Curatorial Assistant

Description

Title: Curatorial Assistant of Prints, Drawings and Photographs
Curatorial Division
Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Stoddard Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs
Direct Reports: None
Rate: $19 – $22 per hour

Purpose: To provide curatorial and administrative support to Department of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (PDP) and other duties necessary to the operations of the collection, print room and exhibition development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide administrative support to the Stoddard Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, and elsewhere within department including but not limited to: maintaining and creating curatorial records and files, updating content and locations of works on paper in the computer database (TMS), responding to telephone, email, and written inquiries about the works on paper collection, and attending and documenting meetings.
• Catalog existing prints, drawings, and photographs (PDP) in WAM’s permanent collection as well as incoming objects. This includes an ability to identify various media especially in the area of printmaking (e.g. etching, aquatint, lithography, wood engraving, screenprinting).
• Assist with research and review of proposed acquisitions and deaccessions. This includes writing justifications for gifts and purchases.
• Assist with the research, writing, and editing of didactics and publications for PDP exhibitions and rotations as needed.
• Oversee and prepare appointments for classes and other visitors in the PDP Study Room. This includes assisting visitors and researchers to identify relevant works in WAM’s collection, scheduling visits, pulling works from storage in anticipation of visits, speaking to groups about collection objects, monitoring visits, pulling curatorial files and books, and refiling works of art and research materials.
• Assist curators, paper conservator, and collections’ management staff with cleaning and maintaining PDP storage facilities and workrooms.
• Assist with pulling and preparing works for Photo Services.
• Attend and provide support at museum programming events as needed. This may include occasionally preparing and delivering public talks and tours.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested by supervisor.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS

• The ability to identify lithographs, screen-prints, intaglio prints, and relief-based prints
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Ability to multi-task and work on deadline
• Ability to learn and maintain museum storage systems
• Ability to carry up to thirty pounds with confidence
• Basic computer skills, ability to learn collections database
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Embraces and promotes DEI initiatives
• Ability to work and speak confidently to the public, students, outside scholars, donors, visitors and all levels of staff. This includes occasionally offering lectures or tours to groups of 10 or more people
• Knowledge of office systems, including filing, telephone protocol and clerical duties

EDUCATION

M.A. in Art History and/or an M.F.A. in printmaking preferred or equivalent work experience

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• One to two years of art museum or gallery experience

Preferred:

• Curatorial experience and/or experience handling art work
• Knowledge of early photographic processes
• Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) computer database
• Previous experience cataloging artwork
• Proficiency in French, German, Italian, and/or Spanish