My day job is for a not-for-profit organization - they are planning an "Art & Garden Tour" as a way to make non-dues revenue. I've been asked to bring some of my nature photography/local scenic stuff to one of the gardens and set up some kind of display.

This is the first time they have done an event like this, and frankly, they only thought of this two weeks ago and it's supposed to happen in the first week of August. I think it will be kind of half-assed, to put it mildly. But on the other hand, exposure is exposure. We are also planning to do a small local trade show in September, so this would be a good run through to see what images people like. (For the trade show, we are concentrating on our portrait/wedding services, but will probably have some nature/scenic prints for sale just so people have a reason to stop and look around - and so we have an opportunity to get them talking.)

I'm guessing I will probably need 3-4 large easels for displaying large prints, and then several smaller ones that I can set up on tables with business cards, etc. Other than eBay, can anyone suggest a good source for easels that won't cost and arm-and-leg? This was an unexpected event, and I feel obligated to do something, but we are just getting things started here and money is tight.

For those of you that have done anything similar, I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice I'm thinking I will just have some matted prints and possibly a wrap or two, and then some smaller sized prints in plastic sleeves that people can flip through. The event is outdoors and I don't know if there will be any shelter from the elements. I probably should frame everything, but I don't feel like having to transport a bunch of breakable materials and dealing with the extra cost. Would it look too cheap to just have matted prints, and not framed ones?

How would you price smaller prints, just put in sleeves?

I think Michael's has some easels that cost less....and some frames that aren't too expensive... I would probably try to frame as much as possible, but I guess if you do something creative then the no frame thing could actually be cool!
But Maybe some one would be more willing to buy one of your prints if you don't have the frame on it, because then they could frame it how they like! Okay, I'm not the best person to answer..sorry

I forgot Michaels has easels, I was thinking of maybe checking out the JoAnn Supercrafts. I found one guy on eBay selling large wooden easels for $30, but I'd really like to see them in person to make sure they are decent quality. Thanks!

you can buy metal folding one at hobby lobby for about $20. Drape some nice fabric over the easel and no one will know they are $20 easels. I would frame them though, but I am a frame junkie!

Kirkland Home has the best deal I have found for easels that look good. They often run a sale and if you talk to the manager about the usage for the event he might cut a deal. That is, if you have one close to you.

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately I live in MI and we don't have any hobby lobbys (lobbies?) or Kirkland Home stores. (Never even heard of Kirkland until now!) I'm going to scout out JoAnn's tonight. Must. Resist. Crafty. Goodness!

ikea also has easels at a pretty decent price too!