Preparator - Reynolda House Museum of American Art - Winston-Salem, NC
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Job Description Summary
The preparator holds a key position in the collections department at Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Working closely as a team member with the collections manager and assistant collections manager, the preparator contributes to the stewardship of the museum’s collections and is responsible for duties related to exhibition preparation and installation, deinstallation, packing, crating, movement, and storage of artwork and objects on loan to the museum and in the permanent collection.Job Description
Essential Functions:

  • Prepares, installs, and deinstalls objects for exhibition. Strategizes and assists with planning installations and deinstallations with collections and curatorial colleagues.
  • Coordinates gallery preparation, including wall and case fabrication, and wall movement, preparation, and painting.
  • Builds platforms, barriers, and casework for permanent collections, exhibitions, and loans.
  • Responsible for lighting of artwork on view in the historic house and galleries to light level specifications; maintains fixture and lamp inventory.
  • Moves and installs/de-installs artwork on loan and in the permanent collections.
  • Assists with packing, crating, receiving, and dispersing loans and exhibitions.
  • Assists with on- and off-site inventory of art and historic house collections (i.e. movement and storage transportation).
  • Collaborates to build storage containers and object cradles in storage rooms during re-housing projects.
  • Creates expense projections related to project needs and budgets, including gallery preparation.
  • Collaborates and assists curatorial staff during the design phase of exhibition floor plans.
  • Arranges and manages contract work for temporary or permanent exhibitions or displays; supervises contractors and manages the budget.
  • Oversees proper and safe operation of power tools for self and contractors.
  • Maintains inventory of supplies and materials related to workshop and art preparation.
  • Manages part-time assistant preparator.

Other Functions:

  • Plays key role as a first responder during collections-related emergencies and must be relied upon to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
  • Serves as courier with other staff members when transporting art.
  • Assists with preventative conservation program including regular cleaning and maintenance work within the historic house and collections storage areas.