Each summer the Hirshhorn Museum Conservation Department implements a maintenance program for the outdoor sculpture collection. For summer 2012, the museum is offering several paid technician positions, available to students entered in art conservation or college level art programs. The technical positions last twelve consecutive 40-hour weeks (Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm), from May 6 to July 26, 2013.
Description of Outdoor Sculpture Collection
The Hirshhorn Museum has more than seventy sculptures situated throughout its sculpture garden and plaza areas. The objects, which range in size from three to more than sixty feet in height, are made from a variety of materials including stone, bronze, iron, aluminum, and steel.
Maintenance Conservation
The outdoor sculptures receive annual maintenance conservation treatments that may include detergent washing, the application of protective surface coatings, repainting, and structural repairs. The work is performed mostly outdoors, with some work being done on the indoor sculptures as required. The outdoor work is strenuous, and done in a summer climate that is hot and humid.
Stipends
Technicians will receive stipends in the amount of $4,000 for twelve consecutive 40-hour weeks.
Applications must be completed online at https://solaa.si.edu no later than Friday, February 15, 2013. Any questions about the internship should be directed to:
Gwynne Ryan, Sculpture Conservator, at ryangw@si.edu
