Limitations:

Artwork cannot exceed 4ft (48 inches) wide including space between diptych pieces, etc.

No collaboration work is allowed.

If your artwork has a sound component it must be contained with the use of headphones.

Artwork that comes onto the floor must be approved via the proposal process. In general,
what comes out onto the floor cannot impede foot traffic or be hazardous to pedestrians.
Likewise, this work cannot impede the viewing of other work displayed in the gallery.

Wall hung pieces can only extend off the wall to a certain depth to insure stability. If your
wall-hung piece exceeds the depth of 4 inches please include the planned depth of your
piece and your plans to safely mount your work to the wall in your proposal for approval
by the Coordinator of Exhibitions and Lectures and the BFA Committee.

Projection work is possible but realize this type of work is very hard to view during the
day due the amount of windows present in the gallery.

Installation work is acceptable but space is very limited due to the amount of graduating
seniors. There tends to be more room for installations in Fall BFA Shows . The BFA
Committee, via the proposal process must approve your idea. You may be asked to alter
or change certain aspects of your idea to meet gallery standards. Your advisor will work
with you prior to the installation date to ensure your piece meets conceptual, aesthetic,
and gallery guidelines.
Artwork Hanging Limitations:

French cleats are only required for 2D work exceeding 3ft (36 inches) in length or height
and/or pieces weighing more then 5lbs. Please refer to BFA calendar for the French
Cleat Workshop with Kenny Houk.

All 2D work measuring between 2ft (24inches) and 3 ft (36 inches) wide must hang from
two D-rings (this method does not utilize braided picture hanging wire).

All 2D work measuring under 2 ft (24inches) wide must string braid picture hanging wire
from two D-rings. Upon installation please hang this type of work from two nails spaced
about 4 inches apart, at the same height to ensure your piece will stay level throughout
the duration of the exhibition.

No poster frames allowed.

Only design related projects are allowed to display imagery mounted on foam board as
the final step before presentation.

Photographers may mount their work on foam board but it must be affixed to the top of a
wood frame and hung like a traditional canvas or situated within a frame.

Velcro cannot be used on gallery walls.

Unframed paper pieces will only be allowed if concept requires this aesthetic (see
methods for hanging this type of work below).

Artwork may not contain unprotected sharp edges or points.
Approved methods to display artwork in Memphis College of Art’s
BFA shows:
If you find that none of the methods suggested are appropriate for your proposed work or have
questions about which would be the best method please
contact MCA’s Coordinator of Exhibitions and Lectures,
Cat Peña or your advisor for assistance.
Canvas and Framed 2D works:
 D-rings (sometimes called Mirror hooks) allow the
artwork to hang close to the wall:
- Secure D-rings to the inside of framed work
using screws to either add braided picture
D-Rings
hanging wire or hang work directly from two (2) D-rings. *You should become
intimately familiar with this method, as it is a standard in most commercial
galleries and museums.

Determining the placement of D-Rings on the back of your piece:

To attach braided picture hanging wire to your work measuring under 2 ft (24 inches)
wide:
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiM2iHPAiLI

French Cleats:
- You may use Z-Bar or make your own cleat system using wood. Check with
local framing stores to obtain Z-Bar or order it online. If you choose to make your
own please refer to BFA calendar to attend the French Cleat Workshop with
Kenny Houk.
(Z-Bar Method)
(Wood Method)
Hanging naked artwork (aka unframed paper pieces):
 Magnets:
-To avoid damage, poking holes into, or otherwise mangling
your paper use Neodymium magnets (aka Earth Magnets) to
sandwich the paper between the magnet and the flat head of
screw or nail. Things to consider:
- Use screws or nails with a big head, the more steel
there is for the magnet to attract to, the stronger the
hold.
- Use steel screws or nails. Some types of stainless
steel screws aren't attractive to magnets.
- Choose a magnet that has a diameter about the
same size as the screw head. Larger magnets won't
provide any more holding strength.
a
- You can find Neodymium magnets at hardware stores but the best source for the
widest variety of sizes is on the web. A couple of these web sources are
http://www.magnet4less.com/ or http://www.kjmagnetics.com/ or
http://magnart.com/
Wall Mounted Artwork on Foam Board (for design related artwork only):
 Hang artwork measuring under 2ft (24 inches) wide from two (2) metal sawtooth foam
board hangers (this method does not utilize braided picture hanging wire). Artwork this
size may also utilize a cleat system.
(Metal Sawtooth Foam Board Hangers)

Hang artwork measuring over 2 ft (24inches) wide from a French Cleat system. Adhere
one side of the cleat system to the back of the artwork using an epoxy that is appropriate
for the types of materials you are using.
Reserving Pedestal and IT Equipment:

MCA maintains an inventory of pedestals, vitrines, and plinths that are available for
student use during the BFA shows and can be reserved by emailing Cat Peña. Please
refer to BFA calendar for the Pedestal Reservation deadline. If you miss this deadline,
you will be responsible for making one that meets the professional requirements set forth
by the Coordinator of Exhibitions and Lectures.

If you need digital equipment, you may request it from Jeff Davidson
(jdavidson@mca.edu). The amount of this equipment for the BFA shows is limited and
subject to use by the school. If in doubt or unable to borrow, be prepared to provide your
own. There is no insurance coverage for your art or digital property while on display in
MCA galleries.
The coordinator of Exhibitions and Lectures (Cat Peña) reserves the right to
not except any artwork that does not meet gallery standards and/or deviates
from the originally proposed work on installation day and will not be
included in the current BFA Show.