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The Art Of Clustering:
Stick It Together

(NAPSA)-The short-lived trend of leaning artwork against the wall has given way to what Mark Wood of Woodward Framing, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., calls “clustering.”

“People are using more art, including framed photos. There are no fixed rules for clustering frames,” Wood says, “but perfectly parallel
vertical stacks or horizontal rows are
boring.”

To position a cluster of framed art, Rob Bitterburg, a professional art installer in Oak Park, Mich., looks at the whole scene, including furniture and lamps, as a canvas. “The group of frames has to work with the other objects against the wall,” he explains. “Over a large sofa, configure many small frames into a tight grouping so they balance with the sofa the way a single large painting would.”

“Don't center different-size frames one on top of the other,” he cautions. “Instead, line up the edges along one side.” He suggests trying out different patterns of multiple frames on the floor before hanging them on the wall.

“Pay attention to the pattern of space between frames and create an interesting geometry, mixing vertical and horizontal shapes. When hanging pictures in a hallway,” Bitterburg
continues, “start at the center of the space and work toward both ends. Then, over time, extend the display, adding art at either end.”

Wood and Bitterburg agree that “clustering” is an inexact art. Whoops! Make a mistake? Unhappy with the outcome? Not a problem if you use 3M mounting products with Command adhesive. These self-stick hooks, picture hangers and removable interlocking fasteners install easily and hold firmly. The adhesive leaves no holes, marks or stains when properly removed. Art on wood installs flat to the wall with the fasteners. They can also stabilize the bottom corners of large artwork hung from standard picture hooks.

If your cluster arrangement lacks artistry the first time around, try, try again. Use the hooks and picture hangers over and over with removable Command adhesive mounting strips from 3M.
For a free brochure, “For the Times of Your Life,” with ideas for decorating with Command adhesive products, call 1-800-577-8778, extension 70. For more information, visit www.commandadhesive.com

A wall arrangement’s design becomes its own work of art. Changing it is easy. Self-stick sawtooth and
wire-backed picture hangers and removable interlocking fasteners-all with Command adhesive from 3M-come off cleanly, leaving no holes, marks or residue.