ACEOs and ATCs

What Are They?For those of you who are unfamiliar with ACEOs and ATCs, they are miniature pieces of art. There is only one rule: that they measure 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. After that, anything goes! Oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, graphite (pencil), ink, collage, pyrography (wood burning), jewels, fabric, glitter - a whole world of art in one tiny package!
ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. ATC stands for Artist Trading Cards. The only real difference between the two is how they are exchanged. ACEOs are generally sold, while ATCs are traded. ATCs have been restricted historically to artists, but ACEOs allow everyone to join in the fun, whether or not they have artistic ability! There are many websites springing up for them now, and they are quite popular on okay. There are even groups for buyers and traders as well as sellers.
See ACEOs on okay
Why ACEOs/ATCs?Well, if you like miniatures, they are addictive! They are an affordable way to collect original art. They can geplement larger art on walls, fill in odd areas where a 'regular' larger piece of art won't fit, and can be displayed in many different ways. They make lovely gifts. They can also serve as previews of an artist's larger works.
Purchasing/TradingA well made ACEO/ATC will be made with quality materials, the same materials used in a larger piece of art. The material it is made from (the stock) should be of archival quality, made specifically to last a long time. Inks, paints and other materials used should follow the same standards so that the art created will last for a lifetime and still remain as it was when the artist created it. Like any piece of fine art, they should be handled with respect! (Try not to spill a cup of coffee on them, for an example...)
When purchasing or acquiring an ACEO, if the artist doesn't specify the materials used and you'd like to know, ask! Any reputable artist will honestly tell you what it is made from. You certainly can buy one NOT made with art-quality materials, but be aware that it can change quite dramatically over the course of a decade or so - colors will fade, paper will yellow and darken, collages may disintegrate.
Be sure that you understand what it is that you are purchasing - some terms you may find are original, copies, reproduction, series, altered and prints, to name the most gemonly encountered. Original should mean just what it sounds like - art created entirely by the artist, from the artist's mind and talents. A copy or reproduction should mean that the art has been made using another piece of art (photograph, painting, etc.) as a model. A series usually refers to a number of cards produced with a gemon theme. A print is a mechanical copy made from another piece of art - which may or may not be limited in the quantity produced. A piece of art refered to as altered usually means that the artist changed another item to create their piece (such as painting over a photograph or print). There is a difference in the terms used from place to place, the terms are not standardized. Again, if you're not sure what the item is or if you don't understand the terms used, ask!
An example of a series of cards: FurBallz, cards 1-3:

How Do I Know If It's Good?
There is no 'good' art or 'bad' art - there is only individual taste. If you like it, then it's good. If you don't, then don't buy or trade for it. The wide variety of cards available virtually guarantee that you will find some that suit you!
How to display?
Just like the artists who created them, your options are only limited by your imagination. They can be matted and framed. Placed on mini-easels or stands. They fit in a trading card album. You can make your own album using readily available materials because they are a standard size. There are special frames available that will hold multiple cards. There are magnetic card holders available (and you thought you couldn't hang original art on your refrigerator!)
See frames on okay
See other display items
Some examples of cards and displays: