Position at Painted Theater Curtain Project of Vermont

Itinerant Conservator for Painted Theater Curtain Project

The Painted Theater Curtain Project of Vermont is an extension of
the Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance's successful Vermont
Collections Care Program. The goal of the project is to provide
conservation and stabilization for approximately 100 of the state's
collection of 125 painted canvas curtains. The curtains, which are
found in town halls, grange halls, theaters and opera houses, were
painted between 1880 and 1930. Most curtains were painted by
itinerant folk artists, but some were created by known Vermont
artists. A number of curtains are also advertising venues that
document the emerging relationship between local business sponsors
and the arts. A few of them were supplied by scenic studios in New
Hampshire, Boston, New York and Chicago.

As part of the process, local people will assist with the project.
Through their participation in the treatment of their own curtains,
they will be trained by the Conservator to become curtain caretakers
in the future. Work will be done primarily on-site.

An initial conservation and curatorial survey has been completed to
provide documentation of the issues facing each curtain. The project
will take at least three years to complete. A Project Director is in
place to recruit volunteers, supervise logistics at each site,
coordinate an Advisory Committee and raise funds.

Responsibilities: The major portion of the project will focus on
remedial, stabilizing treatment for canvas curtains both in use and
in storage, including the design and implementation of safe handling
systems, de-installation, vacuuming, stabilization and re-housing.
Many curtains require tear repair, surface cleaning, strip lining
and occasionally in-painting. Documentation of all procedures
required in accordance with AIC Commentaries to the Guidelines of
Practice. The conservator will develop a care and handling manual
for curtain caretakers, as well as protocols for the treatment and
stabilization of painted theater curtains in general. The applicant
will act as the lead conservator working with a team of other
consulting conservators, para-professionals and volunteers.

Qualifications: Masters Degree in Conservation or the equivalent.
Additional experience working with painted textiles, large canvases
or murals on canvas, moving and handling large textile or canvas
objects. The Conservator must be willing to train and work with
para-professionals and volunteers on-site in many locations. He/she
must be willing to travel throughout Vermont to work in a location
for several days at a time. He/she must have a car. The Conservator
must have the ability to lift and carry heavy objects. He/she must
have leadership ability.

Compensation: $30,000 plus travel budget with the possibility of 2
weeks/month pro-rated work in cold months and full-time work in
warmer months. This is a one-year position with possible renewal.

Application: Send letter of application, resume, and list of
references to

    Christine Hadsel
    Project Director
    Painted Theater Project of Vermont
    429 South Willard St.
    Burlington VT 05401

For more information email vtcurtains [at] hotmail__com

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 16:50
                   Distributed: Monday, March 3, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-16-50-043
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