Preparator- Tacoma Art Museum, WA
Preparator
Job Announcement
July 12, 2013
OUR MISSION and VISION
MISSION
Connecting People through Art. Tacoma Art Museum serves the diverse
communities of the Northwest through its collection, exhibitions and
learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest.
VISION
To be a national model for regional museums by creating a dynamic museum
that engages, inspires, and builds community through art.
OVERVIEW
ABOUT TACOMA ART MUSEUM
Tacoma Art Museum's nationally recognized exhibitions and innovative
educational programs attract thousands of visitors annually to its
galleries and events. By making connections for viewers which may not be
instantly obvious, Tacoma Art Museum has developed a reputation for
presenting 20th century art in a thought-provoking yet accessible
manner. Tacoma Art Museum has also made a strong commitment to Northwest
art through its acquisition and exhibition programs.
Recently the museum has acquired a collection of western American art
and is in the process of building a new wing to accommodate the
collection. The new addition is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Museum Preparator is responsible for all aspects of museum
exhibition installations and helps oversee the safe handling of all
works of art in the museum. The position requires a broad variety of
experience, flexibility, and demonstrable hands-on abilities with a
range of tasks.Exhibition-related tasks include exhibition design and
planning, graphics, construction of exhibition furniture, gallery
painting, lighting, and art handling and installation. In collaboration
with the museum's Registrar, the Museum Preparator also oversees the
safe movement of art objects within the building and transport of
artworks to and from the museum. The Preparator also may assist with
collections work including art packing and unpacking, assembling and
disassembling artwork, preparing works for exhibition (mat, frame,
stretch, etc.), and other collections-related projects.
The Museum Preparator plans, prioritizes, and schedules work; assesses
resource needs and determines adjustments as required; assists in the
development of exhibition budgets; hires regular and temporary
preparation staff and interns; directs, supervises, and evaluates their
work. This position also is responsible for maintaining the museum's
workshop and related tools, hardware, and other equipment.
The Museum Preparator serves as a liaison for the museum with trustees,
collectors, lenders, and the general public by serving as a consultant
on art installation and display and by providing art installation
services as contracted during down times in the exhibition schedule.
The Museum Preparator will serve an integral role in the final planning,
preparation, and installation of the new galleries and outdoor sculpture
program.
This position reports to the Director of Curatorial Administration.
DESIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Three to five years of museum or gallery experience. Extensive knowledge
of design and construction of museum exhibits; art handling procedures
for two-and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials,
sizes, and weights; mountmaking principles; and lighting concepts and
systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; ADA
requirements; knowledge in using the standard tools, practices and
methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry as well as cabinet
work; and the use and application of different materials such as various
kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives;
the ability to use graphic design and mechanical design software; and
knowledge of the principles of supervision as well as training practices
and procedures. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate their
experience in handling a vast array of art objects from traditional
paintings to digital media installations as well as the rigging and
movement of art including large-scale sculptures.
Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement projects;
simultaneously oversee a variety of projects; develop and manage
budgets; prepare cost estimates; make sound purchasing decisions; lift
and move heavy objects as required; interpret working drawings; develop
and implement design concepts; supervise, motivate, and evaluate
preparation staff; participate effectively as a member of a
cross-functional team; establish and maintain effective working
relationships with museum staff, volunteers, the general public, and
representatives from other museums; explain and carry out methods and
procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable objects of art.
Compensation and Timeline:
Salary Range: Compentative compensation depending on experience
Closing Date: Open until filled
Send cover letter, resume, and list of references to:
Human Resources
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Or HR@tacomaartmuseum.org
