We offer the following workshops in conjunction with the 50th Annual Meeting. Expand the title to see details, or click Expand All to browse and register.
Date: May 13 - 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Huntington Library Instructor: Alessandro Scola Registration fee: $356; Max participants: 12
This workshop is an introduction to an innovative system of supporting books during exhibits based on a series of re-usable and modular structures built with polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). By mixing standard and custom components this system offers a new perspective on book cradle-making and considerably reduces the time and cost needed to properly display books without compromising on their safety or the aesthetics of the item-cradle combo. The principles on which it is based are not dependent on the use of PETG as building material, but form a universal book-display theory that could guide the design and creation of different solutions made of other materials, like paper boards or acrylics. The re-usability of most of the components makes this system more sustainable, drastically reduces plastic waste, and lowers the carbon footprint generated by the exhibition preparation process. This workshop will include presentations and discussions on theoretical concepts and design principles, as well as practical sessions during which participants will familiarize with materials and tools, and gain a range of hands-on experience from practicing simple cuts and bends on a piece of PETG to creating a fully functional tilted forward book cradle with text-block support. Participants will go home with a set of templates, model cradles, and a workbook.
Lunch and transportation between the conference hotel and the workshop will be provided.
Register
Date: May 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles Instructor: Jennifer Nieling, JLN Costume Mounting LLC Max number of participants: 25; Registration fee: $169
Mounting costumes for display is a practice that combines equal parts curatorial and conservation concerns, and a successful costume mount both accurately interprets and sufficiently supports the object. While sometimes performed by specialists, conservators and museum professionals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds are sometimes tasked with mounting costumes for display. Intended for non-costume specialists and those with little costume mounting experience or training, this workshop will break down in detail the costume mounting process, and introduce the basic approaches, techniques, and considerations that go into creating a successful costume mount using a mannequin or dress form. We will discuss determining the appropriate silhouette and fit, mannequin/form selection, mounting techniques and form modification, underpinnings, and more. Participants will see demonstrations of specific mounting techniques and be introduced to a wide variety of materials and their applications for costume mounting.
This workshop will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the costume mounting process and interpretive and conservation considerations, as well as basic mounting skills to enable them to approach costume mounting projects with more confidence whether they are tasked with the work themselves or are collaborating with others.
Date: May 13 at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and May 14 at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: J. Paul Getty Museum Instructors: Jennifer McGlinchey Sexton, Michelle Sullivan, and Sarah Freeman Registration fee: $239; Max number of participants: 18
Conservation treatment techniques using rigid gels provide solutions for photograph conservation that can be tailored to the unique properties of photographic materials. Research and publication on the use of gels in photograph conservation has been limited. This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to go deeper into the subject with an experienced photographs practitioner to gain greater understanding of areas for further research, and practice practical treatment techniques.
Many techniques in photograph conservation have been adapted from paper conservation. However, photographic materials present unique challenges – specifically, layered structures, mounts, and complex interactions between image forming materials and surrounding materials – that will be addressed in this workshop. The use of rigid gels provides conservators with many new tools for local and overall treatment. One of the most valuable properties is the ability to control moisture and solvent applications, an essential component of local treatment.
This workshop will build on the “Potential Uses of Rigid Polysaccharide Gels” workshop led by Michelle Sullivan at AIC’s Photographic Materials Group 2019 Winter Meeting and allow for more advanced techniques and practice. Further, the workshop format allows for sharing of techniques and methods in practice among a larger group. The workshop will begin with an overview lecture, presentation of case studies, and demonstrations. Most of the workshop time will be dedicated to hands-on exercises that explore both overall and local gel treatment of photographs. Samples will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring small, expendable materials of their own for experimentation during the workshop.
Transportation between the conference hotel and the workshop will be provided.
Date: May 13, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles Instructors: Meg Colbert, Brenna Campbell, Sara Smith\ Registration fee: $169; Max number of participants: 30
This workshop will provide an overview of the basic standards, vocabulary, methods, and materials used in the crating and packing of objects for transit. Attendees will be provided with a thorough overview of the most commonly used packing and crating solutions for art objects, artifacts, and other special objects. A focus on using a common vocabulary as well as establishing industry-accepted materials and methods will be emphasized. Examples will be provided.
The hands-on portion of the workshop will allow attendees to practice packing objects in crates provided. Common problems and concerns that arise in transit will be addressed, along with demonstrations of how to safely and responsibly correct common problems that can occur to crates in transit.
Attendees will be encouraged to apply some of the lessons learned in the workshop to “problem” crates that will be provided by the workshop instructors.
Date: May 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Location: J. Paul Getty MuseumInstructor: Anna Lagana, Getty Conservation InstituteRegistration fee: $89; Max number of participants: 12
Clear poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has been extensively used as an artistic medium for sculptures and objects since its production, and to face-mount photographs since the 1980’s. The most common conservation issues affecting these objects are disfiguring surface damages such as scratches and chips which are often caused by handling and transportation.
