Internship: Outdoor Sculpture Focused Objects Conservation Internship – Toledo Museum of Art (Toldeo, OH)

The Toledo Museum of Art is pleased to announce a 10-week paid summer internship in Objects Conservation with a focus on outdoor sculpture June-August, exact start and end date(s) flexible.  A stipend of $487/week (37.5 hours/week) is available to cover travel, food and lodging.
Working with the museum’s conservator, conservation intern and conservation technician, the intern will focus on the maintenance of outdoor sculpture. Pending work schedules there may be the opportunity to work on other conservation projects.
Activities will focus on condition reporting, examination, cleaning and treatment of outdoor sculpture.  Aspects related to conservation and collection’s care in a museum environment will also be discussed.
Requirements: Ability to work in an outdoor environment especially under summer weather conditions. Must be comfortable handling power tools and equipment and be able to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, and carry equipment ca. 15-20 lbs. Applicants should work well in a collegial team environment focused on learning conservation skills and techniques.  As the work involves the use of tools on artwork the individual must be able to follow directions implicitly, have good hand skills and be detail oriented.
This position is intended for individuals focusing on a career in art conservation and need conservation experience. They should have completed or are in the process of completing their undergraduate conservation requirements for application to a conservation degree program. Prior conservation experience is preferred.
Applicants must be fluent in English both written and spoken. Conservation activities performed will be commensurate with experience.
Candidates should submit the following in English:  Letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and two professional references (including email, telephone and address).
Please submit materials to:  Siccorah Martin, Human Resources Dept., Toledo Museum of Art, PO Box 1013., Toledo, OH 43620.  Electronic submissions are acceptable.  Send to jobs@toledomuseum.org.
Application deadline: Postmarked or emailed by April 22, 2016

Fellowship: Gilded Age Art & Technology Fellowship – The Preservation Society of Newport County (Newport, RI)

CALL FOR FELLOWS
Gilded Age Art & Technology
The Preservation Society of Newport County is now welcoming applications for one-year research fellowships, which will begin on September 1, 2016.  Applications for six-month fellowships and sabbaticals will also be considered.
Interested scholars are invited to submit proposals that will utilize Newport’s  historic and cultural resources to examine the topic of “Gilded Age Art and Technology”, as it relates to history, culture, design, and/or the arts. By the beginning of WWI, new approaches, new technologies, and new philosophies had radically transformed almost every aspect of American life, forever changing the aesthetic, social, scientific, medical and business worlds of the 19th century. How did Gilded Age developments impact visual culture? The built environment? Textiles? Landscape design? Interiors? Social practices? Approaches towards collecting and museums? What are the lessons and legacies for today?
Topics may include (but are not limited to); architectural history; conservation; horticultural  and landscape history and design; social history; art and literature; preservation issues; and technology. Broad interpretations and interdisciplinary approaches to this theme are encouraged.
Fellowship requirements:
An M.A. or Ph.D. in a relevant academic field such as the history of art, architecture or the decorative arts, landscape design history, historic preservation, material culture, literature, cultural geography, history, and public policy as it relates to cultural heritage. Doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research will also be considered. Proven ability to work independently, organize and manage multiple projects and meet rigorous deadlines is necessary, as are strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.
Fellows receive a stipend of $25,000, and housing is available in our newly renovated Elms Scholars Center. All fellows should be prepared to deliver a public presentation of their project at the conclusion of their fellowship.
Previous Fellowships:
Previous fellowships have explored such diverse subjects as post-civil war development in domestic service spaces, 18th century woodwork and paneling, public policy, colonial era coastal archaeology, and costume history, to name just a few.
To Apply:
Step 1: Prepare Materials

  • Application form: Complete the attached application form (also available at NewportMansions.org).
  • Project proposal: Please provide an abstract (250-500 words) describing your project, the work you plan to undertake in Newport and the surrounding area, and identifying specific resources in local institutions and/or repositories that will inform your work.
  • Vita: Please provide a copy of your current curriculum vitae.
  • References: Please provide two letters of reference from scholars or advisors who are familiar with your work.

Step 2: Submit Materials

  • Reference letters: Please instruct your reference writers to submit their letters via email to fellowships@NewportMansions.org. The email subject should include your last name and the word “reference”
  • Application: E-mail your complete application, including application form, essay, and vita to fellowships@NewportMansions.org. Please put your name in the subject line.

