The Care and Keeping of Artwork: 5 Storage Tips

How to store art?

Knowing that collectors of fine art have invested substantially in each piece, it is understandable that they have a great interest in protecting it. They want to be sure they store their art in the right way when it is not on display. When you think about how to best care for your art, consider the following five storage tips.

#1 Avoid Direct Sunlight

Exposure to light is one of the foremost reasons that displayed paintings deteriorate. This is especially true when an artwork is exposed to direct sunlight–a chemical reaction occurs when some painting mediums are subjected to ultraviolet radiation. Further, canvases can also suffer damage. Making sure art is properly lit in an area where it won’t be in the line of direct sunlight is key.

#2 Monitor Humidity

Another factor to consider when storing art is the humidity level in the storage space. You should make sure your humidity level is set at the most ideal level for your collection. You can use different tools to help you set and monitor the humidity; for instance, a hygrometer will allow you to measure the inherent moisture inside an enclosed space, air blowers can improve ventilation, etc.

#3 Separate Stored Artwork

If you will be storing multiple unframed pieces of art flat, make sure to use a conservation matboard in between each. It should be thick enough and have a wide border to keep each piece of art separate from the others. Using a conservation matboard will help you to avoid creasing and other damage.

#4 Do Not Touch the Art

Natural oils from your hands can cause a chemical reaction to some artworks, especially paintings. This is why you should always wear soft, cotton gloves when handling art pieces that aren’t framed or otherwise contained. Without gloves, you risk leaving fingerprints or other damaging marks.

#5 Document Everything

You should also keep track of the art in your collection. You should keep and organize things such as purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, and any other accompanying documentation so that it is available for valuation and insurance purposes, or in case you decide to sell any pieces in the future. It is crucial to use an inventory system to track each piece and archive the important documentation you have about your fine art collection.

The Naples Art District boasts the largest concentration of working artists in Southwest Florida. It is home to a coalition of over 90 visual artists who maintain their working studios and galleries there. The Naples Art District is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization that is open to the local community and to visitors from around the world. If you are planning a trip to the Naples area, contact the District at any time via their official website or by phone at 239-249-1977. If you would like to visit the Naples Art District for a self-guided tour, there is an interactive map published on the site for public use.

Art for Awareness: Shining a Light on Breast Cancer

Art for a Cure October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign by the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and educate people about what they can do to be proactive when it comes to breast health. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women; one in eight women will face a diagnosis of this second-leading cause of death in women.

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal cell growth in breast tissue. When cells in the breast grow out of control, some people (though not all) develop symptoms such as pain in or around the breast, a lump in the breast or armpit, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaking of the skin in the nipple area, and others. There are several different kinds of breast cancer, some more common than others. The kind of breast cancer that one develops is dependent on the specific cells in the breast that become cancerous.

Art for a Cure The Naples Art District is doing its part to contribute to the cause of fighting breast cancer. They are sponsoring an event called “Art for a Cure: Pink with a Purpose” to support research and treatment initiatives and to help educate the public and raise greater awareness about the disease. The event involves tours of working studios of member artists in the Naples Art District (NAD). During the tours, the artists will be offering demonstrations while drinks and sweet treats are served. There will also be raffles for some of the original pieces of art, and special invitations to seasonal art openings and exhibition previews in the District. “Art for a Cure: Pink with a Purpose” is scheduled for three dates: October 14 and 16 from 1-4 pm, and October 21 from 5-8 pm. Simply submit a $125 donation to participate in this important special event. Funds raised from the event will be donated to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen Florida.

The Naples Art District is a nonprofit 501c-3 organization that boasts the largest concentration of working artists in the Southwest Florida area. The District gives a unique group of over 80 professional fine artists a place to share their talents with art lovers who live in the local community and others who visit from around the world; the member artists of the Naples Art District (NAD) create using a wide variety of mediums and methods that they are always excited to demonstrate and discuss with visitors. NAD has a calendar of events available online for anyone who wants to explore the fine arts in greater depth. If you are planning to spend time in the Naples, Florida area and are interested in visiting the Naples Art District, an interactive map will help you find it. For more information about NAD and its member artists, or to find out how you can support the nonprofit organization, feel free to contact NAD any time online or by calling 239-249-1977.