It’s Really Not That Funny

In the December 2013/ January 2014 issue of the fashion magazine “W” , dubbed “The Art Issue”, there is s a small feature entitled  “Weapons of Art Destruction” which enumerates ten different objects and substances (including a hammer, spray paint, oil paint, urine, and a shotgun) that were used in the destruction of works of art. The tone of the piece is humorous, even a bit mocking. Unfortunately, the destruction of works of art is really not that funny.

FULL-TIME SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, TIME-BASED MEDIA COLLECTION, CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART

FULL-TIME SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
TIME-BASED MEDIA COLLECTION
CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART
Carnegie Museum of Art is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Research Associate, Time-Based Media Collection. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for overseeing a three-year, grant-funded project focused on preserving and providing access to the collection. Duties include: maintaining the database records for time-based media materials, assisting with the accessioning of new acquisitions, arranging for the migration of selected materials to digital formats, developing and implementing grant related programs and activities, providing support for exhibitions and other events at the museum, supervising project interns, and overseeing the archiving of the Film and Video department’s paper and photo archive by the Archival Assistant.
The position requires an advanced understanding of avant-garde film and video history, as well as knowledge of moving-image metadata standards; analog and digital video formats; and standards and practices for film and video preservation and video digitization and display. Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong project management, planning, and organizational capabilities; and the ability to work well with a wide array of staff members and external experts are critical. The candidate should have a master’s degree in moving image archiving, archival studies, or an equivalent combination of academic training and work experience. Experience working with museum collections and experience spearheading moving image access initiatives preferred.
Competitive pay rate.  Excellent benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plan.
Application materials will only be accepted through the employer’s website.    For more information and to apply, visit http://www.carnegiemuseums.org/hr and click SEARCH JOBS.  EOE

Outdoor Sculpture and/or Architectural Features Conservator

Rosa Lowinger & Associates seeks to hire a conservator that specializes in outdoor sculpture and/ or architectural features to work out of our Miami studio. This position is for an experienced individual who will work on high-end contemporary outdoor sculpture, municipal public art collections, and architectural conservation projects, in particular an upcoming large scale testing project for conservation of a modernist concrete structure.
Preferred candidates will have a graduate level degree in objects or architectural conservation and 3 years of experience.  Spanish language skills are also highly useful.   The position involves travel, field work, and the ability to work with clients, and manage larger projects
This is a full time permanent position with a highly competitive salary, vacation and benefits.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: rlowinger [at] rosalowinger [dot] com
ROSA LOWINGER & ASSOCIATES           
Conservation of Sculpture + Architecture
Miami    •    Los Angeles
305.573.7011      323.377.8425 mobile
www.rlaconservation.com

Outdoor Sculpture and/or Architectural Features Conservator

Rosa Lowinger & Associates seeks to hire a conservator that specializes in outdoor sculpture and/ or architectural features to work out of our Miami studio. This position is for an experienced individual who will work on high-end contemporary outdoor sculpture, municipal public art collections, and architectural conservation projects, in particular an upcoming large scale testing project for conservation of a modernist concrete structure.
Preferred candidates will have a graduate level degree in objects or architectural conservation and 3 years of experience.  Spanish language skills are also highly useful.   The position involves travel, field work, and the ability to work with clients, and manage larger projects
This is a full time permanent position with a highly competitive salary, vacation and benefits.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: rlowinger [at] rosalowinger [dot] com
ROSA LOWINGER & ASSOCIATES           
Conservation of Sculpture + Architecture
Miami    •    Los Angeles
305.573.7011      323.377.8425 mobile
www.rlaconservation.com

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART CONSERVATOR OF PHOTOGRAPHS

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art seeks applicants for the position of Conservator of Photographs. This position is endowed by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The basic functions of the conservator will be to provide examination, treatment, and research of photographs in the permanent collection and works on loan; establish standards and monitor environment for collection display and storage.  The Conservator will maintain the conservation laboratory including acquisition of equipment and supplies and long range planning for the facility.  Other duties will include conducting research on the permanent collection to contribute to the field of photograph conservation, history, and technology; monitoring cold storage vaults in consultation with facilities and registrar staff; monitoring change in photographs through colorimetric readings before and after exhibition; consulting and collaborating with curators and preparation staff, other conservators (including those on contract to the museum), and regional colleagues; advising museum staff on procedures for safe artwork handling under normal and emergency conditions; responding to public inquiries about conservation; courier duties as needed.
Qualifications:  Advanced degree in art conservation, specializing in the conservation of photographs; minimum five years’ experience  working in a museum conservation facility and working with art museums in preparation and treatment of large numbers of photographs for major exhibitions; experience with current conservation equipment, including analysis using ultraviolet light, infrared light, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, x-radiography, densitometry, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and examination; knowledge of basic mechanisms and research trends in cold storage; demonstrated ability to recreate historic photographic processes preferred; working knowledge of chemistry and materials science; strong organizational skills; ability to analyze and solve problems and work effectively with others; excellent writing and communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write to specifications, document treatments, and prepare reports; familiarity with Microsoft Office and PC desktop applications.  Background screen required.
Qualifications listed in the full position description on the Jobs tab at
www.cartermuseum.org.  Reports to Deputy Director of Art and Research.
Application deadline is January 7, 2014.  To apply, send letter, resume,
salary history, and references to human.resources@cartermuseum.org or to
HR Manager, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 or fax  to
(817) 665-4315. EEOC. No walk-ins. The Amon Carter campus is smoke-free.
 
