Gallery Technician/Preparator
/Job Title:
Gallery Technician/Preparator
Organization:
Bau-Xi Gallery
Deadline:
Until Filled
Organization Description:
Bau-Xi Gallery was established in 1965 by Bau-Xi Huang in Vancouver to showcase the many Canadian artists in need of gallery representation on the West Coast. It is the oldest commercial gallery in Vancouver. The gallery has been a member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada since the early 1970s and is a founding member of the South Granville Gallery Association. Today Bau-Xi operates in a purpose built, light-filled building on Vancouver’s exclusive Granville Street.
Website:
Job Description:
Bau-Xi Gallery is currently seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Gallery Technician/Preparator to join our Vancouver team on a part-time basis, from 9:30 to 5:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (24 hours/week). This position is based at our gallery located at 3045 Granville Street and offers an opportunity to work with a dynamic team in a professional contemporary art environment. The Gallery Technician/Preparator works closely and collaboratively with the Sales Team and Gallery Director, as well as independently. This includes installation and de-installation of exhibitions; packing and crating artwork for international shipments; receiving artwork and supply deliveries; general inventory and gallery maintenance; framing and stretching original artwork; and delivering and installing artwork at both residential and commercial projects within Greater Vancouver.
Responsibilities:
- Perform and assist with the unpacking/packing, logging, preparation, repair, and installation/de-installation of artwork at the gallery.
- Perform delivery and installation and de-installation tasks at project sites throughout Greater Vancouver.
- Transportation of artwork through gallery spaces, hallways and stairwells; includes the safe, secure and efficient loading/unloading of gallery and commercial delivery vehicles.
- Perform plywood crate construction, crate-packing, and basic carpentry assignments using table saws and/or sliding table saws, circular saw, chop saw, angle grinders, and drills.
- Place and adjust lights to properly illuminate exhibitions.
- Perform framing and canvas stretching for original paintings, editioned prints, and photography using best practices and techniques.
- Perform general gallery cleaning and maintenance, including repairing/painting walls, organizing art storage stacks.
Qualifications:
- Able to work independently or in a team-setting with a high level of attention to detail, and ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of framing, mounting, and stretching artwork including paintings on canvas, etchings, edition prints, photographs, mixed media, and works on panel.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) as well as strong listening skills.
- Strong organisational skills applied before, during, and after execution of tasks with regards to tools, materials, and workspaces.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Professional demeanour when interacting with staff, couriers, and visiting artists; including but not limited to safe/proper dress code.
- Experience working as an art handler, fabricator, or carpenter at other museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions desired but not necessary.
- Working knowledge of best practices and standards in handling artworks (during transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, and hanging) and in installing and de-installing artwork (hanging, anchor types, installation methods, security hardware types, etc.) considered an asset.
- A valid Class 5 driver's license and comfort with operating a commercial Ford Transit van (2024 electric vehicle) is required.
- Experience and familiarity with operating power tools and machinery is required
- Comfort with heights and using a 10 ft ladder is required.
- Ability to lift 50lbs is required.
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your experience to info@bau-xi.com with the subject Line: "Gallery Technician & Preparator". No telephone inquiries please, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Remuneration:
$22 - $25/hour based on skills and experience
