The 8s

Gallery Walls: Create an inspired and artful décor feature without the fuss.

August, 2018

For the uninitiated, a gallery wall is simply a collection of photos, paintings, sketches, or other mementos hung on a wall in a creative arrangement that suits the space. A ‘classic’ gallery wall is a tight cluster of photos in identical frames, arranged in a grid pattern with precise spacing between each one for a stately look.

But a gallery wall doesn’t have to be a study in perfection—nor do your freshly painted walls have to look like a shooting gallery of off-target nail holes. Here, we offer styles and tips that require little measuring and less fuss. Instead, we focus on the fun of curating a collection, and displaying your most prized and meaningful pieces as a unique home décor feature.

1. Organic. This type of gallery wall is a motley collection that grows over time, as new and noteworthy pieces make their way onto the wall. Varying sizes, styles, and colours of frames add to the look, and placing the pieces about 2-to-4-inches apart lets it breathe.
2. Tiny. Consider this the ‘gateway’ gallery wall, as it lets you ease into the project by starting small. Plus, it wins the award for ‘most charming’ gallery wall. A good tactic is to group a few pieces into an open space over a focal point such as a bedside table.
3. Mixed Media. If a classic gallery wall is about order and uniformity, this is its polar opposite. Anything goes here—frames, relics, elements from nature, even textiles—the effect comes from mixed contrast. Focusing on a theme, such as ‘vintage school house’ look done here, is a creative way to bring different objects together while keeping it succinct.
4. Alternative. There’s no rule that you have to hang framed art on your walls. Try displaying a cluster of similar objects, such as vintage cameras in an office (pictured here), or a collection of unique cutting boards in the kitchen. The more off the wall (pun intended), the better.
5. Choose a statement piece. Design your gallery wall around one fundamental piece that really speaks to you—this will anchor your collection. Its placement should be slightly off-centre; then arrange your other pieces around it in a way that feels intuitive.
6. Create a mock-up. Arrange your collection on the floor first, over paper that’s been cut to the size and shape of the wall space you wish to fill. Trace the shape of each piece, cut out, and arrange your paper pattern on the wall for a realistic view and help with nail placement.
7. Define the space. Placing your collection within a defined shape—such as a circle, square, or rectangle —helps keeps the design contained. Regardless of the shape you choose, if you keep the bottom edge of the arrangement rounded (think of a smile), your grouping will feel lifted and light.
8. Consider clipboards. Instead of frames, using clipboards is a clever way to keep your gallery wall updated. A child's artwork and can be easily swapped out with their latest masterpiece, as well as postcards, photographs, and mementoes such as quilt squares or concert tickets. t8n

The beautiful artwork featured in this article was generously loaned by artists of the Visual Arts Studio Association of St. Albert (VASA). We sincerely offer our thanks and gratitude. If you’re lucky, some of these pieces may still
be available for purchase. vasa-art.com

Art displayed

Image 1.

Organic (left to right): Wood Lily by the Wapiti (watercolour), Artist: Cheryl Moskaluk, $350 | Trichoceros antennifer (watercolour), Artist: Cheryl Moskaluk, $200 | Blakiston Canyon in Waterton (watercolour), Artist: Rayma Peterson, $600 | For the Love of Lions(limited edition fine art print), Artist: Victoria Armstrong, $50 | Catching the Wind (limited edition fine art print), Artist: Victoria Armstrong, $50

Image 2.

Tiny (top to bottom): Vessel Series – Nest 7 (acrylic and beeswax), Artist: Julie Kaldenhoven, $100 | Celtic Moon (limited edition fine art print), Artist: Victoria Armstrong, $25

Image 3.

Mixed Media (left to right):
Say What? (acrylic), Artist: Julie Kaldenhoven, $100 | Passing Through (acrylic), Artist: Julie Kaldenhoven, $100 | Connect the Dots (acrylic), Artist: Connie Osgood, $125