The Washington Conservation Guild is happy to announce this year’s Williston Fund Awardees! You can find out more at https://washingtonconservationguild.org/williston-fund/.
Congrats Everyone!
Sarah Montonchaikul is completing her fourth year graduate internship in objects conservation at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. One of her main projects for the year is the examination and treatment of Ed Bereal’s mixed media artwork “America: A Mercy Killing,” made in Los Angeles in 1974. Originally conceived as a model stage set, “America” is a testament to the physical and conceptual complexity of Bereal’s work. Bereal manipulated plastic toy vehicles, figurines, and 1970’s-era electronics, placing them in a politically-charged theatrical landscape to interact with other kinetic elements powered by a modified pneumatic and electrical system. Sarah’s work will include materials identification and condition assessment of the deteriorating plastic components, potential replacement of non-functioning kinetic components, as well as thoughtful consideration of and respect for the essential conceptual goals of this work made by a living artist. Sarah is also serving on WCG’s Nominating Committee.
Stephanie Guidera is a third-year student in the SUNY, Buffalo conservation program and is interning at both the National Museum of American History and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Her supervisor explains that Steph will be working on “historical research, documentation, and treatment of large painted wooden panels from a wagon from 1900, which travelled and performed Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Her work will also include the “assessment, documentation, study, treatment, re-housing, and exhibition preparation of Eva Hesse’s 1966 sculpture ‘Vertiginous Detour.’” Steph is also serving on WCG’s IDEA Action Committee.
Anita Dey is a third-year student in the SUNY Buffalo State Garnan Art Conservation Graduate program and completing her third-year internship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Her work includes updating the digital imaging protocols for the lab, imaging and analysis of 14 oversized Islamic manuscripts, and conservation treatments on Indian and Mughal paintings for upcoming exhibitions. Anita is also serving on WCG’s IDEA Action Committee.
Emma Kimmel is a fourth-year student at the NYU IFA Conservation Center and is interning at the National Gallery of Art. Emma’s work will include treating “a panel painting by Juan de Flandes, which will involve the removal of discolored varnish and retouching, filling and inpainting losses, and the application of a new, stable varnish. She will also be doing a technical study, including working with NGA scientists to do some analysis, on a large Degas.” Emma is also serving on WCG’s Nominating Committee.
