JOB INFO
Exhibit Preparator
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens,
Delray Beach, Florida
Posted: 1/22/2009
Level: Mid
Type: Permanent
The position of exhibit preparator is a full-time professional position that assumes a leadership role in the periodic preparation and installation of new exhibitions and displays at The Morikami Museum and Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. Under the direction of the curator of Japanese art, the exhibit preparator plans museum exhibitions and displays, fabricates and installs exhibition labels and titles, and prepares and installs artifacts for display. The exhibit preparator also administers the signage needs of The Morikami Museum and Garden; oversees refurbishing, upgrading and maintaining existing exhibits; manages outside professional services required for fabricating exhibit needs; and supervise the work of volunteers in carrying out tasks related to exhibition installation. Responsibilities may require after-hours and weekend work as dictated by the needs of exhibition installation schedules.
Working Relationships
Reports to and receives direction from the curator of Japanese art and is reviewed through periodic conferences and written reports.
Works closely with the curator of collections, assistant curator, facilities, and volunteers. May also work with education, marketing/events, and operations after consultation with the curator of Japanese art.
Primary Responsibilities
Exhibit Planning and Installation
• Assumes a leadership role in the preparation and installation of changing exhibitions:
• Consults with the curator of Japanese art regarding the content, story-line and
desired flow of the planned exhibition
• Plans display layout of exhibition
• Prepares schedule for exhibit installation and informs all appropriate staff
• Consults with curator of collections regarding special needs of display artifacts
• Devises and fabricates, or oversees fabrication of, specialized exhibition aids to support display artifacts as required
• Determines needs for other specialized exhibit props and fabricates them or arranges to have them fabricated
• Designs and fabricates or oversees fabrication of exhibition labels and titles
• Devises and implements an appropriate lighting scheme for the exhibition
• Assists as necessary in preparing borrowed artifacts for return shipment to their
places of origin
• Assumes primary responsibility for installation of exhibition
• Plans and implements the design of new exhibits and the refurbishment of existing exhibits and exhibit spaces at the Yamato-kan in consultation with the curator of Japanese art
• Maintains standards for all the museum and garden signage for museum administration and Board approval.
• Fabricates signage for lobby kiosk
• Assists in special set-ups for event programming and festivals
• Assists as needed with photography of collection artifacts
The position of exhibit preparator requires proficiency in the following:
• woodworking
• handling and operating power tools
• label mounting
• sign-making and the operation of computer-assisted sign-making equipment such as scanners and sign plotters
• handling collection artifacts
• drafting exhibition layouts and plans for exhibit cases and specialized display aids and exhibit props
The position also requires:
• BA or BS degree, or equivalent experience
• ability to work flexible hours
• basic computer skills using word processing programs and graphic design or sign-making programs such as FlexiExpert, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, or the ability to learn them
• attention to detail
• sensitivity to the care and safety needs of collection and other exhibition artifacts and basic knowledge of the proper care and handling of artifacts
• ability to lift 50 lbs
How to apply
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and C.V. to Susanna Brooks Lavallee, Curator of Japanese Art at
sbrookslavallee@pbcgov.org.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Road
Delray Beach, Florida 33446