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VMFA Preservation Workshop at JMU

VMFA/VAM partner to bring Preservation Workshop to James Madison University

Monday, May 5, 2025
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (EDT)
42 Seats Remaining
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Event Details

VMFA Preservation Workshop – Virginia Association of Museums in Harrisonburg, VA on the campus of James Madison University; Monday, May 5 (all-day)  

Join the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) and conservators from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) for a full-day collections care workshop, hosted at James Madison University by the School of Art, Design and Art History. This introductory workshop will offer instruction and hands-on activities relating to basic object handling, collection labeling and documentation, and risk assessment. Topics pertaining to works on paper, paintings and objects will be covered. Participants will receive a basic tool kit and housing material samples, as well as a collection of printed and digital resources for further learning. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Lunch options are available for purchase within the adjacent campus cafe. The workshop is produced in partnership by the VMFA and VAM. The workshop will be presented by current NEH Fellows: Assistant Paper Conservator, Jenni Krchak and Assistant Paintings Conservator, Catherine Dussault of the VMFA. 

Workshop topics and activities will include:  

  • Object handling and labeling  

  • Object packing and unpacking  

  • Housing materials 

  • Condition reporting  

  • Agents of deterioration  

  • Risk assessments  

For More Information:

Casey P. Jenkins
Casey P. Jenkins
Executive Director Virginia Association of Museums (804)358-3170
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Schedule for the Day: 

Note- Lunch is not provided, but available for purchase in the campus cafe. You may also bring you own lunch.

9:00-9:15am      Check in with Coffee and Pastries/Networking   

9:15-12:00         Morning Session 

  • 9:15-9:30 Welcome and Introduction  

  • 9:30-10:10 Jenni & Cat – Lecture: Basics of Object Handling and Labeling   

  • 10:10-10:25 - 15 min Break  

  • 10:25-11:45 Hands-on: Object packing and unpacking with condition assessment    

  • 11:45-12:00 Group discussion, Q&A  

12:00-1:30          Lunch – Lunch options are available for purchase in the campus cafe.     

1:30-4:30            Afternoon Session 

  • 1:30-2:10 Jenni & Cat – Lecture: Agents of Deterioration  

  • 2:10-2:45 Risk Assessment Activity Intro  

  • 2:45-3:00  - 15 min Break   

  • 3:00-4:00 Hands-on: Risk assessment walk through of collection (3 groups, rotating)  

  • 4:10-4:30 Group discussion, Q&A 

5-7pm               VAM Regional Meet-Up Pale Fire Brewing Company: 217 S. Liberty St. #105, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. This is optional and no additional cost to attend. Free registration is encouraged at https://www.vamuseums.org/events/mountain-valley-regional-meet-up