Pros & Cons: Armstrong Panel vs. Flourish Mesh

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Di St. Jacques-Blue on August 5, 2010 at 12:17pm

Hi Laura, I hope you get response from your question; I have been debating this issue for months! Regarding the tent, I have heard that EZup is a better option than Caravan. Good Luck! Di St. Jacques-Blue

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Permalink Reply by Sheila Evans on August 5, 2010 at 12:31pm

That depends on the model of tent. The Costco Caravan has a steel frame and is very sturdy. I used one for years. Good luck!

Di St. Jacques-Blue said:

Hi Laura, I hope you get response from your question; I have been debating this issue for months! Regarding the tent, I have heard that EZup is a better option than Caravan. Good Luck! Di St. Jacques-Blue

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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on August 5, 2010 at 12:44pm

Kind of depends on how much space you have in your vehicle and how many pieces you want to hang on the walls. They both work but the panels are more flexible, take up more room in your vehicle and help the stabilize your display. The mesh walls are not flexible in size but take up less room. I've never used them but I've read that some people have a problem hanging their work level and are subject to the wind hitting the back of the walls.

Larry Berman
Digital J u r y Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

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Permalink Reply by Laura Vu on August 5, 2010 at 4:04pm

Thanks for all the responses.

Larry - I drive a semi-big SUV so I've plenty of space to hull things around. I also have access to a truck.

I was thinking of hanging 8-10 framed pieces. The biggest issue for me right now is cost as this is will be my first time doing an art show.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on August 5, 2010 at 6:03pm

Is it possible to borrow or rent a display so you have a minimal investment for your first show? Where are you located, which is something you should always state when looking for something that is too big or expensive to ship.

Larry Berman
Digital J u r y Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

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Permalink Reply by Laura Vu on August 5, 2010 at 6:39pm

Larry - Unfortunately, all my friends in the industry are wedding/portrait photographers. Currently, I am looking on some classifieds/Craigslist/eBay for some gently used ones. I'm located in DFW, TX.

Thanks for help.

Laura

Larry Berman said:

Is it possible to borrow or rent a display so you have a minimal investment for your first show? Where are you located, which is something you should always state when looking for something that is too big or expensive to ship.

Larry Berman
Digital J u r y Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

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Permalink Reply by Laura Vu on August 6, 2010 at 11:57am

Sara - thank you for your insight. I was worried about the mesh walls not being sturdy enough in relative high winds as it is flat and can be quite windy here in TX (15-20 mph wind).

Sara Youngman said:

Flourish mesh walls caught my eye. I'm a first year fair exhibiter and wanted to go with Trimline tent and propanels as I liked the solidity of them, but they wouldn't fit into my car. So I bought the mesh walls. They are great, the easiest part of the tent to set up and very sturdy. I work fairly small and usually have 40-50 pieces hanging. Solid walls, s-hooks have kept everything stable in fairly high winds. My one complaint is that I can't change the configuration. Looking around at fairs and seeing how people with carpeted panels can change the look of their booth makes me jealous. On the other hand, on clear days I can raise the vinyl walls and the mesh acts as screens, letting the breeze flow through without disturbing the art. Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Ellen Empson on August 16, 2010 at 4:50pm

We have used the mesh panels for 4 years and found them to be excellent. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the work to hang properly, but that is usually when the ground is not level and you can't or don't level the stay bars. The Stay Bars also help strengthen the tent and add quite a bit of weight, especially if you get both the top and bottom bars...they are also easy to cart around, lightweight, and don't take up any space.

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on August 17, 2010 at 6:10pm

We used the Armstrong panels for almost 30 years. As already mentioned they do allow for much more flexibility in displaying your work, it seems the configurations are endless. I think the mesh panels are really excellent for a lightweight easy display, and the price is right! For a beginner, probably ideal.

Aesthetically though I will always go with a solid panel, an Armstrong with a cover, (my personal preference) or a ProPanel. The advantage here is that the viewer's eye stops at the panel and doesn't get distracted by what they can see through the screen, more of a gallery look.

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