The deadline for submission of materials is April 1, 2016.  After reviewing all applications, fellowship finalists will be selected for in-person or telephone interviews.
Download Form Here

Internship: Pre-Program Internship in Outdoor Sculpture Conservation – Denver Art Museum (Denver, CO)

Denver Art Museum Pre-program Internship in Outdoor Sculpture Conservation
The Denver Art Museum is offering two paid pre-program internships in the conservation of outdoor sculpture for the summer of 2016.  U.S. citizens or legal residents are eligible to apply.
The internships will be 3 days per week, 7 hours per day, for 5 weeks, starting in late June or early July.  Under the supervision of the conservator of modern and contemporary art, interns will learn and practice basic skills for the conservation of outdoor sculpture, including washing and waxing of bronzes and maintenance of painted surfaces, as well as written and photographic documentation techniques.
Qualifications for the internship include:

  • An interest in art conservation as a career.
  • Successful completion of some academic requirements for entry into a conservation graduate program. Coursework may include but is not limited to chemistry, physics, studio art, and art history classes.
  • Ability to handle collection objects with care.
  • Ability to exercise critical thinking.
  • Willingness to take direction and execute accordingly.
  • Proven attendance and follow through of prior job responsibilities.
  • Prior experience handling artworks is a plus but not required.

Work will involve some moderate to heavy lifting and use of surfactants, solvents, paint, and wax.  Work will take place outdoors; conditions may be hot and dry.  Interns are expected to follow established safety practices per lifts, ladders, and use of half-face respirators.  Fit testing and training for respirator use will be provided. Internship may include a relevant visit to artist’s studio or foundry.
To apply, please send a cover letter, résumé, a summary of relevant coursework with grades, and contact information for two job-related references to Kate Moomaw at kmoomaw@denverartmuseum.org, by April 15, 2016.

Job Posting: Architectural Historian/Conservator – Garavaglia Architecture Inc. (San Francisco, CA)

Architectural Historian/Conservator
Garavaglia Architecture Inc. is a dynamic 9-person preservation architecture firm conveniently located in downtown San Francisco. Established in 1986, our range of projects includes civic, commercial, institutional, and residential projects with a specialization in historic preservation and sustainability. While many of our projects are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we do work throughout California. The firm actively seeks projects that challenge our studio, including a variety of interesting and unusual projects both large and small. We pride ourselves in offering our clients innovative and personalized services for their projects while seamlessly integrating technical expertise with creative design solutions.
As a growing firm, we are currently seeking an Architectural Historian/Conservator with five to seven years of professional experience. We work with a wide variety of clients in a diverse geographic region.
Architectural Historian/Conservator candidates should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of, and experience with, the following:

  • Standard industry reports – HRE, HSR, Conditions Assessments, SISR Reviews and National Register Nominations
  • Historic preservation philosophies and current methodologies
  • Secretary of the Interior’s Treatment Standards
  • Survey methodologies
  • CEQA/NAPD environmental review
  • Regional development trends/contexts planning requirements
  • Conditions Assessment
  • Understand both exterior and interior construction materials
  • Advising and providing AutoCAD construction document notations
  • Some working knowledge of AutoCAD
  • Paint Sample Analysis
  • Solid client communication skills
  • Excellent writing and editing abilities
  • Keen sense of project timelines and budgets
  • Comfort with a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team work environment

Minimum Requirements:

  • Masters in Preservation Planning, Historic Preservation, Architectural History or related field
  • Exceed Secretary of Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualification Standards for Architectural History (http://www.cr.nps.gov/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm)

Garavaglia Architecture is committed to providing an atmosphere for growth opportunities to its employees including participation in professional organizations and continuing educational opportunities. We offer medical and other benefits and are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Due to the nature of our work, we are only seeking candidates that fit within the position requirements. Compensation for relocation expenses are not available for this position.
If emailing, send either a .pdf or .doc file or place your resume within the text of the email with a subject heading to read “Architectural Historian/Conservator.”  We regret that the volume of applications does not always permit us to acknowledge each individual application.
Send applications to:
Steven Garavaglia
Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.
582 Market Street #1800
San Francisco, CA 94104
steveg@garavaglia.com

Job Posting: Director of the Bindery and Conservation Studio – Charleston Library Society (Charleston, SC)

Director of the Bindery and Conservation Studio – Charleston Library Society
 Position:

  • Director of the Bindery and Conservation Studio

Description:

  • The Charleston Library Society is looking for an enthusiastic and qualified conservator to oversee and expand their conservation program.

Essential Duties:

  • Lead, implement, oversee, and expand the long-term collection preservation and bindery operations at the Charleston Library Society in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Library Staff, and appropriate committees.
  • Prioritize the conservation and preservation of the collections.
  • Supervise daily activities, the Conservation Assistant, and interns in the Bindery and Conservation Studio.
  • Organize outreach programs to the membership and community at large through workshops, tours and presentations.
  • Document and perform conservation treatments on bound and unbound paper-based materials from the collection and membership/community at large (on a limited basis) in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
  • Advise and arrange the outsourcing of conservation treatments that cannot be performed in-house.
  • Assist in any other Library activities as needed.

