ECPN interviews emerging conservators in private practice
Liz Chayes, Orange County, CA
Tell us a little about yourself-your background, where you’re working now and what you do in your current position?
I am a 2008 graduate of the UCLA/Getty Conservation Program, which is a three year graduate program that focuses on the conservation of ethnographic and archaeological materials. Through the program I gained conservation experience in museums and archaeological sites around the world, including Africa, England and Australia. Prior to graduate school, I worked in museums, archives and archaeological sites within Southern California for eight years. In addition to the daily management of Indigo Arts Alliance, I am currently working as an independent conservator for the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
What form of outreach are you using? If it is an online tool, please specify which platform (Blogspot, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)
In 2008, I co-founded a non-profit called Indigo Arts Alliance, which is a free web-based resource for conservators that contains financial support through grants in addition to news, job listings and a community network.
Who would you say is your target audience?
Our primary target is art conservators, and has expanded to include many interest levels and disciplines including museum professionals, collection managers, students, and the interested public.
What were/are you trying to achieve using this form of outreach? Was it met or solved using this particular approach or tool?
First and foremost we wanted to have fun and to help others in the field. Since our launch in the Fall of 2011, we have had a very positive response. One of the elements of the site we’re proud of is our Network page, where people can connect, create groups and invite others to post and chat. This area of our site is the fastest growing and has a really positive response. In addition, we established a grants program as a source of financial support for professionals in the field. This was an important part of our mission since we have known many conservators who have given up great opportunities for lack of funding. This year will be the first we are accepting applications for Indigo’s financial awards so it is very exciting!
Is there anything you would do differently, or any recommendations you would make to other conservators who might want to use your approach / tool for themselves?
I would say to find what you love to do then share it. For those involved with Indigo, we have a passion for philanthropy and conservation and it is a privilege to be able to combine them both for the benefit of others.
Have your outreach endeavors produced any unexpected outcomes or benefits?
The other day a pre-program student in rural Connecticut contacted Indigo and thanked us for being a resource for her as she didn’t have any in her immediate area- it inspired me to continue to be a source of support and information for others who are interested in the field at any level.
To learn more about Indigo Arts Alliance go to: http://indigoartsalliance.org/
Emily G. Phillips, Essex, NY
Tell us a little about yourself-your background, where you’re working now and what you do in your current position?
I am a 2008 graduate of the Buffalo State College Art Conservation program, specializing in paintings conservation. Soon after I established a private practice located in Essex, NY (close proximity to Burlington, VT). As owner and operator I oversee all the day to day management of running a business and get to work on a pretty wide range of projects and clients.
What form of outreach are you using? If it is an online tool, please specify which platform (Blogspot, Tumblr, Twitter, etc.)
I currently use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and a WordPress blog. They are mostly linked to eachother for ease of management.
Who would you say is your target audience?
My target audience at this stage is the general public and fellow conservators.
What were/are you trying to achieve using this form of outreach? Was it met or solved using this particular approach or tool?
I am trying to peak there interest and educate them on our field.
Is there anything you would do differently, or any recommendations you would make to other conservators who might want to use your approach / tool for themselves?
Pace yourself and plan. The web is getting noisy with everyone starting up blogs and facebook pages and twitter accounts. Content has to be good, nice images help too. Also try to link your online tools so they update eachother, makes them more manageable.
Have your outreach endeavors produced any unexpected outcomes or benefits?
I am constantly blown away by a follower from Japan “liking” a post, or someone in Australia retweeting my tweet. It really helps when in private practice to feel the world is accessible and people are listening.
To learn more about Emily’s practice and online media network, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Essex-NY/Phillips-Art-Conservation-LLC/276647438370?ref=search