Overview: The Conservation Department oversees the care and preservation of the permanent collection. Conservators are regularly involved in the treatment of works of art to insure their stability and improve their appearance. They regularly advise on loans and exhibitions, participate in installations, and travel with works of art to other institutions. The Conservation Department is particularly interested to document and be knowledgeable about the materials and techniques used by artists so that an appropriate preservation plan can be devised for each piece; this is particularly crucial for works by contemporary artists where non-traditional media may be involved.
Internship Project: The Contemporary Art Conservation Intern will work with the conservators to research and create records about recent acquisitions of contemporary art. This intern will connect with living artists, artists’ estate, and/or the gallery to gather information regarding the materials and techniques used that will instruct the storage, care, and installation considerations for each work. Additionally the intern will assist in database management to ensure conservation records are current and accessible, and may be asked to assist in constructing simple storage housing for works of art.
Projected Learning Outcomes:
- Learn challenges and issues unique to conservation and preservation of contemporary art
- Opportunities to observe conservation treatments in action
- Experience in speaking with living artists and assessing their needs and concerns
- Become familiar with storage challenges associated with contemporary art
Duties:
- Work with the conservators to research and create records about recent acquisitions of contemporary art.
- Connect with living artists, artists’ estate, and/or the gallery to gather information regarding the materials and techniques used that will instruct the storage, care, and installation considerations for each work.
- Assist in database management to ensure conservation records are current and accessible
- Assist in constructing simple storage housing for works of art.
Qualifications:
- Fine arts/studio art education (must be upperclassman, graduate, or graduate student)
- Versant in art materials and techniques
- Professional experience in an art institution
- Demonstrated hand-skills
- Knowledge of contemporary techniques for painting, print-making, and sculpture
