Category: Emerging Conservation Professionals

The Textile Conservation Centre at Southampton University has been serving the needs of heritage for over three decades. Teaching, researching, publishing and treating. By some estimates, over half of the world’s qualified textile conservators received some form of training and guidance from the Centre.

Email these two people and express your concern and your outrage as an emerging professional, that this world resource is being ended.

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport
enquiries@culture.gov.uk

and

Rt Hon John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills
DIUS.Ministers@dius.gsi.gov.uk

The issues session just wrapped up. Rachel, Jason, Audra and Laura are hanging out, talking about what happened, talking about what needs to happen, talking about outreach and how awesome some of the comments were.

And of course, Rachel did a great job announcing the ECPN- in fact there was applause when she was done! The mentor applications flew- now we just need some mentees. CIPP also offered ECPN members the student rate for one year!

Tweeters and Bloggers who stood up and commented:
@vmuros
@thevespiary
@richardmccoy

If you haven’t been checking twitter– you should. Search #aic20 You don’t even have to have a twitter account!

Ellen Carlee of blogging fame also got up and made several great comments- including one about the AIC budget and whether it could be available to the general membership. There was a little hesitation from the AIC to say- okay we will post everything tomorrow, but it the idea of transparency, which was reinforced by Richard’s comment about “pulling back the curtain” seemed to really resonate with more than just emerging conservators.

Did you go to the issues session, or was there something you wish you could have said?
Time for the business meeting!

Laura
@laurabrill

Conservators are converging on the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in LA for the AIC Annual Meeting… and LA was kind enough to greet us with another earthquake today! 

One week ago I had the chance to attend the Association of North American Graduate Programs in the Conservation of Cultural Property (ANAGPIC) annual conference. This year’s conference was held in the auditorium of the newly constructed Burchfield Penney Art Center located just across the street from the Buffalo State College Art Conservation department and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.  

I was given the opportunity to speak to the attendees about what ECPN is and what projects we’ve been working on. I stayed the rest of the day to hear all 14 student talks and as usual they were just phenomenal. We emerging conservators are really doing some great research and ANAGPIC is always such a great showcase of what students are capable of. I think the student conference is a great preview of new techniques and analytical tools being tested in conservation. DNA sequencing, testing for gunpowder residue, multi spectral imaging, online databases for sharing object information, and dry ice dusting were just some of the techniques students used in their projects. 

In no particular order (and in each case these were TOTALLY not the main point of these talks) here are some of my favorite highlights:

-Ariel O’Connor’s splicing of multiple x-radiographs to create a 360 degree rotating video of a Qing Dynasty sculpture.

-Marie Stewart’s use of a cotton swab wrapped in teflon tape in order to reduce abrasion when cleaning a sensitve Javanese shadow puppet. (I can’t wait to try that out!)

-Sharra Grow’s discovery that wax detected with analysis was not from the artwork being tested but from a wax coating on a wooden swab stick. 

-From Lauren Cox’s presentation on the Master of the Fogg Pieta Research Project I heard

 what is possibly the coolest name ever: Arcadius Lyon. Not only did he have a cool name but he was doing hatched stroke inpainting before tratteggio became all the rage.

-The running CSI theme in more than one presentation… Well if CSI could make science seem cool then so can we!

I wasn’t able to stay for the banquet that night or for the talks on Saturday, but while I was there I had some great conversations with students and faculty and got so much positive feedback on ECPN. I hope you all had as much fun as I did.

So for those of you who attended ANAGPIC: What did you enjoy hearing about? Did you make it down Elmwood Avenue to discover India Gate, Pano’s, Saigon Cafe, Cole’s or one of Buffalo’s other great restaurants? What did I miss at the banquet Friday night and at the talks on

 Saturday morning? And even though I never presented a paper, can you find me on the ANAGPIC webpage?

The dancing neon sign at Bidwell Parkway and Elmwood Ave.

I’m wondering, are there are any ECPNers in Philly for the AAM Annual Meeting now?
If you’re like me and can’t make it to the meeting, at least we can all live vicariously through the blog or the twitter feed.

One person just tweeted:
“On bus en route to tour a conservation lab. Yes, you only get to do cool things like this at a museum conference.”

Sweet, conservation labs are “cool”.

