The Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks a dynamic professional for the position of Associate Curator of American Art. The curator is responsible for supporting research related to the Chazen Museum of Art’s collections of American art, decorative arts, and material culture to facilitate access for teaching, research, and public interest. This individual will join the staff at an exciting and critical time, contributing to major initiatives such as a reinstallation of the permanent collection.
In consultation with the Chief Curator, the Associate Curator of American Art will serve as the subject matter expert in his or her area, conducting original research, facilitating public access, and providing input into exhibition development and collection plans. This position plays an active role in institutional conservation planning.
The Curator will maintain regular contact with collectors, donors, and professional colleagues and may assist in developing funding proposals for acquisitions, exhibitions, or other special projects in his/her area. The individual will mentor, teach and guide the work of student employees.
Support for this limited term position has been provided by the Chipstone Foundation.
Qualifications: Master of Arts degree in art history, American studies, material culture, or closely related field required, PhD preferred. Area of Specialization: American art, decorative arts, and material culture. Pre-twentieth century to early-twentieth century focus preferred.
1 year of professional curatorial experience in American art within a museum context required. 2-3 years, or more, preferred.
Details and benefits: This position includes full university benefits, to include health insurance and paid leave. This is a 2 year full-time position, non-renewable, from the commencement of employment, including a 6-month probationary period (benefits are provided during probation). Exempt, Academic Staff.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison campus offers ample recreation, cultural and educational opportunities. The museum is easily accessible and is located on many bus lines and bike paths.
Salary: $50,000-60,000 annually (exempt, salaried)
For more information and application: Applications can only be accepted through the university job site. https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/504194/associate-curator-of-american-art
About the Chazen Museum:
The Chazen Museum of Art makes its home between two lakes on the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Within walking distance of the state capitol, it sits squarely in the heart of a vibrant college town. Featuring one of the best views on campus, an art-filled bridge connects the historic Elvehjem building, built in 1970, with the Chazen building, built in 2011. This connection represents both a physical and intellectual joining of human art history and the most dynamic artistic explorers of today.
With a permanent collection of more than 23,000 objects, from vessels of ancient Greece to prints by Kara Walker, the Chazen is the second largest museum in Wisconsin. Two expansive buildings encompass 163,000+ square feet, making it the largest collecting museum in the Big Ten. More than 100,000 visitors come through the Chazen’s doors each year to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The Chazen is the most-open museum among its peers, with open hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Admission is free for all and includes programs for students, families and community members, all provided with the museum’s unique brand of Wisconsin hospitality.
About the American art collection:
The Chazen Museum of Art holds a collection of approximately 6,500 works of American art in various mediums. This includes a small, but actively growing, representation of American art predating the 20th century. General strengths include 20th century sculpture and drawings by sculptors included in the Lane Collection, contemporary printmaking represented in the Tandem Press archive, ceramics, and glass. Midwestern artists such as John Steuart Curry and Thomas Hart Benton are well represented in painting and works on paper. Highlights include Sanford Robinson Gifford’s Mount Washington from the Saco River, Eastman Johnson’s Two Men (Study for the Funding Bill), Kenyon Cox’s Diana, Frank Weston Benson’s The Benson Family at Wooster Farm, George Bellows’s Approach to the Bridge at Night, prints by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, and thirty albumen prints by Reynolds Beal of William Merritt Chase’s Shinnecock Summer School.
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