Art Handler/Exhibition Preparator

Position Title: Exhibition Preparator

Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Date: 11-14-23

Starting Salary Range: $36,500-$39,000 Annually

Reports To: Curator of Exhibitions

Direct Reports: None

The Racine Art Museum Association’s (RAMA’s) two-campus organization consists of the Racine Art Museum (RAM) and the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts (Wustum). Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, RAM opened in May 2003 and is an outgrowth of the 82 year-old Wustum. It has become a popular destination for the 11 million residents of the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor and visitors from across the US and beyond. RAMA operates both locations, using Wustum as its visual education center and the downtown campus, RAM, as home to its internationally recognized exhibitions of contemporary craft. RAM holds the largest collection of contemporary craft (ceramics, wood, glass, fiber, metal, and art jewelry) in North America. RAMA’s programs enhance rather than duplicate those offered by larger museums to the north and south. RAMA has been considered a leader in providing high quality arts education to people of all ages since the 1940s. Today, Wustum houses one of the largest studio arts education programs of any museum in Wisconsin. The museums are accredited by the American Association of Museums, Washington, DC—only 3% of US museums have this distinction.

RAM is seeking a candidate that is enthusiastic, team oriented, and proactive with the ability to work creatively and independently to join our dedicated and collaborative team.

General Summary of Position

This position assists the Exhibitions and Collections Departments in the performance of routine preparatory duties including the preparation and installation of exhibitions; maintaining and caring for the permanent collection; handling, packing, storing, shipping, receiving, unpacking; and transporting art works that are in the Museum’s care. This position serves both RAM and Wustum (two physically separate museums) as well as local offsite storage locations. The position reports directly to the Curator of Exhibitions and works closely with the Co-Preparator. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

Principal Job Functions

Handling and transporting works of art

· Identified as a primary art handler.

· Receiving and unpacking incoming/outgoing work; moving and placing work for storage and for exhibition; shipping and packing work for transport.

· Work with the Registrar/Collections Manager in identifying adequate storage for all loaned objects when not yet on view.

· Moving objects between RAM and Wustum campuses.

· Works with the Registrar/Collections Manager to implement the transport and storage of incoming gifts, conservation, and exhibition loans.

· Assisting with the packaging and shipping of articles sold by the Museum Store.

· Packaging and transporting works of art from donors and lenders or to/from conservation.

Under the direction of the exhibitions staff, responsible for installation of exhibitions and works of art on display at both museum campuses

· Preparation and cleaning of exhibition/display space.

· Preparation, movement, and placement of exhibition furniture.

· Preparation, movement, and placement/handling of works of art.

· Establishing appropriate lighting and security for objects on display.

· Installing signage.

· Working directly with artists who are installing on-site.

Maintaining and caring for the permanent collection

· Assists the Registrar/Collections Manager regarding packing and placing artwork in storage; maintaining, organizing, and cleaning the storage spaces.

· Works with other staff to make objects available for catalogue or promotional photography.

Installing exhibitions in non-gallery locations and special projects

· Works on exhibitions/events such as Peeps, the Holiday Tree, regularly occurring art sales, and others.

· Preparation and cleaning of exhibition/display space.

· Preparation, movement, and placement of exhibition furniture.

· Preparation, movement, and placement/handling of works of art.

· Establishing appropriate lighting and security for objects on display.

· Installing signage.

General gallery/building safety and security

· Shares responsibility with various staff for opening and closing the RAM building (lights, locking/unlocking, etc.)

· Works with Registrar/Collections Manager to implement security procedures for galleries, building, and works of art.

· Works with staff to maintain all aspects of gallery functionality.

· Primary exhibitions contact for gallery lighting systems, works with Building/Facilities as needed.

· General housekeeping duties in exhibition areas.

· Works with Building/Facilities and other staff to coordinate tasks as needed.

Works with Co-Preparator to determine daily tasks and planning schedules. Consults with Curator of Exhibitions as needed.

Works with various other staff to share responsibility for shipping and receiving of packages at the loading dock and for maintaining that space.

Physical Requirements and working conditions

This position generally works in display, storage, and warehouse conditions. This is a physical position and requires the ability to safely lift/move art that could be fragile and/or of considerable weight. It is mandatory that the Preparator exercises self-awareness of the task at hand and obtains assistance from others as necessary for personal safety and to ensure protection of the art. Also required is the ability to climb ladders, use hand tools, and operate machinery such as a scissors lift. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle that could be used to perform some work-related duties is required.

Other Required Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to balance physical labor, attention to detail, and problem-solving.

· Ability to complete a variety of tasks, sometimes under strenuous deadlines.

· Ability to perform mathematically-oriented tasks such as determining gallery height for hanging work and calculating for proper matting and framing.

· Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with artists, co-workers, and lenders.

· Working knowledge of Art history, Art Education, Studio Art, or related subjects.

Benefits

Benefits include group health insurance, group term life and disability insurance, eleven paid holidays, five personal/sick days and earned time off (ETO). A retirement plan is available on the first enrollment date following 12 months of employment with a generous employer match/contribution. Between hire date and the next January 1, one day of vacation is earned for every two months of employment. Starting January 1, the employee receives 10 working days (two weeks) of vacation. Earned time off, 11 paid holidays, and five personal/sick days are available immediately following the first full day of employment. Employee discounts are available on studio art class fees and on purchases in the Museum Store.

The Preparator is also responsible for other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree required. Previous experience in exhibit spaces, historical/art museums, galleries, or display venues desired.

Equal Opportunity

RAMA complies with all Federal and State anti-discrimination statutes and does not discriminate for any reasons outlined in Federal or State law. This policy will be in effect in all hiring situations for full-time as well as part-time employees, temporary part-time employees, educational instructors, interns, and for the volunteers who enhance staff functions.