Hi All
We've used the Griplock hanging system. The system includes a top rail that screws to the wall, with a channel on the bottom into which you slide cables with ball ends. They sell a wide variety of hanging hardware that the plain end of the cables slide into and are captured by a self-locking mechanism. It's not inexpensive but it works well for a variety of elements. The track comes in a couple of lengths and is easily cut. Very art-gallery looking.
MN State Parks uses the Walker system at Tettegouche SP and the guy who manages their gallery told me it's very easy to use and adaptable for their needs. The bars have more visual presence than the cable system but aren't terrible IMHO.
We looked at the Arikawa System which is similar to Griplock and I think more expensive.
Lisa Friedlander, exhibit project specialist
MN Historical Society
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Lisa Friedlander
Project Specialist
Minnesota Historical Society
Saint Paul MN
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 11:31 AM
From: Vivian Zoe
Subject: Temporary Exhibitions hanging systems
Thank you!
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Vivian Zoe PhD
Executive Director, retired
Gales Ferry CT
Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 09:22 AM
From: Melina Guarino
Subject: Temporary Exhibitions hanging systems
Hi Vivian: Here at the Hutchins Galleries, we use a hanging rail system from Systematic Art. I would recommend, as their products have worked in two very different spaces, one of which was extremely challenging to retrofit. It did not require us to hire out to install; our in-house buildings crew installed it in the galleries. If you have any additional questions, please reach out.
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Melina Guarino
Curator & Gallery Director
The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 08:24 AM
From: Vivian Zoe
Subject: Temporary Exhibitions hanging systems
Thank you, Stacey! Are the "wires" picture wire or similar braided, flexible wire? Also, did you purchase the rails on your own and then search for an installer? I can imagine finding tradespeople on an island is difficult (I have family on Martha's Vineyard!)... Do you recall the vendor of the rails? Thanks again. Vivian
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Vivian Zoe PhD
Executive Director, retired
Gales Ferry CT
Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 06:57 AM
From: Stacey Marchak
Subject: Temporary Exhibitions hanging systems
Good morning! I think we use what you are calling a rod and rail system. We have metal rails attached to the top of the walls next to the ceiling and we use wires with special hooks to hang the art. It works great!. It took forever to find someone to do the hanging, but it was worth the wait!
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Stacey Marchak
Deputy Director of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
Key West FL
Original Message:
Sent: 02-05-2026 08:29 AM
From: Vivian Zoe
Subject: Temporary Exhibitions hanging systems
Greetings, Hive Mind! I am an environmental/nature educational facility that is launching a temporary exhibitions program (of art with a nature theme/subject matter). The "gallery" is three interconnected hallways with drywall walls.
They would like to spare the substrate as much as possible and are considering rail/rod systems, textile (carpet-like) coverings and any other option that provides the most flexibility for varying sizes of 2-D art, while sparing the walls.
I've used or been involved with picture rail/rod systems and have seen the textile solution. Each seems to have its positive and negative attributes.
Do you have any advice? Personal/professional experience? NEW options? Thank you for any and all recommendations! Vivian