It's My Take

I do not know about you, but I am not the world’s best packer when it comes time for an art show. Sure, I get everything I need (at least I hope I do) in the vehicle. It may not be pretty, but it is there.

Now, I do not have one of those nice vans for transporting my art to shows. I have a Dodge minivan because that is what I can afford.

I have seen how many artists create a set-up for storing and transporting their items in their transport vans. I have even seen one for an SUV. So it stands to reason I should be able to come up with something for our van. I have an idea on what I want. It is just a matter of buying the materials and building it. It will not be a permanent structure, but rather one that can be installed before loading.

So, in the meantime, I use my system that is pictured here. It keeps similar items together so that it is easier to find things in a hurry. Not that that happens. Anyway, on to the show.

This is what I start with. I like to have the moving blanket down to prevent items from snagging on the floor, and as a little extra padding.

The first items to go in are my canopy, mesh walls, and bars for the mesh walls. They usually stay stacked like this. With the system I want to build, this would lay side by side instead. A sheet of plywood, supported by legs, would go over this.

The weights are next to go in. I try to offset them a little so they pack tighter. I also use straps around them to hold them in place. I found out the hard way that you do not want 50 pound weights rolling around. With the proposed system, they would go in back alongside the canopy setup.

Now some of the booth items are going in. A small folding table, two print bins, a bag of shopping bags, and a bag with the canopy walls go in. Depending on the room with my proposed setup, these items may be under the plywood, or may go on top. That is yet to be determined.

Some of my artwork is starting to in. These are matted prints that stay stored in carboard boxes. Notice how I moved the table. You will see why in the next photo. When I have my plywood sheet in, the prints, and all other art will go on top.

Here is the almost complete setup. I have about 12 metal prints between the box of prints and the table. They can shift some with such a small amount. I have noticed that when I have around 15 metal prints, they stand more upright, and are more tightly packed. I will store them on top of the sheet of plywood with totes on either side to prevent them from rubbing against the walls. In the current configuration, the totes go in near the weights and bags. The totes contain smaller prints, when I bring them, and other items for the booth.

You see my system is not the best, but I make do. If you have a minivan like me, what do you do for packing? I would like to see photos of any ideas you might have. In the mean time, safe travels.