Curator of American Decorative Arts [Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art]

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art seeks a Curator of American Decorative Arts to oversee a renowned collection of over 8,000 objects ranging from elaborate seventeenth-century chests to modern masterpieces of Marcel Breuer and Frank Lloyd Wright. The collection comprises examples of American furniture, glass, ceramics, and metalwork from the 1600s to the present. Distinguished areas of the museum’s holdings include: The Wallace Nutting Collection of Colonial American Furniture and Ironwork; the Samuel and Elizabeth Colt Collection of Firearms and Family Heirlooms; the Philip Hammerslough Silver Collection; and the Stephen Gray Collection of Arts and Crafts. The Curator of American Decorative Arts will manage the collection, make acquisitions, conduct cross-disciplinary research, develop exhibitions and permanent collection installations, and expand the interpretation of the decorative arts. A Master’s degree in American Material Culture, American Art History, or equivalent knowledge and experience; and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a museum environment. Also required is a record of scholarly publications and exhibitions in the American Decorative Arts field. Skills and abilities required: in-depth knowledge of the American Decorative Arts field; excellent writing, public speaking, and communications skills; knowledge of the care of decorative arts; ability to work independently and collaboratively; and computer skills (Microsoft Office, and museum collections databases). Periodic travel for research, as a courier, or for development purposes also required. To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: HR@wadsworthatheneum.org. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Posted on: 06/22/2015