ArtTable, Inc.
Head Preparator
ArtTable, Inc., Potomac, Maryland, United States, 20854
JOB DESCRIPTION
An Introduction to Glenstone Museum
Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and landscape, Glenstone is an art museum located on over 300 acres of rolling hills and unspoiled woodland in Potomac, Maryland. The museum, opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, offers nearly 60,000 square feet of exhibition space to showcase its collection of more than 2,000 works by 280 contemporary artists. With its expansion, Glenstone now has the ability to welcome over 100,000 visitors each year, and admission is always free.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Registration, the Head Preparator plays a critical role supporting and leading installations of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, managing objects in storage while optimizing available space, and preparing works to travel on loan. As a member of the Registration department, the Head Preparator works closely with colleagues in the Collections Division, including curators, conservators, and collections specialists. The position performs a range of duties related to exhibition preparation, including installation, deinstallation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork. Duties include managing staff preparators, supervising teams of temporary and contract art handling personnel, evaluating incoming and outgoing artwork, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and serving as the art handling lead on temporary exhibitions and special projects. The Head Preparator purchases supplies, assists with environmental monitoring, provides maintenance and organization of art storage areas, and manages installation teams to ensure the timely completion of all work to the highest standard.
Desired Attributes & Characteristics
The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. A positive attitude, willingness to help others, and desire to work in a collaborative team environment is essential. Glenstone seeks an expert problem solver with a proven ability to remain calm in challenging situations. In addition, we are looking for someone that can embrace Glenstone’s core value of continuous improvement through an interest in professional development to advance their knowledge and expertise to surpass our previous best efforts. Essential to success in this role is the ability to apply creative methods to solve installation challenges, attention to detail, the ability to work well both as part of a team and under own direction, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the desire to exemplify leadership qualities including respect, self-awareness, and empathy while engaging with and mentoring future leaders in the field.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage, recruit, and train staff and contract art handlers.
• Serve on exhibition project teams, including conducting research for appropriate installation methods; inventory and ordering of supplies; working with registrars on schedules and planning; and leading art handling teams during installation and deinstallation.
• Develop methods of installation and deinstallation for artworks, including audio/video and multimedia works.
• Design and fabricate mounts for the display or long-term storage of two- and three-dimensional artworks. Devise solutions that work with the architectural vision of Glenstone while following museum best practices and principals for the display of contemporary art.
• Operate heavy equipment and machinery for use in the installation and deinstallation of artwork and exhibition materials.
• Work closely with the Registration and Conservation teams to oversee and participate in the design and construction/retrofitting of crates, including soft-packing and crating of artworks for movement across Glenstone’s grounds or to off-site storage.
• Oversee and perform rigging projects for the movement of artworks.
• Assist in the periodic and annual inventory of the collections.
• Create and update installation instructions and artwork manuals in collection database.
• Work with registrars to maintain updated artwork locations and the creation of new and temporary storage solutions.
• Support the management and upkeep of art storage areas to assure the safety of artworks.
• Conduct and/or supervise routine gallery maintenance.
• Perform and/or supervise outdoor sculpture cleaning and maintenance.
• Update location and installation information in the collection management system, Collective Access.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies for exhibit preparation and collections maintenance; submit requests for supplies and materials as needed to supervisor.
• As needed, courier artworks both domestically and abroad.
• Prepare detailed and accurate budgets for art storage and exhibitions needs.
• Attend monthly manager meetings and additional trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Architecture, Art History, Museum Studies, or a closely related program from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of seven years professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech in a museum or gallery setting, design/build firm, or academic institution, with a proven record of safe care and handling of fine art objects.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff members and interns, including performance management and coaching.
• Extensive understanding and experience with current museum professional standards for the care and handling of objects, including hanging, rigging, tethering systems, anchor types, security hardware, unpacking, condition reporting, and transportation.
• Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to manage assigned projects, create a plan, and execute to completion with little oversight.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills with high attention to detail and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
• Ability to calculate measurements and assess capacities across all units of measure.
• Up-to-date certification in the safe operation of hydraulic lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts/personnel lifts, rigging equipment, and other specialized equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in tight spaces for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), stand for long periods of time, and use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects.
• Experience with rigging fine art.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of art information systems and computerized collection management databases.
• Strong cultural competence, interpersonal communication, planning, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• More than ten years of art handling experience across a wide variety of media.
• Experience working in an institutional setting such as a museum or art gallery.
• General knowledge of contemporary art, art history, and artist’s materials.
• Experience working with living artists.
• Up-to-date OSHA rigging certification.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup, or similar 3-D modelling programs.
• Sensitivity to sustainable practices.
• Experience with archival matting and framing.
• Experience installing and maintaining time-based media artworks.
• Some engineering or carpentry skills are preferred.
• Experience working with a collection management system or similar database.
• Professional working proficiency in languages other than English is a plus.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans, miscellaneous drawings, schematics, and fabrication shop drawings.
TO APPLY
Apply through our website or Indeed.
