What is that darn stuff called???

It's cork-like stuff you cover with fabric, but it doesn't do edges well, so is inset into a paneled wall.

Might be better off just using the picture rail, or new ones from www.systematicart.com, or using 3M Command picture-hanging Velcro.

Are you talking about Homasote?

http://www.homasote.com/products/Burlap-Panels.aspx

gator foam panels work well for this tho they show holes--can be quickly spackled and re-holed

Thanks for the replies--the Homasote is similar to what I'm looking for but not quite the same stuff I recall. The stuff I remember is something that you can really bang nails into and will support heavier artwork--has sort of a laminated fabric overlay (kinda like that burlap).

Why not just wrap an old potato sack around a thick piece of sheetrock?

Or maybe even upholster existing sheetrock wall to cleanly hide all the holes for later patching? Bonus points for removable, washable fabric covering. You can change it seasonally, or monthly, for themed background.

Alan--Ha! The themed background just might do the trick (kind of like those seasonal flags suburbanites seem to love so much)...

Actually the idea of upholstering or covering existing sheetrock is definitely worth consideration. The wall in question is actually is sheetrock so this idea might actually work. Perhaps a laminated fabric directly on top of the existing sheetrock is an option.

But consult a civil engineer first -- I'm decidedly uncivil, so your artwork might come crashing down after a few moves if you just try my suggestion.

Yes--agreed. Cannot risk that.

Bramstar - did you ever get your gallery wall set up?

Was the stuff you are talking about Masonite?