Presentation Requirements for ECCOTA Artists
The Elk County Council on the Arts demands high standards and quality for the presentation of artwork. This will allow us to properly showcase and increase the overall salability of your artwork. We aim to provide art enthusiasts and collectors with long-lasting quality pieces. The guidelines below will help you understand what is expected of each artist when selling in the ECCOTA Gallery.
Please read thoroughly and contact us with any questions.
Two Dimensional/Hanging Artwork:
All pieces submitted must be ready to hang.
Stainless steel picture frame wire (suitable to support weight) should be placed no lower than the middle height from the top on both sides and firmly attached with D-rings or eyelets. The wire should not reach the top of the artwork.
Choose quality frames with simple molding, clean lines, and neutral tones. Avoid bright/bold colors in your presentation unless there is a framing allowance (discounted price for selling without frame).
We strongly encourage the use of archival materials to preserve your work.
All framing must have a protective backing. This prevents dust particles from entering the framing and harming your artwork.
No gaps between corners of framing. All corners must be flush.
Mat size should be suitable for the artwork. Narrow mats reduce the artwork visually and make it appear cheap. Wider mats offer breathing space for the work and make it appear larger.
Canvases must be properly stretched, squared, and attached into frames with proper hardware and not nails.
All drawings, paintings, and photographs must be firmly secured to the matting or backing board.
Cards and Prints:
Cards, postcards, and stationery must be packaged for sale in clear protective sleeves.
All digital reproductions must be professionally done and be of museum quality using archival materials. Reproductions must be crisp/clear and accurate in color to match the original.
We strongly encourage that photographs, prints, and reproductions be hand-signed and include edition numbers as applicable.
A sturdy backing board and appropriately sized cellophane wrapping are required.
NO digital signatures.
3D Artwork:
All 3D Work must be of pristine quality.
Items must be clean and display-ready.
Mounting hardware must be secure and substantial.
Lead-free glazing must be used on all ceramic wares intended for food/beverage use.
All ceramic/wood artists are encouraged to provide ECCOTA with instructions for care. If items are meant for food/beverage use, please specify whether it is safe for dishwasher, microwave, or oven use. Care instructions must be standard business card size 3.5” x 2” to be included with purchases.
Jewelry:
All jewelry must be of sound construction with secure clasps or closures.
Endings must be hidden or incorporated into designs.
If beaded, knotting, weaving, and joining must be clean and secure.
If fabricated from metals, the metal is properly finished; rough or sharp edges are smoothed, cleaned, and polished.
Use quality materials for the piece – all handmade components are preferred, no chipped or scratched beads or metals, quality stones, uniform beads.
Literature & Music:
All literature must be professionally printed and of high quality. Hard or soft cover is acceptable. Music and video must be professionally packaged and include a list of tracks.
Fiber Arts:
Items can have no loose threads or snags.
All items must be ready to hang with secure and appropriately sized hardware, if applicable.
Blankets, quilts, and rugs must be clearly labeled with dimensions.
Attaching care instructions is recommended.
Especially for wearables please disclose all included fibers.
Cosmetics/Skin Care:
All items must be labeled clearly and appropriately according to local laws.
All items must be packaged appropriately for display and consumer handling.
All packaging must be new, clean, and appealing.
Providing sample items to display is encouraged but not required.
Other Mediums:
All other mediums must have a clean and appealing presentation. Items must have high quality and consistent packaging. Furniture and large items may require prior approval before their delivery due to space constraints.
What would cause artwork to be rejected?
ECCOTA has the right to reject artwork at any time and for any reason. We will reject artwork for any of the following reasons: the use of saw tooth hangers, easel back frames, duct tape/masking tape, etc, cardboard, string or fishing line, eyebolts or hooks without wiring, inappropriately sized hooks or eyebolts, unclear or incomplete labeling, poor framing choice or quality, low quality or unappealing packaging, inappropriate imagery or subject matter without context including extreme gore, hate speech or symbols. The ECCOTA Sales Gallery is family-friendly and frequented by youth. Depictions of sex acts will typically not be accepted.
Artwork may also be rejected for cleanliness and presentation issues including general uncleanliness, dirty/smudged matting or glass, scratched or chipped framing, any form of sticky residue, price tags or stickers on frames or art materials, scratched or foggy cellophane packaging, etc.
Additional Information
Artists are encouraged to supply ECCOTA with 50-100 business cards to further promote their artwork. Buyers frequently request them. Business cards must be approximately 3.5” x 2”. Other sizes may be rejected due to space constraints.
ECCOTA provides jewelry boxes in an assortment of sizes for all purchases, but if you wish to provide your own boxes or packaging, you may. Boxes may be clearly and neatly labeled with your contact information/logo.
ECCOTA does supply displays and stands, however, we will accept a custom display stand if your piece requires it but it may not always be used to display your work.
“Why do we jury artwork? Exhibition space is limited. It is the jury’s job to eliminate weaker entries. Don’t let sloppy presentation, incomplete information, or poor visuals become the reason that a jury rejects your work.
Be sure to put your best foot forward.”
