The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is pleased to announce two 12-month graduate student internships, one in Objects Conservation and one in Paintings Conservation, in the Susan and David Goode Center for Advanced Study in Art Conservation. The Goode Center is a vibrant research and training center dedicated to advancing the field of conservation, art history, and science through joint study with conservators, curators, scholars, and scientists. Opened in 2010, the Goode Center is one of the largest conservation facilities in the southeast and is outfitted with advanced analytical and examination capabilities including infrared and hyperspectral imaging, scanning and portable x-ray fluorescence, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, polarized light microscopy, microfade testing, and computed x-radiography. 

Project Description:   

Beginning in Fall 2025, these internships are designed for graduate students who are entering their final year of studies in an accredited master’s program in art conservation. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to expand their professional skills as Conservators and will be involved in all operations related to the examination, documentation, treatment, display, technical analysis, and conservation research of artwork in the VMFA’s collection. The intern will be a full member of the conservation team, participating in myriad other lab activities such as assisting with exhibition installations and deinstallations, maintenance of collections on display, responding to public inquiries, leading laboratory tours, and presenting conservation projects and activities to museum visitors. At the end of their internship, the intern will have the opportunity to deliver a presentation of their work to an invited audience of VMFA staff, trustees, and supporters of the conservation department. VMFA will provide $11,000 to supplement funding from the successful candidate’s graduate program, $2,000 for relocation expenses, and $1,000 in support for conferences and workshops.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all. As one of the world’s finest museums and one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, the VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

Minimum Qualifications: 

The candidate should be enrolled in an accredited graduate conservation program specializing in objects or paintings (as relevant). They will have an understanding of the AIC code of ethics and guidelines for practice. They should have demonstrated experience or familiarity in conservation treatment, documentation, research, scientific analysis, housing, and handling of three-dimensional works of art.

Application Process:

Interested candidates can apply by submitting their application materials to Volunteer Programs Manager, Kim Frola, at kim.frola@vmfa.museum.  

Please note ‘3rd Year Objects Conservation Application’ or ‘3rd Year Paintings Conservation Application‘ in the subject line.  All submissions should include a letter of interest, a résumé, and contact information for three references by December 30, 2024. Please provide the full name, phone number, and email address for each of the three references. Applicants invited for a virtual interview will be expected to present a PowerPoint portfolio of their work and experiences. Questions can be directed to Kim Frola at the above email or at 804-340-1461.

Special Requirements:

The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.