Job Listing: Exhibition Designer/Preparator (CNU, Mary M Torggler Fine Arts Center)

Job Title: Exhibition Designer/Preparator

Employer: Christopher Newport University, Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center

Location: Newport News, Virginia

Salary: Starting at $58,880, commensurate with education and experience

Chief Objective of Position

The chief objective of this position is to support the exhibitions program at the Torggler Fine Arts Center by ensuring high quality, innovative exhibition design, and skilled, responsible handling of art objects.

Work Tasks

• The Exhibition Designer / Preparator supports exhibitions at the Torggler by managing exhibition design and installation. This position is responsible for the following tasks and duties:
• In consultation with the director and curator, contributes to the design and layout of exhibitions to include: building temporary walls and spaces, platforms, mounts and other exhibition design features; ensuring gallery spaces are painted and properly appointed; and managing lighting design. Also supervises the production and installation of gallery signage and labels in consultation with the curator.
• Responsible for art handling in accordance with accepted museum standards, to include: receiving incoming art objects, unpacking and re-packing objects for shipment, and presenting objects in the gallery in consultation with the curator and/or director.
• Assists as needed with shipping and transportation arrangements, including serving as a courier if needed or collecting/returning artwork within the region. Supervises the loading and unloading of art deliveries.
• Responsible for establishing logistics and procedures for art installation. Responsible for securing, scheduling, and supervising contracted professional art handlers required to prepare the galleries for exhibition.
• Responsible for the safety of art objects under the Torggler’s care, whether during transportation (if under the Torggler’s supervision), in storage, on display, or during packing and unpacking. Ensures best practices for museum security.
• Prepares art objects for presentation, to include matting and framing, and creating specialized mounts, platforms, pedestals, or other items necessary to exhibit an object safely. In cases where a contractor is required to build props or other gallery features, supervises the work of the contractor and serves as the main point of contact.
• Assists and supports academic exhibitions that are organized by the Department of Fine Art and Art History by training and mentoring student interns on how to install, deinstall, prep walls, and safely handle art.
• Carefully and consistently monitors environmental controls in gallery spaces and storage areas, including temperature, humidity, and lighting levels.
• Maintains compliance with OSHA and ADA regulations, and adheres to AAM-mandated museum practices with regard to art handling, display, transportation, and storage.
• Maintains and organizes art storage areas, crate storage, matting and framing areas, and other specialized spaces supporting the Torggler.
• Utilizes and cares for specialized equipment and tools pertaining to art handling and preparation. Orders required tools and equipment as necessary under the direction of the curator.
• Supervises the work of a part-time studio technician, shared between the Torggler and the Department of Fine Art and Art History.

This position develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.

Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.

Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.

Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.

This position performs other duties as assigned.
 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position

• Knowledge of exhibition design techniques
• Understanding of appropriate environmental conditions and controls
• Knowledge of proper art handling, documentation, and storage procedures; understanding of museum security requirements and controls
• Ability to read blueprints and/or technical diagrams
• Ability to fabricate pedestals, platforms, and other gallery props
• Ability to work cooperatively with the director and curator to plan, design, and implement exhibitions.

Required Education

• Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience that equates to an advanced degree is required.

Additional Consideration - Education

• Master’s degree in an art-related field preferred.

Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience as an art handler/ preparator/ exhibition designer at an accredited visual arts organization.
• Experience with exhibition design and/or management.

Additional Consideration - Experience

• Significant experience as an art handler/ preparator/ exhibition designer in an accredited visual arts organization preferred.

About the Torggler

The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, opened to the public in 2021 and serves the campus and the surrounding community as a dynamic center for the enjoyment, exploration, and study of visual art.

The Torggler is a non-collecting organization that provides compelling art experiences through changing exhibitions and engaging educational programs. Its mission is to serve the campus community and the general public through exceptional visual arts exhibitions and programs that promote creative expression, critical thinking, and cultural dialogue. The Torggler is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The Torggler is housed in a new, purpose-built facility featuring an 8,000-square foot main gallery for changing exhibitions, as well as three smaller gallery spaces. The Torggler presents at least three major changing exhibitions in its main gallery each year, featuring the work of professional artists with national or international reputations, in addition to changing shows in the smaller galleries. The building also boasts a stunning atrium capped by cascading glass domes; five studio classrooms for public classes and workshops; a 150-seat lecture hall; an interactive gallery for children (coming in 2026); and a gallery devoted to the work of local and regional artists.  The building also houses the university’s Department of Art and Art History.

To apply, visit: https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/19797