September 2016 – Page 2 – AIC Blog Archives: Conservators Converse

One is never too young to learn about conservation

In the October calendar of programs and events sent out by the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery there is a listing for an “Art and Me” program for children ages 3-5. During the one and a half hour program, “Silver Tells a Story”, the children will join conservator Ellen Chase to explore what goes into preserving precious art objects made of silver and experiment with “newly acquired skills”. Perhaps this program will spark an interest in one or more of the children who attend it that will lead them to a career in conservation decades from now. One is never too young to learn about conservation.

Job Posting: Director of Historic Preservation and Museums (Hartford, CT, USA)

Department of Economic and Community Development
State Historic Preservation Office
Director of Historic Preservation and Museums
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SPECIFIC APPLICATION FILING INSTRUCTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!
Open To: The Public
Location: One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103
Job Posting No: 11409
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week
Salary: Grade MP-65 ($86,813 – $118,362 annual)
Closing Date: October 3, 2016—applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM
Eligibility Requirement
This is an unclassified, management position open to all applicants who meet the experience and training requirements established in the DAS Class Specification for class code 2562, which can be viewed by accessing this link http://das.ct.gov/HR/JobspecNew/JobDetail.asp?FCC=7298.
General Information
Reporting to the Director of Culture, and serving as the Deputy, the Director of Historic Preservation and Museums will assist in administering the historic preservation and museum initiatives of the agency to preserve and promote the state’s significant historic assets and to coordinate with other local, state and federal programs to incorporate historic properties and cultural strategies with Connecticut’s overall economic development.
Essential Functions
Refer to Examples of Duties listed on DAS Class Specification 2562. Specific functions include:

Directing and evaluating the staff of the State Historic Preservation Office and the staff of all DECD State Museums.
Managing the daily operations of historic preservation and museum initiatives and programs.
Planning, coordinating, analyzing and managing cultural programs, activities and publicity.
Interpreting and administering pertinent laws, developing (or assists with developing) pertinent policies, and assuring compliance with all federal and state requirements for historic preservation.
Designing and implementing programs for the field of historic preservation, restoration, education, tax credits and technical assistance.
Overseeing the operations of agency-operated museums, including capital improvement projects.
Preparing budgets and reports, such as the Historic Preservation Fund annual application and year-end report.
Negotiating and administering contracts.
Serving as Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and as liaison to the Historic Preservation Council and State Historic Review Board, and representing the agency at meetings of professional and community organizations.
Participating in meetings of the Culture and Tourism Advisory Committee.
Acting on behalf of Director of Culture in his or her absence, and performing related duties whenever necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of preservation policy and economic development incorporating historic assets; considerable knowledge of research source materials; considerable knowledge of American history with particular emphasis on history and architectural history of Connecticut; knowledge of cultural strategies; knowledge of principles of museum administration and curatorial practices; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; supervisory ability.
General Experience Nine (9) years of professional experience in the study, research and preservation of historic sites, structures, artifacts, and administration/management of programs related to these fields.
Preferred Experience
As this is an upper-level management position, a degree in historic preservation or a closely related field combined with at least five (5) years of experience in an administrative capacity is preferred. Experience managing museums is preferred.
Application Instructions
Interested and qualified applicants should submit a cover letter that describes their interest and suitability for the position, a resume, and an Application for Employment (Form CT-HR-12) to:
Joe Olender, Human Resources Specialist
Department of Administrative Services, Small Agency Resource Team—SmART Unit
165 Capitol Avenue, 5th Floor East, Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Confidential Fax (preferred method of submission): 860-622-2833
Materials may be attached to email and sent to Joseph.Olender@ct.gov
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities

Fellowship: Mellon Fellowship in Paper Conservation – Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce, PR, USA)

