About Me
Background
A former J. William Fulbright Scholar to Madrid, Spain, I received a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and a Master of Arts from the Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University. Before joining the staff at the IMA, I was the museum’s first Samuel H. Kress Conservation Fellow.
In 2008 I became a Professional Associate of American Institute for Conservation (AIC).
If you want to know more about my professional experience and background check out my LinkedIn profile.
At The Indianapolis Museum of Art
As the IMA’s Conservator of Objects & Variable Art I lead a team that works on artworks across all areas of the collection. My approach in this practice extends beyond traditional interventions with artworks to examine artistic intent and execution as it relates to the preservation of art.
My current research projects include the technical and structural examination of interior channels in African Songye power figures, exploring novel methods of documenting artworks and conservation practices online, and expanding collaborative networks for conservators via traditional and web-based technologies. My most recent conservation projects include the restoration of Jean Tinguely’s 1974 masterpiece, Chaos No. 1, and Robert Indiana’s 1980 sculptures, Numbers 1-0.
I developed the monthly column for Art21’s Blog called No Preservatives: Conversations about Conservation, which seeks to define the conservator’s role in the care of art in the twenty-first century, and have written for a variety of online publications, and a few print ones (lots in the works).
I often have well-qualified interns & volunteers working for me at the IMA. Here are a few IMA blog posts that they have written over the years:
- Propane Tank and Blow Torch and Wax, Oh My!
- The Importance of the Superficial: Surface of Wooden Sculpture from Africa
- Working to Define and Care for African Art at the IMA
- Caring for IMA Loans at IUPUI
- Art, Color, Gloss
- Unwelcome Guests…The Pests of Oldfields
- Jessica and Katherine Hit the Big Time
- To Future 100 Acres Conservators
- Caring for Bronze in the Community
- Conserving Ideas
- Unexpected LOVE
- Numbers Blog
Teaching Museum Studies
In 2009 started teaching as an adjunct instructor in the IUPUI Museum Studies Program. I have taught two “Collections Care & Management” courses. In these courses my students surveyed the collections of public art on IUPUI’s campus and at the Indiana Statehouse. In spring of 2012 I taught a survey and research course at the famous Madame Walker Theatre Center.
I am currently developing the course “Core Aspects of Conservation: A 21st Century Approach” for the Johns Hopkins University Online Museum Studies Program. I will teach this course in the fall of 2013.
Editing in the Encyclopedia Wikipedia
I’ve been working in Wikipedia since 2006, and am a founder of WikiProject Public Art, which aims to document public art using Wikipedia and have been leading the IMA’s E-Volunteer Program from its inception. For a list of accomplishments, check out my page in Wikipedia.
Conservation & Preservation Consultation Projects
Occasionally I consult on conservation projects for institutions, universities, organizations, and individuals.
Click here to contact me directly.