Qualifications:

  • A master’s degree in Art Conservation plus 1 year professional experience or a similar level of experience.
  • Fine binding experience.
  • Ability to work pleasantly and effectively with others in a close and collaborative atmosphere.
  • Strong writing and public speaking skills.

Salary and Benefits:

  • $40,000 (negotiable in accordance with applicant’s experience)
  • Generous paid time off, health care, and retirement package (retirement package available after two years)
  • Opportunities for professional development

Applications must be received by May 15, 2016. Please submit current Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter discussing how your experience and interests make you a good fit for the Library Society, and professional references to:
Anne W. Cleveland
Executive Director
Charleston Library Society  ∞  164 King St., Charleston, SC   29401  ∞ acleveland@charlestonlibrarysociety.org

Kress-Funded Publication: Alice Boccia Paterakis Recently Published by Archetype Publications

Kress-Funded Publication: Alice Boccia Paterakis Recently Published by Archetype Publications

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Alice Boccia Paterakis, Director of Conservation at the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology in Turkey, was the recipient of Kress Publication Funding in 2001. Her resulting book, Volatile Organic Compounds and the Conservation of Inorganic Materials, has been recently published in paperback format by Archetype Publications. Alice’s research into the topic allowed her to observe and record conditions in various museum collections; in the text she discusses appropriate treatments, storage, and monitoring based on her research into the indoor pollutants found in museums and galleries. For more information, contents, or to purchase, please follow this link: http://archetype.co.uk/publication-details.php?id=238
 
This makes 23 published works since 1994 by authors awarded FAIC/Samuel H. Kress Conservation Publication Fellowships. Forty-two total awards have been given, and many of those who are not yet published currently are working with publishers. The fellowships have made an outstanding impact on the field of conservation and FAIC is committed to the production and dissemination of reference works for conservation professionals. For more information on the FAIC/Samuel H. Kress Conservation Publication Fellowships and recipients, visit: http://www.conservation-us.org/scholarships-grants/publication.

A motto for all of our work

In his article about the restoration of the main reading room and the Bill Blass Public Catalog Room of the New York Public Library’s  Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street (“Renovating A Great Hall And A Home For Scholars”, The New York Times, March 3, 2016), David W. Dunlap writes of the painstaking work and attention to safety that has made the project run more than two years past its estimated date of completion. On the subject of the time and money that went into this project, he quotes the library’s President Anthony W. Marx: “If we do the job right, hopefully it is once in a lifetime.”  This should be a motto for all of our work (barring inherent vice of materials and acts of God).

21st Century Salary Agenda

For all of us who care about salaries in conservation and museums, here is a great post on the Art Museum Teaching blog. I missed it in Feb. because I was working in the field with little internet access, but just read it in my review of the 700+ emails that accumulated while I was gone. It’s worth it, especially for the re-posted salary agenda from authors on the Leadership Matters blog.
 
 

Job Posting: Senior Paper Conservator – Graphic Conservation Company (Chicago, IL)

Senior Paper Conservator
Graphic Conservation Company in Chicago (www.graphicconservation.com) is experiencing continued growth and seeks to add a new position of Senior Paper Conservator. The ideal candidate will possess the following traits:

  • An in-depth appreciation and understanding of AIC ethical guidelines
  • A comprehensive knowledge of Conservation Theory and Practice
  • Proven knowledge of techniques and materials
  • Significant understanding of the attributes of paper and vellum
  • Highly-developed hand skills and a significant level of attention to detail
  • Demonstrated success in a team-based environment
  • Ability to treat varied works on paper whose requirements range from minor repairs to complex restoration

QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate level degree in art conservation from an accredited institution or, a similar level of expertise developed through career experience.
Proven ability to write detailed condition reports, develop written recommended treatment steps, and identify any potential limitations.  As such, strong written communication skills are very important.
An ability to work in a business environment that presents different challenges each day.
Ability to collaborate with all members of our team.
Graphic Conservation Company will consider both private-practice and institutional conservators for this position.
This is a full-time position. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please submit Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter that discusses your potential contribution to our growing company, salary history, and professional references in confidence to:
Russ Maki
Graphic Conservation Company
329 West 18th Street
Suite 701
Chicago IL 60616
rdm@graphicconservation.com
No phone calls, please

More paintings were killed than cured

In his review of the exhibit “Munch and Expressionism” at the Neue Galerie in New York City ( “We All Scream”, The New Yorker, February 29, 2016), Peter Schjeldahl  notes that Edvard Munch “took to leaving his paintings outdoors through the brutal Norwegian winters—to ‘kill or cure’ them”.  One imagines that more paintings were killed than cured by this treatment and that the ones which survived have been suffering the effects of it ever since .