Fellowship Summary
Under general supervision by Paper Conservator, the Fellow Conservator will assist all duties related to the performance of preventive conservation treatments, the item-by-item condition reports and the substitution of storage conservation materials of the permanent paper collection. The successful candidate will also assist with the day-to-day conservation tasks, preservation education and exhibition-related projects.
Duration of Fellowship
The Museo de Arte de Ponce offers a two and a half year fellowship, from the 17th of January 2017 to the 14th of June 2019.
Stipend and Allowance
The Fellow will receive a stipend of $32,000 a year (plus Health Care, Social Security and 15-day vacation), with an additional $2,000 allowance for travel.
Requirements
– Bachelor Degree in science or arts;
– Master’s Degree in Art Conservation, specialized in Paper Conservation from a recognized institution;
– Intern experience in paper conservation in museum environment;
– Good communication skills and willing to work enthusiastically with colleagues;
– Ability to work in a wide range of conservation activities; and
– Flexibility to adjust to unplanned changes.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter summarizing their interest, a resume and the three (3) references to: Mariela Vera, Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator, by sending an e-mail to mvera@museoarteponce.org. Please combine the cover letter, resume and references into a one document.
Deadline to apply is October 24, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST.
Museum Background
Founded in 1959, the Museo de Arte de Ponce holds one of the most important collections of European art in the Caribbean and Latin America. The museum is devoted to exhibiting, studying, and conserving visual art of the Western tradition from the fourteenth century to the present. There are around 4,500 objects in the collection, of which the strongest areas are Italian paintings from 1600-1750, French and Spanish painting and sculpture from 1600-1900, and British painting from 1800-1900. Visitors will also find works by Caribbean artists (and some Latin American) from the eighteenth century to the present.

Conservator Position at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Announcing a full time Conservation position at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Interested persons should send resume and cover letter to:
Tara Backhouse
Collections Manager
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
tarabackhouse<-a t->semtribe< . >com
http://www.ahtahthiki.com
The Conservator reports to the Collections Manager and is responsible for all aspects of conservation treatment for the STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections. This position also coordinates and manages the conservation program for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. This is a full-time position. Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply.
Illustrative Tasks: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this position. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed, if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Administrates a conservation program designed to meet the conservation/preservation needs of STOF Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s permanent collections.
Coordinates collections care with the Collections Manager and Registrar.
Plans, implements and reviews care of Museum collections.
Monitors conditions of works in storage, exhibition, and transit environments.
Advises Museum staff and the public on the care of permanent collections.
Manages in-house conservation laboratory. Responsible for the selection of appropriate conservation supplies, tools, and equipment; maintenance of tools/equipment and establishment of quality control procedures to verify the adherence of products to standards.
Evaluates and improves efficiencies of workflow while ensuring accepted conservation-sound practices and safe lab protocols.
Works with exhibition staff in preparing exhibits to ensure proper environment for objects.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience in a wide range of conservation treatment procedures. The museum is willing to consider conservators with various specialties including paper, objects, paintings, or textiles.

Excellent computer skills utilizing Microsoft software programs and add-ins.
Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
Skill in examining and assessing condition of artifacts or works of art; establishing and maintaining optimum environmental conditions; use of laboratory equipment.
Ability to determine and perform techniques required for preservation and/or restoration of objects.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships.
Capable of handling multiple projects and able to see projects to a point of completion.
Ability to serve the Tribal community, the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the STOF tribal community, general public, co-workers and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Ability to travel as necessary.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree required in art conservation, or related field. A minimum of two years of experience/training as a conservator in a museum or similar facility.
Physical Demands: Typically, the incumbent may sit comfortably to do the work; there may be occasional walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, such as books, papers; may drive a company vehicle. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Certain conditions utilizing various chemicals needed for conservation work will exist.

AIC’s 45th Annual Meeting – Last Call, Get Your Papers In Before September 23rd!

There are only 2 days left to submit your specialty, joint, pre-session and workshop papers.
We would like to remind you that the final deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016. You still have time to submit your 500-word maximum paper abstracts, workshop proposals, and pre-session programming.
How to apply
For more information on the theme of the Annual Meeting, the different types of programing and how to submit, please visit the Annual Meeting webpage. If you are ready to submit your abstract, pre-session, or workshop proposal please follow the links below to submit directly to our online system:

Submit an abstract for a General, Specialty, Joint Specialty, Interest Session, or Poster presentation
Submit a proposal for a Pre-session presentation
Submit a proposal for a Workshop

Questions?
For questions regarding abstracts, contact Ruth Seyler at annualmeeting@conservation-us.org.
All inquiries related to workshops must be addressed to Sarah Saetren at courses@conservation-us.org.