If you are in Philly for the meeting be sure to check out the following activities that the Emerging Museum Professionals have planned:

—Thursday Apr 30, 2009–
Single Session 3:45 PM-5:00 PM . Emerging Perspectives: Cross-Cultural Communications in Museums . Preparing Museum Professionals: New Approaches for Changing Times .
—Friday May 01, 2009 – EMP DAY!!–
Single Session 9:00 AM-10:15 AM. Glimpse of the Future: Society and Museums in 2034 Embracing Diversity and Connecting with Communities by Building Future Leaders Emerging Museum Professional 101: Entering a Brave New World and Making It Your Own
Single Session 2:15 PM-3:30 PM Trials, Tribulations and Experimentation in My Career
Evening Event . 6:00 PM-8:00 PM *AAM Emerging Museum Professionals Evening Reception* Triumph Through Experimentation at Triumph Brewing Company $18.00
—Saturday May 02, 2009–
Single Session 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Internships 101: A Primer for Students, Supervisors, and Academics
Single Session 3:45 PM-5:00 PM Staffing Responsive Museums: Why I Hire Whom I Hire
—Sunday May 03, 2009–
Single Session 9:00 AM-10:15 AM New Media, Technology, and Museums: Who’s in Charge? Shaping the Future
Single Session 2:00 PM-3:15 PM .Transitioning From Academia to the Museum: Experiences of Recent Graduates

4/16/09 ECPN Conference Call
Present:
Ruth Seyler
Jason Church
Ryan Winfield
Katie Mullen
Rachel Penniman
Karen Pavelka

I – Welcome
Welcome All!!

Minutes will henceforth go to leadership group soon after the call, who will then have a week to comment. Once comments are complied, leadership group will approve over the listserve. Then it will be posted to the blog and email list.

II – Charge
Charge, as sent on 3/30/09 by Ruth, will be sent to AIC board via Karen Pavelka, who will update ECPN on its status.

III – Project Updates

A draft of ECPN goals for the year will be drawn up by Ryan as based on following discussions about project updates.

• Communications –

Review of 3/23/09 email about breakdown of communication media given. This will be the working model for communications.

– Blog –In addition to posting training opportunities, Jason will compile a list of people who will commit to making several blog posts. Karen suggests that we figure out who our target audience is and Ryan suggests that shorter announcements can count as a post, that not everything needs not be an article, as it were. There is an application on the blog to track the number of hits an entry gets. RM’s post about TYVEK is the one we’ve gotten the most hits on – it was sent out to the manufacturers. JC says he can tag entries and link tot them in other places to draw hits.

JC will set up facebook page for ECPN to funnel people over to NING. Karen suggests linkedin as a more professional outlet, as well. Jason and Katie will investigate and report at next call.

• Outreach

Blog has been discussed.

Angels project – Outreach component is to find site for Milwaukee that local conservators can work with a little before and after, as well as the Angels on the day of.

Ruth indicates that a long term outreach goal would be to find ways to interact w/ AAM emerging leaders group going forward. Jason will begin looking at webpage and see what ways their might be for interaction. (In general, working with other emerging professional groups is a goal for outreach).

(Karen P leaves. She will send charge to board and get back to us.)

• Professional Development/Training

Amber Kerr-Allison is not present, but has sent report to Ryan.
Goals are working w/ programs to develop contacts, volunteer and internship opportunities and publicizing the same.

Developing mentoring program – the forms will stand. Erin will write up description of program and then the form and intro will be sent to PA and Fellow membership of AIC by Ryan.

Rachel is going to ANAGPIC. On April 24th she will make short presentation on ECPN, its goals and projects then stay for the day to talk to people about the group. If we have ideas for what should be presented, get them to RP before the 24th. Ryan will put together a handout for Rachel to distribute that has info about Ning, etc. Ruth suggests that we follow up w/ an email to ANAGPIC attendees. Rachel will ask Elizabeth Pena if she will share mailing list. ECPN will cover RP’s expense to Buffalo, since AIC workshop is off.

(JC leaves)

IV – 2009 Annual Meeting Events Updates

Planned Events – informal dinner offsite Tuesday evening.

Tote Bag Flyer – in progress

Issues Session – 5 minutes to introduce group and highlight mentoring program, dry run will be ANAGPIC.

Blogging –effort continues to get volunteer bloggers so as to kick off blog at the meeting. RW will send out email to group asking for volunteers and say what we’re looking for, which is more than reports on talks. Pictures are good!! Blog about tours, workshops, fun things going on at the meeting. Highlight LA sites on the blog, like LACMA, Getty.

Business meeting Friday afternoon.

Poster – Info still being gathered from the leads. It’s getting down to putting poster together when that is done. Posters are to be set up on the 19th in L.A. Needs to be completed at least two weeks prior.

(Ruth Leaves)

V – New Business/ Open Discussion

No new business.

VI – Setting of next call and adjournment

There will be business meeting on May 22nd. Those not present can call into the conference as usual, and Ryan will put us on speakerphone on his cell.

Meeting adjourns at 2PM.

