Exhibition Carpenter

Aspen Art Museum•Aspen, CO

42d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports and assists all aspects of art and exhibition space preparation, installation, and de-installation. Working under the direction of the Chief Preparator, this position demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions. Responsibilities include experienced art-handling, audio-visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas. Preparators help guide Assistant Preparators in complex installation or de-installation projects. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.

Requirements

Demonstrates a solid foundation of skills that are emblematic of the industry, gained from employment at other fine art museums, cultural institutions, commercial galleries, design/build firms, or through artist assistant positions.
Experienced art-handling, audio-visual, and fabrication skills with demonstrated proficiency in at least one of those areas.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to, comprehend, and execute tasks in a timely and effective way.
Ability to stand, walk, and remain active for extended periods
Capacity to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
Manual dexterity to safely handle artworks and operate hand and power tools
Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and maneuver in tight spaces
Visual acuity for detailed work and color discrimination
Stamina to work long hours during installation periods

Responsibilities

Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, and installation/de-installation of artwork.
Perform and assist with the cleaning, repair, or repositioning of artwork as directed by Registrars or Conservators.
Support the transporting of crated artwork through exhibition spaces, hallways, elevators, and loading dock (including the safe and secure loading/unloading of vehicles) in coordination with the Chief Preparator and Registrar.
Support the placement and adjustment of lights per the direction of the Chief Preparator and Curatorial Department to properly illuminate exhibitions.
Perform and assist with other art-handing, installation and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned
Assist with the reading and interpretation of drawings and plans, and assist with the preparation, fabrication, and finishing of certain elements of museum-specific objects.
Assist with the installing and de-installing of pedestals, kickbases, freestanding and wall mounted vitrines, exhibition furniture, and one-of-a-kind artist-driven constructions, among other projects.
Perform basic cutting using contractor-style table saws and/or sliding table saws, sliding compound mitre saws and abrasion disc chop saws, light-duty routers, and angle grinders.
Perform basic boring using drill presses, handheld drills and drivers, rotary hammer drills, specialty bits and anchors, etc.
Perform basic assemblies with biscuits, precision-based glue-ups, cold connections with custom hardware, etc.
Assist with framing, sheetrocking, taping/mudding, sanding, finishing and demolishing walls.
Independently patch small sections of walls, floors, and ceilings and paint entire surfaces to industry standards.
Support with the installation and de-installation of environmental elements like carpet, curtains, and glass panels, etc.
Perform and assist with other fabrication and de-installation tasks as needed and assigned
Assist in the installation and de-installation of time-based/new media- based artwork.
Read drawings, plans, spec sheets and help pull equipment from A/V inventory.
Assist in the preparation, installation, and de-installations of complex, multi-channel audio-visual environments by preparing surfaces to project on, securing ceiling/wall-mounted projectors, calibrating projections via laser leveling/keystoning/lens shifting, connecting speakers and amplifiers, executing cable/cord management with an emphasis on discreet/subtle placement, fabricating custom cables/cords/adapters, etc.
Independently execute the preparation, installation, and de-installation of a single-channel audio-visual artwork.
Perform other audio-visual tasks as needed and assigned.
Help maintain organized storage areas for exhibition furniture, tools, and installation materials
Support the documentation of exhibition installations and special projects
Contribute to the development and construction of interactive exhibition components including signage, labels, and didactic materials
Assist with material sourcing, vendor coordination, and inventory management
Assist with tracking production timelines and installation schedules
Support the Chief Preparator with budget tracking for production materials and supplies
Help coordinate equipment rentals and contractor schedules when needed
Attend departmental meetings and contribute to exhibition planning discussions
Communicate effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure coordinated project execution
Participate in cross-departmental projects as assigned by the Chief Preparator