Collections Conservator – Mount Vernon (Alexandria, VA)

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association seeks a highly motivated objects conservator to assume the role of Collections Conservator and direct the conservation of the Fine and Decorative Arts Collections at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a 450-acre historic site, located 15 miles south of Washington, DC, and visited by more than 1 million visitors annually. These collections encompass more than 15,000 items, including sculpture, furniture, ceramics, metals, other decorative arts, paintings, prints, and textiles. Collections are displayed in the Mansion, an 18^th-century historic structure; an array of outbuildings; a purpose-built museum facility opened in 2006; and a research library opened in 2013.
Please apply by: September 23, 2016
Position Specific Responsibilities:

Oversees the preservation and conservation of Mount Vernon’s Fine and Decorative Arts collections
Prepares objects for exhibition in historic structures and museum galleries, loan and photography in accordance with AIC’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Coordinates work by contract conservators
Plans and implements preventive maintenance
Works closely with Historic Preservation and Collections staff and contract conservators, under the direction of the Senior Curator

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program, with a specialty in objects conservation, preferably with a focus on decorative arts
Minimum of five years post-graduate experience
Minimum of three years conservation experience in an historic site or museum setting
General knowledge of current museum practices in storage, handling, exhibition display, environmental controls and illumination
Familiarity with conservation issues particular to historic house museums and historic sites
Excellent hand skills, competence with basic scientific instrumentation, computers, and digital media
Attention to detail, creative problem solving, and strong organization skills required
Experience with lab management preferred
Demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities
Works effectively individually and as part of a team
Communicates courteously, professionally and effectively with colleagues, supervisors and the public

Special Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry collection objects up to 30 lb.
Ability to climb and balance on ladders
In addition to regular hours, able to occasionally work early mornings, evenings, or weekends as well as outdoors, as needed for installations or events
Safely uses solvents, reagents, and other hazardous materials
Practices, maintains and enforces safety regulations and procedures in and out of the lab

Please apply online via our website by following the link below:
http://www.mountvernon.org/about/employment/open-positions-at-mount-vernon/?gnk=job&gni=8a78824756b5d9b80156ec28b2d36d9e&gns=http%3A%2F%2Fcool.conservation-us.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fosg-l
Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Advocating for Conservation and Museums This Fall

As summer turns to Fall and Congress moves back into session, we are entering what could be an active time for Museum Advocacy, both before and after the November election.
While Congress has not yet enacted any of the 12 annual appropriations bills into law, the House and Senate have each completed some work on their Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 funding proposals. There may also be an upcoming vote on a
stop-gap bill to keep the Federal Government Open.
The chart below compiled by AAM shows how the FY 2017 bills compare to FY 2016 current funding for some programs impacting museums:

AGENCY/PROGRAM	FY 2016 CURRENT	FY 2017 HOUSE	FY 2017 SENATE
IMLS Office of Museum Services	$31.3 million	$31.3 million	$31.9 million
National Endowment for the Humanities	$147.9 million	$149.8 million	$148.4 million
National Endowment for the Arts	$147.9 million	$149.8 million	$148.4 million
NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning	$62.5 million	TBD	$62.5 million
Smithsonian Institution	$840 million	$863 million	$860 million
State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices	$56.9 million	$58.9 million	$57.9 million
Civil Rights Movement sites	$8 million	$11 million	$10 million
Save America’s Treasures	unfunded	$5 million	unfunded
National Park Service Operations	$2.370 billion	$2.435 billion	$2.406 billion

Considering that the total allowable funding for FY 2017 domestic spending is essentially frozen at current levels, the numerous small increases for museum-related programs are an encouraging start. However, none of these totals have been finalized and they could all be altered significantly in year-end negotiations. Even if you have done so before, it would be helpful to let your legislators know where you stand on issues affecting museums and conservation. Visit the AAM website, where you will find many advocacy templates that you can personalize and use for this cause.

Get in touch with your representatives now to create a strong link and enhance the value of any future communications with them about legislation up for vote. Please be on the lookout for AIC advocacy alerts in the coming weeks.

