Important Information for Shipping Artwork
US Mail is not delivered to the gallery address. Please use a shipping service that provides tracking information such as UPS or FEDEX. Most towns have locations where you can drop packages off for these services. Please email the tracking number(s) to us at berkeleyartswv@gmail.com. Please retain your tracking number.
For your return shipping you must include with your work a pre-paid printed label. Hand-written paperwork is not acceptable. Failure to provide a proper pre-paid label will result in delays and increased costs for shipping the work back to you and could result in damage to your work due to very limited storage options.
Proper labels may be available from the shipping agent or you can obtain them online. Our impression is that Fedex outlets are more helpful in this regard. Our local UPS store does not offer that service and we suspect it maybe the same in other places. But you can always do it online.
The shipping address is:
Berkeley Art Works
116 North Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone 304-620-7277
Email berkeleyartswv@gmail.com
When you ship work to the Berkeley Art Works gallery, it is extremely important that the packaging is strong, neat and easily reusable.
While the work must be well protected, it must be done so we can remove the artwork from the package without destroying the packaging material.
Using large amounts of tape along with large quantities of bubble wrap makes it impossible to access the work without rendering the material almost impossible to restore to repack the work properly.
Note: If we incur additional expense or spend an unusual amount of time to ensure your artwork is protected on its way back to you, we will calculate the cost and may bill you for this expense and time.
Bubble wrap is good but use large continuous pieces. Wrap it around the piece one way and tape it lightly. Then one or two turns in the other direction. If possible use tape that has color. Clear tape disappears on bubble wrap. The artwork should be wrapped with enough to fill the gap between the artwork and the sides of the box so that the piece does not move around inside the box as it is handled.
In many cases it is helpful to fashion a kind of “box within a box” made from styrofoam blocks that firmly provide separation between the artwork and the outside of the box.
Use a strong box that is in good condition that will hold its shape.
Please review these links if you are not sure of how to properly pack your work.
http://lauradenhertog.com/blog/10972/fool-proof-method-for-shipping-art
http://reddotblog.com/how-to-ship-paintings-a-step-by-step-guide-for-artists-and-galleries/
https://www.framedestination.com/blog/resources/pack-and-ship-artwork/
Different artwork may require different techniques. You can adapt these methods to meet your personal needs.
If you are concerned, it might be a good idea that you have the work professionally packed. UPS and Fedex locations offer this service. One thing, though, please avoid styrofoam peanuts. They are not that protective and they are a mess to deal with.
Again, for your return shipping please include with your work a pre-paid printed label. Hand-written paperwork is not acceptable. Failure to provide a proper pre-paid label can result in delays and increased costs in the shipping of the work back to you.
Proper labels may be available from the shipping agent or you can obtain them online. Our impression is that Fedex outlets are more helpful in this regard. Our local UPS store does not offer that service and we suspect it maybe the same in other places. But you can always do it online.
Hopefully this information is helpful. We look forward to seeing your juried artwork!
Regards,
The Berkeley Arts Council