Treatment options to reduce these surface damages on PMMA are currently limited and results are often unsatisfactory. The most common repair technique is polishing, which is not always suitable, especially when scratches and chips are very deep, because it entails the removal of significant quantities of PMMA to achieve an even surface.
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) investigated the use of fill materials and methods as a less-invasive treatment option to recover the lost transparency without removing or modifying the original material. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to practice these treatment options developed by the GCI on both damaged PMMA samples and face-mounted photographs.
The workshop will combine theory and practice. Theory will address the challenges that the conservation of PMMA pose and will discuss the approach used to evaluate the suitability of materials and methods for the development of successful and safe surface treatments for this plastic. The theory will be followed by practical sessions including demonstrations, hands-on exercise, and group discussions. A specially designed tool kit – containing PMMA samples, a face-mounted photograph, and all necessary tools (brushes, steel pins, etc.) - will be provided to each participant to support the hands-on exercises.
Date: May 18 - 20, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: LACMA offsite storage facility Instructors: Kevin Marshall, Erik Risser Registration fee: $499; Max number of participants: 15
This workshop will provide theoretical background and practical experience in planning and moving large and heavy museum artifacts. Techniques will be taught to assist conservation and collections care professionals in planning large artifact movement, protecting large artifacts during movement, carrying out large artifact movement, and working with rigging professionals. Instruction will be provided using equipment readily available to museum professional as well as equipment used by professional riggers such as pallet jacks, fork lifts, gantries, cranes, and compression lifting rigs. There will be case studies presented as well as demonstrations and hands-on experience with lifting and rigging equipment.
Moving heavy artifacts is commonplace in museums, especially during renovations and gallery installations. Conservation professionals are often consulted or are responsible for protecting these heavy artifacts when they are being moved. This workshop will provide participants with the background and technical details necessary for making informed decisions when hiring riggers, working with riggers, and when making decisions about rigging artifacts with or without the use of outside specialists.
Date: May 13 - 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: Los Angeles Museum of Art (LACMA) Instructors: Laura Mina and Laura García Vedrenne Registration fee: $319; Max number of participants: 16
Stain removal remains a topic of special interest for textile conservators. In the past decade, significant research on the variations and effects of using gels, poultices, chelators, and other cleaning solutions has been completed, offering better understanding and control over this type of conservation treatment.
In this workshop, participants will gain further insight to make informed decisions regarding localized cleaning treatments on heritage textiles. Lectures will cover topics such as decision-making for aqueous cleaning, modifying aqueous solutions, and selecting delivery methods to achieve desired outcomes. During the first day, participants will make a variety of gels and cleaning solutions. On the second day participants will test the gels and solutions on a variety of stained textile samples.
Date: May 13, 2022, at 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles Instructors: Nigel Kelly, Thomas Tague, Michele Gironda Registration fee: $89; Max number of participants: 25
XRF, Raman, and IR data analysis of art objects has been performed routinely for more than two decades. More recently, it has become desirable to employ large scale imaging of objects to gain further insight into the composition and makeup of paintings, statues, and other objects. Additionally, spectroscopic microanalysis has become more important in the scientific analysis of objects. This workshop will present cases where XRF, Raman, and IR imaging are best utilized for the optimized analysis of art objects. Examples of both microscopic and macroscopic imaging will be presented with instrumentation available for hands-on practice.
Whether you are using hazardous chemicals in your laboratory or working with mold-infested artifacts after a flood, you need to be protected with a properly fitting respirator. This workshop will provide the participant with access to an online lecture on respirator selection, care, and use, as well as a 20-minute, individual appointment for a personal respirator fit test, ensuring an acceptable, face-to-facepiece seal/fit of their respirator. The individual appointment provides an opportunity for participants to ask any specific questions of the industrial hygienists, and to examine and/or try on various half-mask, air-purifying respirators from the Network’s selection of samples. Please note that you MUST bring your personal respirator for the fit test.
The AIC Fit Test Program is specifically designed for conservators, particularly those who are self-employed or who do not have a respiratory protection program provided through their employer. However, it is open to all interested parties. This workshop is in accordance with the U.S. OSHA Standard (29CFR1910.134 - Respiratory Protection).
Once you register for the Respirator Fit Test, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule the appointment time, to view the lecture and quiz, and to find the links to the necessary OSHA and AIC forms. Please note that an examination by a medical professional is required at least 12 months before the fit test. To see the required forms needed for the examination in advance, please see the Health and Safety Wiki.
Fit test appointments will be scheduled in 20-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022.
With the generous support of the Conservators in Private Practice (CIPP) Specialty Group, fit tests are being offered for free to CIPP members. Check the CIPP Online Community for the discount code.
Appointments are limited, so register now! Cost: $39 (non-CIPP members) /$0 (CIPP members)