COMPENSATION: $71,625 – $96,905
#J-18808-Ljbffr
An Introduction to Glenstone Museum
Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and landscape, Glenstone is an art museum located on over 300 acres of rolling hills and unspoiled woodland in Potomac, Maryland. The museum, opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, offers nearly 60,000 square feet of exhibition space to showcase its collection of more than 2,000 works by 280 contemporary artists. With its expansion, Glenstone now has the ability to welcome over 100,000 visitors each year, and admission is always free.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Registration, the Head Preparator plays a critical role supporting and leading installations of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, managing objects in storage while optimizing available space, and preparing works to travel on loan. As a member of the Registration department, the Head Preparator works closely with colleagues in the Collections Division, including curators, conservators, and collections specialists. The position performs a range of duties related to exhibition preparation, including installation, deinstallation, packing, shipping, and receiving artwork. Duties include managing staff preparators, supervising teams of temporary and contract art handling personnel, evaluating incoming and outgoing artwork, operating heavy equipment and machinery, and serving as the art handling lead on temporary exhibitions and special projects. The Head Preparator purchases supplies, assists with environmental monitoring, provides maintenance and organization of art storage areas, and manages installation teams to ensure the timely completion of all work to the highest standard.
Desired Attributes & Characteristics
The ideal candidate possesses excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. A positive attitude, willingness to help others, and desire to work in a collaborative team environment is essential. Glenstone seeks an expert problem solver with a proven ability to remain calm in challenging situations. In addition, we are looking for someone that can embrace Glenstone’s core value of continuous improvement through an interest in professional development to advance their knowledge and expertise to surpass our previous best efforts. Essential to success in this role is the ability to apply creative methods to solve installation challenges, attention to detail, the ability to work well both as part of a team and under own direction, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the desire to exemplify leadership qualities including respect, self-awareness, and empathy while engaging with and mentoring future leaders in the field.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage, recruit, and train staff and contract art handlers.
• Serve on exhibition project teams, including conducting research for appropriate installation methods; inventory and ordering of supplies; working with registrars on schedules and planning; and leading art handling teams during installation and deinstallation.
• Develop methods of installation and deinstallation for artworks, including audio/video and multimedia works.
• Design and fabricate mounts for the display or long-term storage of two- and three-dimensional artworks. Devise solutions that work with the architectural vision of Glenstone while following museum best practices and principals for the display of contemporary art.
• Operate heavy equipment and machinery for use in the installation and deinstallation of artwork and exhibition materials.
• Work closely with the Registration and Conservation teams to oversee and participate in the design and construction/retrofitting of crates, including soft-packing and crating of artworks for movement across Glenstone’s grounds or to off-site storage.
• Oversee and perform rigging projects for the movement of artworks.
• Assist in the periodic and annual inventory of the collections.
• Create and update installation instructions and artwork manuals in collection database.
• Work with registrars to maintain updated artwork locations and the creation of new and temporary storage solutions.
• Support the management and upkeep of art storage areas to assure the safety of artworks.
• Conduct and/or supervise routine gallery maintenance.
• Perform and/or supervise outdoor sculpture cleaning and maintenance.
• Update location and installation information in the collection management system, Collective Access.
• Maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies for exhibit preparation and collections maintenance; submit requests for supplies and materials as needed to supervisor.
• As needed, courier artworks both domestically and abroad.
• Prepare detailed and accurate budgets for art storage and exhibitions needs.
• Attend monthly manager meetings and additional trainings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Skills & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Architecture, Art History, Museum Studies, or a closely related program from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of seven years professional experience working as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, or A/V tech in a museum or gallery setting, design/build firm, or academic institution, with a proven record of safe care and handling of fine art objects.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff members and interns, including performance management and coaching.
• Extensive understanding and experience with current museum professional standards for the care and handling of objects, including hanging, rigging, tethering systems, anchor types, security hardware, unpacking, condition reporting, and transportation.
• Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to manage assigned projects, create a plan, and execute to completion with little oversight.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills with high attention to detail and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
• Ability to calculate measurements and assess capacities across all units of measure.
• Up-to-date certification in the safe operation of hydraulic lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts/personnel lifts, rigging equipment, and other specialized equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in tight spaces for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects (up to 70 lbs.), stand for long periods of time, and use eyes and hands to examine and handle delicate objects.
• Experience with rigging fine art.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of art information systems and computerized collection management databases.
• Strong cultural competence, interpersonal communication, planning, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• More than ten years of art handling experience across a wide variety of media.
• Experience working in an institutional setting such as a museum or art gallery.
• General knowledge of contemporary art, art history, and artist’s materials.
• Experience working with living artists.
• Up-to-date OSHA rigging certification.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup, or similar 3-D modelling programs.
• Sensitivity to sustainable practices.
• Experience with archival matting and framing.
• Experience installing and maintaining time-based media artworks.
• Some engineering or carpentry skills are preferred.
• Experience working with a collection management system or similar database.
• Professional working proficiency in languages other than English is a plus.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans, miscellaneous drawings, schematics, and fabrication shop drawings.
TO APPLY
Apply through our website or Indeed.
COMPENSATION: $71,625 – $96,905
#J-18808-Ljbffr