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City Colleges of Chicago · 1 day ago

PREPARATOR PART-TIME

Chicago, IL

Part-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$21.31/hr - $24.59/hr

1+ years exp

City Colleges of Chicago is committed to empowering Chicagoans through accessible education. The Preparator (PT) is responsible for assisting faculty and curators with the archiving, handling, storage, and display of art pieces, while also collaborating on exhibitions and ensuring proper conditions for the permanent collection.

AlumniCommunitiesE-LearningEducationHigher Education

Responsibilities

Works closely with faculty/curators to plan, design, and organize new exhibitions on campus using art pieces from permanent collection or on loan from various artists and organizations

Plans and coordinates the installation of art pieces from HWC’s permanent collection around campus, in both organized exhibition spaces and as individual works outside exhibition spaces

Prepares labels and educational wall text providing information on individual art pieces in exhibition

Prepares art works from HJWC’s permanent collection for temporary and travelling exhibitions, performing activities such as packing, unpacking, framing, unframing, and mounting of works

Guides and directs facilities/maintenance staff in the mounting and hanging of art works on walls, the placement of display materials, arrangement of lighting, and the installation of signage

Schedules and coordinates preparations of physical space for exhibitions; monitors work of college’s facilities department preparing wall space for installations, constructing pedestal and display structures, light installation, painting, and related prepping of physical space

Works with faculty/curator to ensure the safe and proper packing and storing of HWC’s permanent collection in storage. Monitors storage conditions to prevent damage to art pieces

Prepares various printed materials and programs describing exhibitions and art collections. Works with Marketing Department to finalize publications and schedule printing

Catalogues individual pieces of art in HWC’s permanent collection to create art archive. Maintains and updates database by creating records describing each piece of art including artist and date acquired or donated to HWC

Adds new acquisitions to the collection; tracks locations and condition of works; and deaccessions when necessary

Provides high quality photographic and digital documentation of permanent collection objects

Maintains art exhibitions web page on the HWC website. Works with Marketing Department to publicize exhibitions using various social media platforms

Maintains inventory of supplies and materials (plinths, framing supplies, and all other artwork presentation materials)

Work with vendors to acquire supplies for exhibitions and other materials relating to the maintenance of permanent collection

Assists faculty/curator with the loaning out of individual permanent collection works

Assists in managing gallery/exhibition opening and closing events. Assigns gallery sitters as needed

Responds to non-curatorial inquiries involving exhibitions and the permanent collection

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Fine Arts degreeExperience as preparatorArt handling best practicesMicrosoft Office proficiencyCultural diversity awarenessAttention to detailOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fine Arts or related field

One year of experience in a preparator position including matting and framing art works

Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted and 50 pounds assisted

Familiarity with best practices in the handling of art works including packing/unpacking, crating/uncrating, and moving art within building for maximum safety

Attention to detail and good organizational skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

A collegial spirit and cooperative approach that facilitates working closely with others

Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)