art handlin'

When you walk into storage at your new job and it’s an even bigger quagmire than the one you left. 

A photo posted by arthandlin (@arthandlin) on Aug 11, 2016 at 9:32am PDT

When the higher ups attempt to mollify you somehow

the most desirable qualification is, unfortunately, experience.  i mean, usually a job description will say something like, they’d prefer someone with a college degree, preferably in art. this is usually mostly a formality - it’s not like you actually learn how to properly do museum quality work hanging your own work in undergrad.  mostly what they want to see is that you’re steady, skilled with tools, and reliable.  if it’s your first art handling job, and often even if it isn’t, an institution will have you do a workshop with conservators and other art handlers about how they expect you to handle objects there.  they’ll also have conservators of specific types of objects (fibers, paper, etc) come in every year and give a refresher on how to properly handle those items.  so most of the things you “need” to know to be an art handler you learn on the job, but it’s not rocket surgery.  i’ve heard there are classes one can take on the subject, but i’ve yet to meet anyone who has actually taken one.  i’d say if you think you can do it, apply for the job, or if you know someone who does it, see if they need temporary help for any exhibitions coming up.  

When the institution that laid you off offers to hire you back temporarily.  

When you get laid off due to budget cuts.  

In the all staff meeting as they're talking about the upcoming slate of shows.  

When you meet an art handler from another institution and they tell you how fucked up everything is.  

Trying to find a power source in the gallery walls.