Upcoming Workshops!
In-Person Museum Environments
Host Site: Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Thursday, July 9, 2026 9:00am – 5:00pm
Maintaining stable temperature and relative humidity, as well as good air quality and limited exposure to light and other forms of radiation, are some of the most important factors in preserving the physical materials of cultural heritage. In this one-day, in-person workshop, participants will be introduced to the international guidelines for Museum environments, as well as the impact of these environmental factors over time and for different material types. In a practical exercise, participants will gain hands-on experience using instruments for measuring temperature, relative humidity, visible light, UV radiation, and air quality. In the afternoon, more in-depth environmental analysis will be discussed using data collected by the Chazen Museum as a case study.
Instructor: Nicole Grabow, Senior Preventive Conservator
Fee: $300 Register Here
In-Person Guidelines for Cleaning Collections Materials: Focus on Decorative Arts and Historic House Collections
Host Site: Gammelgården Musem of Scandia- Scandia, MN
Monday, July 20, 2026 10:00am – 5:00pm; Tuesday, July 21, 2026 9:00am – 4:00pm
This two-day, in-person workshop for up to 20 participants will provide instruction on the ethics, hazards, and benefits of cleaning cultural heritage material artifacts that are stable and in good condition. With a mixture of lecture and hands-on practical exercises, the workshop will include specific techniques for cleaning textiles, picture frames, ceramics, glass, silver, and iron artifacts. Discussions will also incorporate advanced cleaning topics such as stabilizing historic iron, selecting the appropriate level of cleaning, and managing and training volunteers.
Instructor: Nicole Grabow, Senior Preventive Conservator
Registration is full– contact [email protected] to be added to the waitlist!
Thanks to funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
In-Person Introduction to the Care of Paintings
Host Site: American Swedish Institute- Minneapolis, MN
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10:00am – 4:00pm
This full-day, hands-on workshop will provide an overview of the methods and materials used in preservation of paintings. The workshop will begin with an introduction to different types of paintings and their supports, agents of deterioration, identification and understanding of common condition issues, forms of damage, and how to reduce or slow down the risk of deterioration. Discussion will cover handing, storage, and display guidelines, including lighting and environmental considerations. The second half of the day will comprise of demonstrations and hands-on sessions. The emphasis will be placed on safe handling and movement, surface dusting (as well as when it is or is not appropriate), and framing using appropriate materials. Options for backing boards, shims, hanging hardware, etc. will be demonstrated. Participants will also learn about proper handling and storage of rolled and unstretched canvases.
Instructor: Rita Berg, Senior Paintings Conservator
Fee: $300 Register Here
Fee for Minnesota Residents: FREE Register Here
Thanks to funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
Coming Soon
Stay tuned for specific dates and locations of these workshop offerings:
In-Person Hinging Works of Art on Paper
In-Person Introduction to the Care of Textiles
In-Person Safe Storage
On-Demand Workshops
These one-day events can be brought directly to your institution. Contact us for more details and pricing.