Preparator [Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, KS]

Description

The Wichita Art Museum seeks a skilled and team-oriented Preparator to lead all aspects of museum display plus care and handling of the collection. This position requires a creative problem-solver who will thrive in a fast-paced work environment and is suited to the art museum setting. In this role, administrative duties for resource planning complement responsibilities for the imaginative installation of exhibitions with the requisite skills of packing, crating, framing, gallery furniture fabrication, installation and lighting design, and supervision of the temporary installation crew. The preparator reports to the museum director and works collaboratively with the curator, registrar, and preparator/photographer.

Museum Information:

The Wichita Art Museum opened in 1935 and is home to the Roland P. Murdock Collection, one of the premier collections of American art. With a nationally distinguished collection, Edward Larrabee Barnes facility, $3.5+ million annual budget, the museum is a public/private partnership, owned by the City of Wichita and managed by Wichita Art Museum, Inc. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Wichita Art Museum’s mission is to bring people, ideas, and American art together to enrich lives and build community.

The Wichita Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers veteran’s preference to applicants with eligibility qualifications. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and criminal record check.

Requirements

Responsible for all aspects of exhibition design, preparation and installation, including:

• Design exhibitions and facilitate the installation of artwork, including packing/unpacking, framing, painting, gallery furniture fabrication, and lighting
• Oversee fabrication of all gallery interpretation—wall panels, texts, labels
• Handle works of art according to museum conservation standards
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with exhibited artists, suppliers, and contractors
• Work as part of team with director, curator, and other museum staff in developing exhibitions and their installations
• Organize long-term and short-range installation planning and projects
• Maintain shop with its tools and equipment for woodworking, electrical, light construction, and audio-visual displays
• Assist in the development of project budgets and annual exhibition budgets
• Supervise temporary installation staff
• Establish work plans to meet museum deadlines and priorities
• Work independently and assume direct responsibility for complex tasks
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience and Training:

Education: Four years at undergraduate level; Master of Fine Arts preferred

Experience: Two years of museum preparator experience; 5 years preferred

Salary commensurate with experience for this Wichita Art Museum, Inc. employee. Position opened until filled. To submit an application, email 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications, relevant experience, supervisory experience with direct reports, and salary expectation, 2) resume, and 3) three references with contact information 4) 10- 20 digital images demonstrating quality of work in exhibition design and installation to WAM’s assistant to the director: poynter@wichitaartmuseum.org.