Position at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Position Advertisement
Mountmaker/Conservation Technician

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is seeking a part-time
Mountmaker/Conservation Technician to fabricate mounts for artwork
on display.  Hourly wage commiserate with experience.  No benefits.
Schedule to be negotiated.  Not to exceed 30 hours per week.   Some
training may be provided if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities include research, design, fabrication
and documentation of mounts, and installation of art objects.
Further duties may include monitoring condition of objects and
climate in galleries, dusting art, assisting conservators in
remedial treatments, documentation, photography and filing when
necessary.  Works under the supervision of the Conservator of
Objects and has frequent contact and collaboration with other museum
departments.  Acts a resource to staff on such subjects as proper
exhibition techniques and protection of works of art from damage.

Qualifications:  B.A., B.S. or equivalent training, education and
experience in one or more of the following areas: fine arts, studio
arts, conservation, design, engineering, or industrial arts. Course
work or training in art history and engineering is desirable.
Preferred two years experience in design and fabrication of mounts
and handling of art objects, at least one of which is in a museum
setting.  Demonstration of the following abilities: skillfully and
safely use a wide variety of hand and power tools including lathes,
mills, saws; fabricate wood, metal, and plastics; weld, solder,
braze; mechanical aptitude; manual dexterity; concentration;
artistic and visual ability; be creative and innovative in designing
mounts for display and storage; match colors and patterns using
paint; design, draw technically and communicate effectively through
written and oral communication handle and manipulate fragile works
of art as well as monumental objects with extreme care; able to lift
50 pounds; work for long periods of time standing, sitting, or in a
fixed position; wear a respirator.   Basic knowledge of physically
and chemically safe materials for art display and storage is a plus.
Candidates may be required to successfully complete a proficiency
test to assess ability to perform basic activities or to present a
portfolio of work on mounts.

Send cover letter explaining why you are interested in this
position, resume and name and address of three references no later
than March 19, 1999 to

    Katharine Untch
    Conservator of Objects
    Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
    804-367-6060 voice
    Fax: 804-367-1452
    Kuntch [at] vmfa__state__va__us

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:70
                Distributed: Thursday, February 25, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-70-016
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