How does one attach heavy items to dry wall ceilings and walls?..

You need to use a stud finder for hanging heavy items. This will allow you to find the studs behind the dry wall. Then you can nail into the stud.

Fix to Joist or Frame

Use druywall anchors, or find the stud is the best advise I can give from personal experience

There are drywall anchors for various weights. Speak to the people at Lowe's or Home Depot and they can direct you to the proper ones to get .

I have used a hook that you poke into the sheet rock, no tools required, the hook rests on the sheet rock inside the wall! You can get them at most furniture stores! Only one small hole in your wall, holds up to 400 lbs!!

One good thing about a newer house v. an older one is that studs are 16" on center. So if you find one you can easily measure to the next. Good luck! Sounds like you are upsizing!

You are very welcome.

If you knock on the wall in a straight line across, you should be able to hear when the wall is hollow and where there is a timber.

Thank you, Dmanders, C.D. and Diana, John and Amanda! Will get busy with stud finder and also check out dry wall anchors. Quite the challenge after living with wonderful plastered walls in same 1930's home for over 40 years! ...Susan

Thank you, Everyone, for your most helpful advice. I'll be looking for studs for some larger pictures and use the hooks/anchors for the smaller versions. Really appreciate the suggestions as I have loved my plaster for almost a half century so now time to get with the new! ...Susan