Join the dynamic curatorial team at the Newport Art Museum as we install new exhibitions, refresh galleries, and care for our collection. The Preparator is involved in all technical aspects of art handling working with the Chief Curator, Curatorial Assistant, and Registrar. The Preparator assists with the maintenance of the Museum exhibition spaces, art collection storage, and prep-room workspace. He/she/they plays an integral role in preparing galleries for exhibition and works of art for both display and storage.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares artwork for exhibition– tasks include but are not limited to framing/unframing 2D works; mount-making and fabrication; and assisting with object packing/unpacking as needed; experience with matting is preferred
• Prepares gallery spaces for exhibition– including wall preparation (patching, sanding, painting); installation/deinstallation of art objects; vinyl title and text installation; and label/wall text panel construction and installation
• Researches and purchases supplies/equipment as necessary for exhibition installation
• Transports works of art locally as needed
• Adheres to standard practices for museum collection care and art handling
• Interacts and works with fellow contractors, Museum employees, collectors, donors, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner
• Performs required work effectively and efficiently

Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of art handling practices / procedures and exhibition installation techniques (knowledge of preventative conservation practices is a plus)
• Experience using power tools, ladders, and other large equipment
• Basic math skills
• Is an organized, resourceful, and results-oriented problem-solver with good communication skills that lends itself to working well in a team environment
• Ability to work in both support and leadership roles
• Possesses excellent time-management and planning skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Knowledge of or an eagerness to learn about new media installation is a plus

Required Education and Experience:

• A., B.F.A., M.A., or M.F.A. in studio art, art history, or a related field
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a preparator in a gallery or museum
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors on Museum campus as well as off-site locations
• Position may require standing for prolonged periods, walking, climbing, bending and stretching
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to climb ladders etc. in excess of 8 feet

This is an independent contractor position. Work is conducted during installation periods and during Museum office hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am- 5pm, with occasional nights and weekends when needed. Installation periods typically occur quarterly, for a period of 4-6 weeks.

Payment rates are at discretion of the contractor in agreement with the Museum.

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, current résumé, and three references to: fweiss@newportartmuseum.org. No phone calls please.

The Newport Art Museum recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its work culture and integral to its role as a cultural institution serving the public. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

Director of Development
Full Time/ reports to Executive Director
The Newport Art Museum
Newport, RI

The Director of Development is charged with leading fundraising and external relations for the Newport Art Museum and expanding philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and programs.  Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will lead the fundraising efforts in an era of community expansion, including capitalizing on Newport’s influx of new residents from major metropolitan areas.  An AAM-accredited museum with over 1500 members and approximately 18,000 annual visitors, with a 110-year history, the museum continues to build upon its place as the nexus for the artistic community of the region.

The Director of Development is responsible for building and maintaining a growing community of donors, with a specific focus on increasing upper-level patrons and identifying new prospects, and overseeing the operations of the small, busy Development Department. S/he will take a lead role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual patrons at all levels; overseeing the annual fund; working closely with the Museum’s board of trustees; overseeing the Museum’s benefit events; and managing institutional grants.

The successful candidate will be an independent thinker with a collaborative spirit, have enthusiasm for and interest in our extensive collection including American, historical and contemporary art and a willingness to take on projects big and small. The position requires excellent writing, communications, organizational skills, and attention to detail; the ability to work both independently and in a team; and experience leading a small staff.

Responsibilities include:

• With the Executive Director, setting annual fundraising goals
• Working closely with the Board of Trustees on:
  • Annual giving
  • Committee leadership
  • Special events
• Overseeing the growth of the Museum’s membership program, particularly at the upper levels
• Drafting all Development Department materials, including acknowledgments, renewals, solicitations, and the annual report
• Writing all institutional and government grants, along with interim and final reports
• Leading major gift prospecting, solicitations, and stewardship
• Planning a calendar of annual cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events
• Development and management of department budget, with close monitoring of revenue and expenses
• Overseeing the annual report
• Managing a staff of two

Candidates must have:

• A minimum of 5 years of development leadership experience, preferably in an arts setting
• Proven track record of success in individual giving, membership, and grants
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, Board members, artists, and donors
• Strong budgeting skills
• Raiser’s Edge or other comparable database knowledge and experience
• Facility with full suite of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to remain flexible and focused in a fast–paced work environment and the ability to pitch in when needed

Candidates will be enthusiastic supporters of the Museum’s artist–centric mission, and eager to help lead The Newport Art Museum through a period of growth and change.

Please send a cover letter and resume to: mrobiou@newportartmuseum.org with the subject line “Development Director.” Qualified candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please

The Education department at Newport Art Museum seeks qualified Teaching Artists to teach classes at the Museum School.

The Museum School at the Minnie and Jimmy Coleman Center for Creative Studies hosts art classes and workshops throughout the year, as well as a variety of camps during the summer and school vacation weeks. The successful candidate should be prepared to teach courses, and to provide vital cultural experiences to a diverse group of students with a wide range of experience. Interpersonal skills, clarity, and creativity in teaching are essential. Candidates should be prepared to encourage students to grow creatively and intellectually.

Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Museum Studies or Art Education required.

Preferred Qualifications

All teaching artists are welcome to apply, however we are specifically looking for instructors who can teach in these areas:

• Animation
• Architecture
• Art + Activism
• Ceramics
• Design Fundamentals
• Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Landscape Design
• Mixed Media
• Photography
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Visual + Critical Language (liberal arts: writing and research in visual arts)

The Newport Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Independent Contractor Hourly Pay, rate negotiable.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and current résumé, to jobs@newportartmuseum.org with Art Instructor in the subject line. No phone calls please.