At the start of 2025, I set a goal to hang my artwork in three local businesses. Now, halfway through the year, I’ve officially reached that goal! 🎉
My first art display was at Red Frog Coffee in Longmont, followed by a vibrant wall at The Rayback Collective in Boulder. Most recently, I was honored to install a collection at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce for four months! Each space offered a new challenge and a valuable learning experience about how to professionally hang art in cafes, coffee shops, and public venues.
If you're an artist wondering how to hang your art in a café or local business, here’s my hard-earned advice:
- Prepare ahead of time with the right tools and materials,
- Visit the space before hand, check out their hanging wires, what they use, and how many pieces you'll need to fill the walls,
- Be respectful and ask what they require for hanging labels, transactions, and when is the best time to install without disturbing others,
- Be kind and courteous when installing, and
- Most important are leave no trace rules - pack it in and pack it out. Don't leave your trash behind.
Now on to materials...
Below is the ultimate materials checklist I now use for every installation:
Artist Checklist for Hanging Art in Public Spaces:
- Add a label to the back of each piece with your name & contact info. What if someone forgets who you are in 2 years and wants another piece of artwork!?
- Attach secure hanging hardware (wire or sawtooth hangers). You don't want your work falling on anyone.
- Bring: packing tape, scissors, a measuring tape, and a level
- Don’t forget glass cleaner and a rag to wipe frames
- Step stool or small ladder (depending on wall height)
- A filming tripod to capture the process for social media
- Sharpie for last-minute label fixes
- Two copies of your art labels (need one for backup): title, medium, dimensions, price, and contact info
- A short, framed artist bio with your website, Instagram handle, and payment instructions (like Venmo)
- A QR code so people can join your email list on the spot
- And finally—a trash bag because if you transported your art with care, you'll have a lot of leftover corner protectors and bubble wrap to take home and store.
When you go back after the end of your hang, make sure to follow these same courteous rules.
Whether you're preparing to hang art in a coffee shop, coworking space, or gallery wall, this list will help you stay organized and make a professional impression. With a little luck, you might just sell a piece before you wrap up your materials and depart. You’ve got this! 💜
And if you're interested in seeing my art, follow along at @sage_leaf_studio to find out where it's hanging now!
