DDANS Foundation
Apply Now

DDANS Art Contest Help Guide

How to prepare a frame with hanging wire

For the contest, artwork must arrive ready to hang on the gallery wall. This page explains how to prepare paper artwork in a frame and how to add D-rings and picture hanging wire on the back.

Start with paper artwork Add the wire
No advance registration Wall-ready at drop-off Intake: May 27, 2026, 11 AM-5 PM
Back of a framed artwork with D-rings and hanging wire
The finished back should have two D-rings and picture hanging wire attached securely.

Before you start

Prepare simple hardware, then work slowly.

You do not need to be a professional framer, but the artwork must be safe enough for a public gallery wall. If the frame is heavy, glass is loose, or the frame feels weak, ask a frame shop or hardware store for help.

Recommended materials

  • A sturdy frame that fits the artwork
  • Mat board or backing board for paper artwork
  • Two D-rings or strap hangers with screws
  • Braided picture hanging wire rated for the frame weight
  • Small screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, and wire cutter

Do not rely on these for contest drop-off

  • Tape, string, yarn, ribbon, or fishing line
  • A sawtooth hanger only, unless the gallery has approved it
  • Loose paper without a frame or protective backing
  • A frame that bends, opens, or cannot hold the artwork safely

When the artwork is on paper

Paper artwork usually needs a real frame first.

If the artist made a drawing, painting, collage, or mixed-media work on flat paper, do not bring only the paper. Place it in a frame so the work can be handled, protected, and hung on the wall.

Paper artwork being prepared with mat board, frame, and backing
For flat paper artwork, use a frame, mat or spacer when needed, and a backing board.

1. Choose a frame that fits

The frame should hold the artwork flat without bending it. A mat board can help keep the paper centered and away from the front glazing.

2. Protect the front and back

Use glass or acrylic if the frame includes it, and close the back with a firm backing board. The artwork should not slide when the frame is moved gently.

3. Add wire to the frame, not the paper

D-rings and wire must attach to the frame structure. Never punch holes in the artwork paper or tape wire directly to the paper.

Adding the hanging wire

Use two side attachments and a picture hanging wire.

This method works for most framed paper artworks, framed panels, and stretched canvases that have a solid wooden stretcher or frame on the back.

01

Mark both sides

Turn the frame face down on a clean towel. Measure from the top and mark both side rails about one-quarter to one-third of the way down.

02

Screw in the D-rings

Place one D-ring on each side at the same height. Use screws that fit the frame thickness and do not come through the front.

03

Tie the wire

Thread the wire through one D-ring, fold the end back, and twist it around itself. Pull it to the other D-ring and secure the second side the same way.

04

Leave gentle slack

Pull the wire upward at the center. It should make a soft triangle but stay below the top edge of the frame, so the hook will not show.

Safety check: hold the frame with both hands and gently lift from the wire for a few seconds. If anything shifts, bends, or feels loose, repair it before drop-off.

Final drop-off check

Bring artwork that can go directly onto the gallery wall.

DDANS receives contest artwork together with exhibition intake. There is no advance registration, so the work must be ready when you bring it.

Framed

Paper artwork is inside a frame. Canvas or panel artwork is sturdy and cleanly finished.

Wired

The back has two secure side attachments and picture hanging wire installed.

Labeled

Bring artist information, a short artist introduction, and a clear A4/Letter-size print of the submitted artwork.

Pickup

Artwork pickup is available after 3:30 PM on May 30. DDANS Foundation is not responsible for unclaimed artwork or storage after the event.

Helpful references

The guide follows common framing practice.

Dundas Valley School of Art

D-ring placement and gallery-ready wire guidance.

Open source

Picture Hang Solutions

Basic D-ring and picture wire installation overview.

Open source

Web Picture Frames

Frame fitting, backing, and hanging hardware context.

Open source