Exhibition Designer​/Preparator

Home | Exhibition Designer/Preparator – Christopher Newport University, Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center, VA

Job Title: Exhibition Designer/Preparator
Employer: Christopher Newport University, Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center Location: Newport News, Virginia

Salary: Minimum Salary: $58,880, commensurate with education and experience

Chief Objective of Position

The chief objective of this position is to support the exhibitions program at the Torggler Fine Arts Center by ensuring high quality, innovative exhibition design, and skilled, responsible handling of art objects.

Work Tasks

• The Exhibition Designer / Preparator supports exhibitions at the Torggler by managing exhibition design and installation. This position is responsible for the following tasks and duties:
  • In consultation with the director and curator, contributes to the design and layout of exhibitions to include: building temporary walls and spaces, platforms, mounts and other exhibition design features; ensuring gallery spaces are painted and properly appointed; and managing lighting design. Also supervises the production and installation of gallery signage and labels in consultation with the curator.
  • Responsible for art handling in accordance with accepted museum standards, to include: receiving incoming art objects, unpacking and re-packing objects for shipment, and presenting objects in the gallery in consultation with the curator and/or director.
  • Assists as needed with shipping and transportation arrangements, including serving as a courier if needed or collecting/returning artwork within the region. Supervises the loading and unloading of art deliveries.
  • Responsible for establishing logistics and procedures for art installation. Responsible for securing, scheduling, and supervising contracted professional art handlers required to prepare the galleries for exhibition.
  • Responsible for the safety of art objects under the Torggler’s care, whether during transportation (if under the Torggler’s supervision), in storage, on display, or during packing and unpacking. Ensures best practices for museum security.
  • Prepares art objects for presentation, to include matting and framing, and creating specialized mounts, platforms, pedestals, or other items necessary to exhibit an object safely. In cases where a contractor is required to build props or other gallery features, supervises the work of the contractor and serves as the main point of contact.
  • Assists and supports academic exhibitions that are organized by the Department of Fine Art and Art History by training and mentoring student interns on how to install, deinstall, prep walls, and safely handle art.
  • Carefully and consistently monitors environmental controls in gallery spaces and storage areas, including temperature, humidity, and lighting levels.
  • Maintains compliance with
    
    OSHAandADAregulations, and adheres toAAM-mandated museum practices with regard to art handling, display, transportation, and storage.
  • Maintains and organizes art storage areas, crate storage, matting and framing areas, and other specialized spaces supporting the Torggler.
  • Utilizes and cares for specialized equipment and tools pertaining to art handling and preparation. Orders required tools and equipment as necessary under the direction of the curator.
  • Supervises the work of a part-time studio technician, shared between the Torggler and the Department of Fine Art and Art History.

This position develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the “Student’s First” value atCNUand routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.

Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.

Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.

Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and…