PREPARATOR & ART HANDLER

PREPARATOR & ART HANDLER POSITIONThe New York Academy of Art seeks a full-time Preparator & Art Handler to support the daily operations of its Exhibitions Department. This is a hands-on position primarily responsible for the safe handling, installation, packing, transportation, and storage of artwork.

The Preparator will also work closely with the Frame Shop Manager / Lead Framer to assist with framing production and develop framing skills in preparation for Take Home a Nude.The ideal candidate is a skilled and dependable art handler who enjoys collaboration, problem-solving, and contributing to a dynamic creative community. The position is full-time and permanent and requires five days per week onsite, Monday through Friday, generally from 10:00am–6:00pm. Occasional evening, weekend, and overtime work will be required, and limited travel for art fairs may be necessary.

This position reports to the Director of Exhibitions.HISTORYThe New York Academy of Art was founded in 1982 by artists, scholars and patrons of the arts, including Andy Warhol, to foster a resurgence in the training of figurative and representational art. The Academy has since developed into a 501 (c)(3) non-profit cultural institution housing the nation’s first graduate school of figurative art, a continuing education program, the region’s most in-depth figurative art library, an extensive exhibition and lecture series, and iconic New York City events such as Take Home a Nude and Tribeca Ball.

RESPONSIBILITIES· Lead the installation, deinstallation, and preparation of all Academy exhibitions and major fundraising events, including Tribeca Ball, Take Home a Nude, and Deck the Wallso Conduct and oversee detailed incoming and outgoing condition reports for artworkso Hang, mount, and light artwork; install wall labels, signage, and vinyl letteringo Patch and paint exhibition walls and assist with gallery maintenance· Supervise, schedule, train, and provide onsite direction to part-time and temporary art handlers· Collaborate with the Director of Exhibitions on installation planning, staffing needs, schedules, equipment, and project logistics· Pack and prepare artworks for local, national, and international transport and storage· Construct and/or repair pedestals, crates, travel frames, and other exhibition display materials· Drive and coordinate vehicle rentals for pickups and deliveries· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace and manage inventory of packing and art-handling supplies· Assist with transportation, setup, and breakdown of special events, including Drawing Parties· Oversee the organization of onsite and offsite artwork storage· Work under the direction of the Frame Shop Manager / Lead Framer to assist with framing production for Take Home a Nude and learn professional framing techniques and procedures· Assist with fitting artwork into frames, hinging, glazing, backing, hardware installation, frame repairs, and other framing tasks according to experience and training REQUIREMENTS· Minimum 3 years of professional art-handling and installation experience within a gallery, museum, art-shipping company, auction house, artist studio, or other arts organization· Previous experience leading installation crews and supervising temporary or freelance art handlers· Ability to assign work, communicate clear instructions, monitor progress, and maintain safe and professional working conditions during installations and deinstallations· Demonstrated knowledge of safe artwork-handling, packing, installation, and storage procedures· Experience installing a variety of two- and three-dimensional artwork using appropriate hardware and installation methods· Experience packing artwork for local transportation and storage; experience with crating artwork for national and international shipping· Experience installing a variety of two- and three-dimensional artwork using appropriate hardware and installation methods· Ability to lift up to 70 lbs and work at heights (ladders, scissor lifts)· Valid driver’s license and experience driving a box truck; CDL license a plus but not mandatory· Proficiency with power tools, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and other art-handling equipment· Interest in learning professional framing procedures and working collaboratively with the Frame Shop Manager / Lead Framer· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively across departments· Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities· Adaptability and composure in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment APPLICATION· Familiarize yourself with the Academy’s history, mission, exhibitions, and events (nyaa.edu)· Send a cover letter and resume to exhibitions@nyaa.edu· If available, include 3-5 images from previous installations, packing projects, crates, pedestals, or other relevant work· Provide two professional references with contact details