Art Preparator — Part-Time Gallery Installations

Thewadsworth; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

The Art Preparator (Part Time) position at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, CT, supports the collections team by ensuring safe handling, installation, and documentation of the permanent collection and loans. Working closely with the Chief Preparator and Registrar, you will help prepare for movements, exhibitions, and storage.

This non-exempt hourly role runs Monday–Wednesday, 8 am–4 pm, and requires a Bachelor’s degree and two years’ art-handling experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, furniture/product design, architecture or engineering.
• Minimum two years of art handling/preparatory work experience in a fine art museum.
• Thorough knowledge of museum practices and collections management standards.
• Experience with installation, handling and packing of diverse artworks.
• Certification or experience with standard equipment used in art fabrication, movement, and installation.

Responsibilities

• Consistently applies high professional standards for handling, installation, housing, packing, and movement of art in the Museum.
• Completes daily work schedule and meets goals and deadlines.
• Installs gallery lighting equipment and maintains lighting inventory.
• Prepares and installs casework, platforms, pedestals, labels and exhibit materials.
• Operates tools and devices used to install or move artworks.
• Records all art movements and changes of locations in physical and digital formats.
• Conducts inventories of storages and galleries.
• Assists with purchasing materials, ensuring proper authorization and expense tracking.
• Collaborates with teams and departments on housing/storage needs for artworks.
• Maintains organized workspace and storage areas.
• Performs duties related to the functions described and supports other departments.

Skills

Organization

Communication

Attention to detail

Project planning

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art history, furniture/product design, architecture or engineering

Minimum two years of art handling/preparatory work experience in a fine art museum

Tools

Power tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Scissor lift

Lighting equipment

Job description

The Art Preparator (Part Time) position at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, CT, supports the collections team by ensuring safe handling, installation, and documentation of the permanent collection and loans. Working closely with the Chief Preparator and Registrar, you will help prepare for movements, exhibitions, and storage.

This non-exempt hourly role runs Monday–Wednesday, 8 am–4 pm, and requires a Bachelor’s degree and two years’ art-handling experience.