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position:                Conservator of Photographs  
Reports to:            Deputy Director of Art and Research   
Revision Date:      November 13, 2013
Classification:       Salaried/Exempt
_________________________________________________________
Provide examination, treatment, and research of photographs in the permanent collection and works on loan; establish standards and monitor environment for collection display and storage.
Responsibilities

  1. Establish examination and treatment priorities in consultation with curators for the conservation of photograph collections.  Perform detailed examination of photographs to facilitate process identification for cataloguing. Write treatment proposals and reports for major/minor treatments of photographs.
  2. Inspect permanent collection photographs proposed for exhibition, publication, or loan and make recommendations regarding condition and handling.
  3. Inspect photographs on loan and those proposed for acquisition.
  4. Maintain the conservation laboratory including acquisition of equipment and supplies and long range planning for the facility.
  5. Conduct research on the permanent collection to contribute to the field of photograph conservation, history, and technology; represent the museum at national meetings.
  6. Contribute to museum publications and exhibitions and to outside publications.
  7. Identify storage and treatment needs for photograph collections.  Maintain standards for housing and environment.  Monitor cold storage vaults in consultation with facilities and registrar staff.
  8. Monitor change in photographs through colorimetric readings before and after exhibition.
  9. Consult and collaborate with curators, preparation staff and conservators (including those on contract to the museum), and regional colleagues.
  10. Advise museum staff on procedures for safe artwork handling under normal and emergency conditions.
  11. Participate in the planning of emergency response and disaster mitigation for the museum’s collection.
  12. Contribute to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories or supplies and equipment, and selection of the materials for the conservation resource library.
  13. Respond to public inquiries about conservation; provide assistance to external requests as time permits.
  14. Perform courier duties as required.
  15. Supervise Conservation fellows, interns, and visiting conservators; provide functional supervision for Installation and Preparation Services, Collection Management, and Facilities staff.
  16. Maintain confidentiality regarding all proprietary museum information.
  17. Other duties as requested.

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in art conservation, specializing in the conservation of photographs.

Minimum of five years’ experience working in a museum conservation facility and working with art museums in preparation and treatment of large numbers of photographs for major exhibitions.

  • Experience with current conservation equipment, including analysis using ultraviolet light, infrared light, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, x-radiography, densitometry, colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and examination.
  • Knowledge of basic mechanisms and research trends in cold storage.
  • Demonstrated ability to recreate historic photographic processes preferred.
  • Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
  • Ability to initiate and adapt to change, analyze and solve problems, able to maintain flexibility and work collaboratively.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write to specifications, document treatments, and prepare reports.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and PC desktop applications.

 

Willman Spawn Internship in Paper Conservation – American Philosophical Society Library

The Library of the American Philosophical Society (APS) is pleased announce our annual competition for the Willman Spawn Internship in Paper Conservation. The internship begins in September of 2014 and is designed for students currently in graduate school or those who wish to gain experience in the field.
Internship projects will include: conservation treatment of works on paper, environmental monitoring, rehousing of manuscript materials, and review of loan requests. Special interests or specific goals of the intern are encouraged as part of the learning experience.
A $7,000.00 stipend is provided to assist with travel and research. The length and start date of the internship are negotiable.
Please send a letter of intent, resume, and contact information for 3 references (not letters of recommendation, please) to the address listed below. Non-US citizens must also provide documentation stating that the applicant is authorized to accept employment in the United States.
Anne Downey
Head of Conservation
American Philosophical Society Library
105 S. 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
 
Application deadline is January 20, 2014

MELLON POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP IN PAPER CONSERVATION – PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering an Andrew W. Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Paper Conservation, beginning September 1, 2014 and ending August 31, 2015. The Fellowship may be extended up to three years. The applicant should be a graduate of a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent experience. The Fellow will examine, conduct research, and perform treatment on works of art on paper in the Museum collections and will participate in preservation activities throughout the Museum, including exhibitions and storage.
The Fellowship will focus on conservation of European and American art on paper and include work on Indian paintings, East Asian scrolls and screens, as well as minor work on photographs. The Fellow will work with the two staff paper conservators in the state-of-the art laboratory.

