PREPARATOR & FRAME SHOP MANAGER

PREPARATOR & FRAME SHOP MANAGER

POSITION

The New York Academy of Art seeks a Preparator & Frame Shop Manager that supports daily operations of its Exhibitions Department. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys collaboration, problem solving, and contributing to a dynamic creative community. The position is full-time permanent and requires 5 days per week in-person during the hours Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm. Occasional weekend and overtime work may be necessary, and there also might be travel for art fairs. This position reports to the Director of Exhibitions.

HISTORY 

The 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. 

PREPARATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

·     Participate in all Academy exhibitions and major fundraising events (Tribeca Ball, Take Home a Nude, and Deck the Walls)

·     Install and de-install exhibitions in-house and at offsite locations, often adapting to evolving scope and logistics

o   Conduct and oversee detailed incoming and outgoing condition reports for artworks

o   Hang, mount, and light artwork; install wall labels, signage, and vinyl lettering

o   Patch and paint exhibition walls and assist with gallery maintenance

·     Train and oversee Exhibitions personnel or temporary art handlers

·     Pack and prepare artworks for local, national, and international transport and storage

·     Construct or repair pedestals, crates, and other display materials

·     Assist with transportation, setup, and breakdown of special events (e.g., Drawing Parties)

·     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. 

·     Oversee organization of on-site and off-site storage facilities, including condition reports

·     Collaborate with the Director of Exhibitions on art-shipping logistics, including crate specs, soft-packing, COIs, and scheduling

FRAME SHOP MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of framing for Take Home a Nude and other Academy exhibitions
• Hire, train, and supervise framing staff 
• Establish and maintain regular frame shop hours and schedules
• Assess frame and supply inventory from previous years and prepare the shop for each new framing season
• In consultation with the Director of Exhibitions, order required materials including frames, matting, glass, and other supplies
• Maintain and service framing equipment and tools 
• Maintain a detailed artwork register with framing status, materials used, and cost breakdowns (i.e. glass, mat, labor, etc.)
• Collaborate on frame selection and ensure all works are appropriately presented for auction or exhibition
• Oversee framing and presentation quality for all works, including repairs, restoration, and event-day touch-ups
• Ensure all framed art is presentable for auction and oversee framing staff for onsite event touch-ups 
• Oversee post-event breakdown, storage, and maintenance of framing tools, supplies, and frames
• Submit an annual Frame Shop Report summarizing the year’s activities, inventory, and recommendations for the following year

REQUIREMENTS 

·  Minimum 2-3 years of experience in art installation, framing, crating, or shipping within a gallery, museum, or arts institution

·     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

·     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 [email protected]

·     If available, include 3-5 images from previous installs, crates, or frames

·     Provide two professional references with contact details

APPLICATION

·     Familiarize yourself with the Academy’s history, mission, exhibitions, and events (nyaa.edu)

·     Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

·     If available, include 3-5 images from previous installs, crates, or frames

·     Provide two professional references with contact details