Over the years, I’ve had a few occasions to buy art panels for art shows. Panels are an investment, and there are many things to consider when choosing the best art display panels. Some considerations are obvious, like the cost. Other less apparent considerations include ease of use, weight, storage, and longevity. When you Google art panels, there is no shortage of panels available to buy. One thing to not forget when purchasing panels is that shipping is usually an additional expense you must factor in. Not every school will have a budget for panels, but display panels can be used for many events and should last for years and even decades. It certainly is a sign that a school supports the arts!
Before I discuss my choices and the pros and cons of the systems I used, I want to point out that this page does not contain affiliate links. I am completely independent in my reviews of these systems and do not receive any money in exchange for my work. I’m just an art teacher sharing my experiences and hoping they benefit my fellow art teachers.
My first time purchasing panels, I bought this style, The Miller Group, through School Outfitters. In the product description, they write: “Each system is made up of three panels that you position to best fit your space. Comes with a gray steel frame and your choice of blue fabric, silver fabric or gray vinyl panels.” Each panel is 48″ W x 66″ H. There are some different configurations that you can use. Both sides of the panel can be used for display. I also bought some feet that allowed a single panel to stand alone. You can also purchase castors.
We used tacks, t-pins, and velcro coins to attach work to the panels. The display and exhibit system in the picture weighs 95 pounds. They were sturdy and served us well. They were heavy (this display and exhibit system seen in the picture below weighs 95 pounds) and bulky to store, but I wasn’t surprised by that, and we were fortunate to have wonderful custodians who never complained about setting them up or breaking them down. We had ample storage space as well.
Eventually, I had another opportunity to buy panels at a different job and had my eye on a new-to-me company, Propanels. I spotted some Propanel products at an art fair, and I examined them closely and was able to talk to the owner. The panels looked terrific, and I was shocked to learn they were 15 years old. Some of the advantages I immediately saw were how light and easy they were to set up. Everything attaches by velcro. Unlike the ones by the Miller group, I could buy a storage cover and a cart. They come with “stiffeners,” which pop on the top of the panels to lock them in place. Alone, they are not very heavy, but a full box is quite heavy.
They also have a variety of options for 3-D artwork. I bought a matching shelving system and pedestals (photos 2 and 3 in the gallery below). All this is very sturdy when assembled but breaks down into flat components. The fact that they match is terrific; they look excellent and professional. There are also so many ways to fasten art to these panels. You can use t pins, velcro coins, different hooks, and even a cable with an adjustable hook for wired stretched canvas or framed works. Honestly, in terms of design, I couldn’t ask for more. I received a couple damaged, but the company replaced them at no additional expense. The company has excellent customer service and answered all questions I emailed. I suspect a trade-off for the lightweight product might be that they aren’t as strong and sturdy as the tank-like models I discuss above. That said, my Propanels are in great shape after year two, and unless you’re rough with them, that isn’t a concern. And because they are so light, it’s not a struggle; most people could do it themselves without needing a custodian. The only downside to these panels is their cost. To buy enough for an art show is a substantial investment, but the same can be said of the earlier system I purchased. They are also more narrow than the Miller Group ones. Propanels are 38.5″ wide (compared to 48″ for the Miller ones). They also have many options for display configurations that would allow for larger work (see image 1 in the gallery below).
If your school doesn’t have the money for new panels, you may consider used. One YouTube artist tipped me off to a FaceBook group, Artist Garage Group, where artists sell their used art equipment, including panels. Another forum for used art panels is the website https://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/list/tag/propanels+for+sale. It is always good to check eBay and Facebook marketplace.
Do you have other panel systems you use to reccomend? Please Share in the comments!