Each fellowship includes a stipend of $35,198, health insurance, $3,000 in travel funds
and $2,000 for research support. Applications should be sent electronically and include:
pdf files containing statement of interest, resume, transcripts of graduate courses, and
four examples of examination reports and treatment records with photographs. Please include
any published treatments or research. For electronic submissions please use a file
sharing service (such as DropBox or WeTransfer) to gdiefenderfer@philamuseum.org.
Confidential supporting letters from two conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s
work should be sent directly by the referee to: Nancy Ash, Senior Conservator of Works of Art on Paper,
Philadelphia Museum of Art, P.O. Box 7646, Philadelphia, PA  19101-7646. nash [at] philamuseum_org
All application materials must be received by February 10, 2014. EOE
Receipt of application will be confirmed by e-mail.
Chris Wasson
Conservation Administrator
Philadelphia Museum of Art
215-684-7542
cwasson [at] philamuseum_org

International Symposium -The Non-Invasive Analysis of Painted Surfaces: Scientific Impact and Conservation Practice

Paint Analysis 1

Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
McEvoy Auditorium | 8th and G Streets NW | Washington DC, 20001
February 20 – 21, 2014
This two-day international symposium will focus on recent advances in technology and instrumentation for the analysis of painted surfaces. You can download an announcement flyer here: Non-Invasive Analysis of Painted Surfaces Announcement
While non-destructive and micro-destructive analytical methods are often essential for the study and understanding of paintings, recent developments in portable and non-invasive instrumentation have led to growing interest in the applicability of techniques to the study of paintings. Further, as new instrumentation becomes commercially available and more affordable, conservators and scientists are able to use non-invasive techniques for monitoring and analysis in new ways.
A particular focus of the conference will be the interpretation of analytical results from portable instrumentation including colorimetry, imaging and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The format of the conference will include papers and panel discussions.
Registration for this conference is required.
A schedule of speakers and registration instructions are listed under the current courses section on AIC’s site.
http://www.conservation-us.org/education/education/current-courses/non-invasive-analysis-of-painted-surfaces

Presented in partnership with the Lunder Conservation Center, ICOM-CC Paintings Working Group, ICOM-CC Scientific Research Working Group, and FAIC.
Image: Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Chief Conservator, Tiarna Doherty, studies x-radiographs of Constantino Brumidi’s study for the Rotunda of the Capitol Building. (Photography by Conor Doherty)

Register Now for MuseumPests2014 Conference at Colonial Williamsburg

Most of AIC Specialty Groups have been staunch supporters of the Integrated Pest Management Working Group by funding the development of the MuseumPests.net website, enabling the site to present free information used by collecting holding institutions to prevent and combat pest infestations.  Now, MuseumPests.net goes live at Colonial Williamsburg!  After 10 years of creating online IPM resources for the museum, library/archive and historic site community we are partnering with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to hold MuseumPests 2014: Integrated Pest Management for museums, libraries, archives and historic sites a two-day conference and workshop program.  Visit the conference website for full program and registration information.

Over the past decade cultural institutions have made great strides in implementing policies and procedures that protect our collections, our staff, and our environment by focusing on preventive methods and non-toxic remediation. There is still much to learn and this conference presents the opportunity to learn from and with colleagues from across the United States and around the world, including many of the leading researchers and practitioners in the field. The resources presented at the conference will be shared on the www.museumpests.net website.
In the morning sessions, keynote talks by David Pinniger and Tom Strang will be followed by papers and panel presentations centered around four themes relevant to the implementation of IPM in cultural heritage institutions of all types including:
1. Institutional Implementation of IPM
2. Monitoring & Control
3. Treatment & Remediation
4. IPM Policy, Health, & Safety
A poster session will highlight additional institutional programs with a focus on international implementation of IPM in developing countries. The afternoon sessions will allow participants to choose hands-on workshops and on-site tours for IPM practitioners of all levels of expertise.
larvae
Come meet and connect faces to the colleagues whose digital signatures you’ve seen on the PestList.  REGISTER NOW to have your first choice of workshops.

Preserving the Iraqi Jewish Archive: Behind the Scenes with the Preservation & Access Team

naHeads up to everyone in the DC Metro region!  The National Archives, located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, is showing “Discovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage” through January 5, 2014.  This exhibition presents the incredible work of the Iraqi Jewish Archive Preservation Project team to preserve, and make available, water damaged documents and books discovered in Baghdad in 2003.
Be sure not to miss a special presentation being offered on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, from 11:00-1:00 in the William G. McGowan Theater.  “Preserving the Iraqi Jewish Archive: Behind the Scenes with the Preservation & Access Team” is a remarkable opportunity to hear from conservators and digital imaging specialists about the treatments and efforts done to stabilize and digitize the materials.  Learn about the recovery of the materials, the history of the project, and find out about other documents and books not seen in the exhibition.  For more information, please visit www.archives.gov/dc-metro/events.

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