AIC’s 45th Annual Meeting – Call for Papers Deadline Extended

AIC has extended the submission deadline for call for papers, pre-sessions, and workshops to September 23, 2016
We want to thank everyone who has submitted their abstract or proposal in advance of our September 12, 2016 deadline. The number of workshop proposals received has already surpassed the number accepted by this time last year!
We have also heard from many who feel that they can’t make the previously announced deadline, and we want to make sure that the programming provided at the 45^th Annual Meeting in Chicago is the most inclusive and comprehensive possible. To further that goal, we are extending the deadline to 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2016. However, review of completed abstracts and workshop proposals will start on September 12, 2016. Please submit your materials by the earliest date possible to provide reviewers with enough time to consider your submission.
For more information on the theme of the Annual Meeting, the different types of programing and how to submit, please visit the Annual Meeting webpage. If you are ready to submit your abstract, pre-session, or workshop proposal please follow the links below to submit directly to our online system:

We look forward to seeing your abstract or proposal and to welcoming you to Chicago!
Questions?
For questions regarding abstracts, contact Ruth Seyler at annualmeeting@conservation-us.org.
All inquiries related to workshops must be addressed to Sarah Saetren at courses@conservation-us.org.

Job Posting: The Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation (Melbourne, Australia)

*** APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PAST – PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS POSITION ***

School of Historical & Philosophical Studies
Faculty of Arts
The University of Melbourne, Australia

Employment type: Full-time continuing position
Close date: September 14, 2016
Salary: AUD181,308 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

The Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation is a new position within the Faculty of Arts and the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, created as the result of a generous donation from the Cripps Foundation. The Chair was established to promote interest and education in Cultural Materials Conservation, and has a significant research component.
The appointee is expected to make significant contributions to teaching, research and engagement within the discipline of Cultural Materials Conservation, broadly defined. The successful appointee will be located within the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation (GCCMC). The appointee will be expected to contribute to teaching at graduate levels, and will initiate, perform and supervise research in Cultural Materials Conservation. The appointee will have an established research specialization in an aspect of cultural materials conservation, and potential to achieve a high level of research performance through refereed publications and the securing of research grants. The appointee will also contribute to interdisciplinary activities and engagement activities connected to Cultural Materials Conservation in conjunction with the Director and other Grimwade Centre staff.
The position will report to the Head of School, Historical and Philosophical Studies.
Please DO NOT apply via the University website.
Dr. Leslie Kilmartin of The Insight Group, Executive Search Consultants, is managing enquiries and submissions relating to this appointment, and can be contacted by telephone: +61 (0)418 590 842 or email: lkilmartin@insightgroup.com.au.
A cover letter, CV and a document addressing the selection criteria should be sent to lkilmartin@insightgroup.com.au.
For position information and to apply online go to http://jobs.unimelb.edu.au/caw/en/job/887564/the-cripps-foundation-chair-in-cultural-materials-conservation.

C2CC: Management 101: Getting a Grip on Collections Management

Connecting to Connections Care is offering a four-webinar Credly badge course, Management 101: Getting a Grip on Collections Management, http://www.connectingtocollections.org/management-101-getting-a-grip-on-collections-management/ . If you wish to register for all four webinars (the entire course) and receive a Credly badge, then sign up at the web page above.

If you only wish to sign up for one, two, or three webinars (not all four), then you can sign up for each webinar separately at their individual web pages below.

The webinars are as follows:

September 15, 2:00-3:30 EDT Basic Condition Reporting with Deborah Van Horn. http://www.connectingtocollections.org/basic-condition-reporting/

September 22, 2:00-3:30 EDT Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections: A Survival Guide for Messes Great and Small with Angela Kipp. http://www.connectingtocollections.org/managing-unmanaged-collections/

September 29, 2:00-3:30 EDT There’s a Form for That: Documenting Your Collections with Beverly Sutley. http://www.connectingtocollections.org/documenting-your-collections/

October 4, 2:00-3:30 EDT A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place: Conducting (and Maintaining!) a Collection Inventory with Maureen McCormick. http://www.connectingtocollections.org/maintaining-collection-inventory/

As usual, these webinars are free.