For the Record Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Exhibition
Does the artwork have to be made out of all vinyl records?
No, you may use other materials, so long at 60% of the piece is made from the records. Alternatively, you may also choose to use the album sleeves (paper covers & artwork) instead or as well.
Do I have to use all the vinyl records I pick up?
No, any left over vinyl records you have picked up are yours to keep.
Can I get more than 20 records?
Artists or the public may purchase additional records at $0.50 each if they wish. CAC&G may also email registered artists after the initial vinyl pick up about getting more records if they wish, but this will be dependent on how many records we have left. You may also supplement with additional records from other sources.
Can I use my own vinyl records?
Craven Arts would like to encourage artists to pick up and use vinyl records from our collection. However, we recognize some artists have been using and creating with vinyl records for some time, and may wish to enter. Artists who wish to enter without receiving records may contact Craven Arts at [email protected] to discuss.
How do I paint a vinyl record?
We recommend washing your vinyl record if you're going to paint on it. Many artists have also reported that apply two layers of gesso before the the paint helps prevent chipping, and give a better surface. Many artists use acrylic paint for this process.
Are there glues for vinyl records?
CACG has done some research, and found several recommendations:
-E600, epoxies, Gorilla Glue, and PVC glues (used for plumbing), superglue.
Please note some glues have noxious fumes, and may be flammable, so artists are advised to read the labels and follow all precautions. CAC&G is not liable for any injuries or damage caused by the artist using the materials. CAC&G has not tested these methods, so we cannot provide an exact recommendation, and we encourage you do your own research and experiment with the records.
How can I cut vinyl records?
Coping saw, jigsaw, and scroll saws are all reported to work well. CNC routers should also work, though the exact feeds and speeds would need to be tested. Laser cutters are not recommended, as vinyl can release toxins fumes when cut with a laser.
No, you may use other materials, so long at 60% of the piece is made from the records. Alternatively, you may also choose to use the album sleeves (paper covers & artwork) instead or as well.
Do I have to use all the vinyl records I pick up?
No, any left over vinyl records you have picked up are yours to keep.
Can I get more than 20 records?
Artists or the public may purchase additional records at $0.50 each if they wish. CAC&G may also email registered artists after the initial vinyl pick up about getting more records if they wish, but this will be dependent on how many records we have left. You may also supplement with additional records from other sources.
Can I use my own vinyl records?
Craven Arts would like to encourage artists to pick up and use vinyl records from our collection. However, we recognize some artists have been using and creating with vinyl records for some time, and may wish to enter. Artists who wish to enter without receiving records may contact Craven Arts at [email protected] to discuss.
How do I paint a vinyl record?
We recommend washing your vinyl record if you're going to paint on it. Many artists have also reported that apply two layers of gesso before the the paint helps prevent chipping, and give a better surface. Many artists use acrylic paint for this process.
Are there glues for vinyl records?
CACG has done some research, and found several recommendations:
-E600, epoxies, Gorilla Glue, and PVC glues (used for plumbing), superglue.
Please note some glues have noxious fumes, and may be flammable, so artists are advised to read the labels and follow all precautions. CAC&G is not liable for any injuries or damage caused by the artist using the materials. CAC&G has not tested these methods, so we cannot provide an exact recommendation, and we encourage you do your own research and experiment with the records.
How can I cut vinyl records?
Coping saw, jigsaw, and scroll saws are all reported to work well. CNC routers should also work, though the exact feeds and speeds would need to be tested. Laser cutters are not recommended, as vinyl can release toxins fumes when cut with a laser.
