Lucky to have Lois Price's professional experience with packing art, from decades as a museum conservator, on this year's COC committee. She submitted this article at the end of May. It's good to have this advice! All photos by the author. 

By Lois Price, May 2025

Having finished (end of April 2025) helping deinstall the Celebration of Clay exhibition in Silver City and, having packed each participant’s entry for return, I feel a few notes about safe packing methods and materials are in order.  I know all of us doing the "take-down" felt responsible for the safety of the pieces we were preparing, but some of the original packing methods and materials made this a challenge.  And some were just plain scary.  Our annual member shows, with pieces from all over the state, depend on a system of collecting and transporting our breakable clay works, thus requiring careful packaging. 

So, a few does and don’ts -- from a former museum conservator:

1. The box MUST be big enough – at least a couple inches larger in each dimension than the object within.  A box that is too big can be tailored to a smaller size with an X-acto knife and packing tape.  If the only available box is a little small, add on the necessary height or width with cardboard cut from another box.  

Figure 1: Object is too big for box, so box cannot be fully closed leaving object vulnerable to breakage.

2. Labelling the box is important.  Anyone unpacking it needs to know what is in the box and which side is UP. Please attach the box label provided in registration confirmation email, use arrow/labels to indicate box orientation, and write your name on the unlabeled sides of the box in big letters – it helps a lot when boxes are stacked in storeroom at gallery.

3. If the surface of your object is sensitive (matt finish easily marked with finger prints or abrasion) wrap it in something smooth/soft (old tee shirt, soft paper, etc.).  Place a note in the box asking that the object be handled with gloves. 

4. Please DO NOT secure bubble wrap or other packing material around the object with packing tape.  It is difficult to unwrap safely.  Please use a minimal amount of blue tape (it peels off easily) or snug but not tight rubber bands. (Thank you Lin Johnson.)

5. Packing materials – it is fine to recycle what you have available if you do so thoughtfully.  NO LOOSE PEANUTS.  But peanuts can be placed in sealed plastic bags to make packing pillows (Ziplock bags, knotted shopping bags, etc). Foam and bubble wrap also work well. Crumpled paper is less effective; bathroom towels and random pieces of cardboard are almost useless – your aim is to create a supportive, air-filled cushion around your piece.

Figure 2: Foam cutouts that immobilize complex figure in box.

Figure 3:  Good use of peanuts in plastic bags to form pillows.

6. At least two inches of foam or bubble wrap should be placed above and below the object as well as around it.  Fill the rest of the space firmly, but not tightly.  FILL TO THE TOP.  Boxes are often stacked for transport and need the support of the packing material to provide adequate protection.

Figure 4: Inadequate packing material and loose peanuts. Top of box may collapse if box is stacked.

7. If you are packing a vulnerable, complex or multi-piece object, PROVIDE PACKING INSTRUCTIONS.  This will ensure that it is unpacked and repacked safely.  

Figure 5: Customized box with packing instructions. 

Figure 6:  Good use of foam to support object.    

Because my pieces tend to fall into the vulnerable category, I have had to develop custom packing solutions.  I am fortunate to have had helpful training for this.  I am happy to consult with any member with a packing challenge to find a safe solution.