Two-Year Post Graduate Fellowship in Objects Conservation at Williamstown Art Conservation Center (WACC)
The Williamstown Art Conservation Center is looking for applicants for a two-year post graduate fellowship in Objects Conservation beginning in September 2019.
The Williamstown Art Conservation Center is a nonprofit regional conservation center in operation since 1977. The conservation staff provides expertise in objects, paintings, paper, and textile conservation for over 59 member collections as well as nonmember nonprofit, corporate and private collections in the northeastern and southeastern states.
The post graduate fellow will be working in the objects department with the staff conservators to assess and implement in depth conservation treatments for three-dimensional artworks fabricated from various types of materials. The regional center provides a unique opportunity to work on a variety of artifacts from fine art and historical collections, encompassing ethnographic, decorative arts, and large scale sculpture as well as modern and contemporary artwork. The fellow will travel with the staff conservators to work on offsite projects in both the northeastern and southeastern states. They will develop skills in operating analytical equipment (x-ray, polarized microscopy, XRF and FTIR) as well as work with consulting scientists from Williams College and various contractors.
Duties for this full-time fellowship include:
- Examination, treatment, and documentation of a wide range of three-dimensional objects.
- Written and digital documentation of conservation projects
- Collections assessments and conservation planning
- Consultation and workshops
- Travel for site projects, including collections surveys, outdoor sculpture and individual treatments
- Supervision of technicians
- Contracting with specialists in case construction, mount making, and other disciplines
A Master’s degree in art conservation with up to 5 years of post-graduate object conservation experience is required. Regional lab experience is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate ability in the treatment of a wide variety of three dimensional artworks as well as knowledge of general object conservation in organic and inorganic materials. The physical ability to work outdoors on large sculptures is required. Collaboration on projects with other departments (paintings, paper, and furniture) is common, and the applicant must have good communication and team skills. The presence of an analytical department on site offers exceptional opportunities for materials research.
The Center offers a competitive salary and benefits package (medical, dental, and continuing education stipend with 10 research days); information on request. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide J1 visas, therefore any international applicant must provide their own. Applications should include a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three references.
Please send application by August 1st to Hélène Gillette-Woodard, Object Conservator-Department Head, WACC, 227 South St., Williamstown, MA 01267, USA, or email application to hgillettewoodard@williamstownart.org. Website: https://williamstownart.org.
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