Emerging conservators planning to attend the AIC Annual Meeting in LA this year should be on the lookout for the following ECPN activities. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday the 19th
7:00– informal dinner We are planning to have a dinner at the foodcourt of the upscale Century City mall next door. It’s no ordinary food court- they call it a dining terrace- with a view of the city, and actual plates. The upside to meeting at the food court is that we don’t need reservations, we don’t have all have to agree on a type of food, it is walking distance from the hotel, it should be less expensive than a restaurant and people can come and go as they please. We will meet up in the hotel lobby to walk over to the food court together but feel free to wander over when you can. The ‘dining terrace’ closes at 9:30, so people can go for drinks at the fancy hotel bar, at a restaurant in the mall, or somewhere fantastically wonderful, after dinner.

Thursday the 21st
12- 2 Issues Session– Go to the Issues Session! There is usually really good information, and you should be aware of what is going on. ECPN will be making a statement to the board about the group, and the more newbie conservation whatevers in attendance, the better. The Green Task Force will give an update on what they have accomplished this year, and where they are headed. This is also the place for bringing up issues on social media and conservation, or whatever Conservation 2.0 might mean to you.

3:30-4 Poster Session- Author in Attendance The ECPN will be presenting a poster in the general poster session introducing the group to the AIC community. Representatives from the group will be author-in-attendance session which is during the last refreshment break on Thursday. We may attempt to find volunteers to stand with the poster during other refreshment breaks. The poster will be up from 8ish am on Wednesday to 4 pm on Thursday.

4-530 AIC Business Meeting Very few new conservators seem to go to the business meetings, but it is the place where important things happen.

Friday the 21st
3:30-4ECPN Meeting We have scheduled the official meeting of the ECPN for the last refreshment break on Friday. Yeah, the time isn’t great- many people may be leaving the conference early, we will all be tired, and 30 minutes is not very much time. However, the time does not conflict with anything else going on, it is not at 7 am (our other non-conflicting time), and we get free muffins and coffee. I hope that people will be talking throughout the whole annual meeting so that on Friday, we will be able to get down to business quickly. A loose agenda for the meeting will be made available before we arrive in L.A.- or at least before Friday. For those who can’t attend the annual meeting, we may try to work something out so you can be involved, too. If you have ideas about how best to do that, whether through some kind of webinar or conference call, let us know.

Throughout the Annual Meeting
Paul Messier, Director of Communications on the AIC board, has asked for volunteers to actively blog during the Annual Meeting. Anyone who is interested is welcome to blog.

The AIC Health & Safety Committee currently has two opportunities for student involvement.

Student Member, Health & Safety Committee.
The H&S Committee is seeking one student to join the committee for a 2-year term. One of the most active AIC committees, Health & Safety members contribute articles and guides to the AIC Newsletter, host an informational booth and workshops at the Annual Meeting, and regularly address questions and issues related to health and safety in our field. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in these issues, and a desire to participate and learn from the more experienced members of the committee.

Student booth volunteers at the Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
Continuing our yearly tradition, the Health & Safety Committee is seeking student volunteers to help staff our informational booth at the AIC Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. This year, we have teamed up once again with the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Comittee to cover a variety of topics of concern to the field. Students will sign up for 1-hour time slots during the exhibition hall open hours of 10am-5:30pm on Wednesday May 20 and Thursday May 21, and will work along side members of each committee. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about health, safety, and emergency issues, and to network with committee members and visitors to the booth.

For more information please contact:
Meghan McFarlane
MeghanMcFarlane@yahoo.com
Current Student Member,
Health & Safety Committee
Third Year Graduate Fellow,
Winterthur/University of Delaware

Big new ECPN updates for the month of March! The ECPN has a new status as a committee within AIC. This will not change our name or any of the projects we are working on. It is just a new way to identify our group and our structure within the larger organization of AIC. We are very excited with this new status.

We also have formal leadership positions in place now. As you may have seen on the NING site, we had open nominations for the position of chair, co-chair, and communications coordinator. Because the nominees ran unopposed, they have all been appointed to their positions. AIC appointed Laura Brill as chair and Rachel Penniman as co-chair. The two nominees for the communications position have agreed to share the role. Katie Mullen is now in charge of internal communications while Jason Church is heading up our external communications/outreach efforts. Also, Amber Kerr Allison has also offered to take over as educational development and training liaison.

Sadly, due to personal reasons Laura Brill has stepped down from her position as chair of ECPN. While she was only officially the chair for a short time, she has spent a year as an unofficial ECPN leader and inspiration. Her hard work has gotten this organization off the ground and we are so grateful for all she has done. With Laura’s departure, Rachel has stepped up into the role of ECPN chair. This leaves the co-chair position vacant and open for nominations. We are hoping some motivated ECPNer will consider taking a more active role and fill this position.

Our next step is to work with AIC on developing our charge as a committee to be presented to the AIC board for approval. Keep your eyes peeled for more on this in the future. Join us for our next conference call on April 16 at 1 PM (EDT)