ANNOUNCING: A new 5-Year GSA contract for the conservation of sculpture and architectural arts. Commences August 1, 2022. 2022-2027 U.S. General Services Administration - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION ID/IQ Contract 47PM1122D0002 NTE: $16,009,998.00 (5 Year Total) NAICS Code 54130 (ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES)…
To Infinity and Neon: Assessment of Two Neon Artworks
Often the first step of an art conservation treatment is to perform a condition assessment. Jim Gwinner, Conservator of Public Art and Sculpture, recently performed an examination of neon artworks by artist Keith Sonnier in the D.C metropolitan area. Cenozoic…
Conservation in Florida: Something Borrowed, Something New, Something Blue
People often travel to Pensacola, Florida for something blue. The "blue" might be enjoying the waters of the Gulf of Mexico with a Blue Curacao inspired cocktail, or to catch a practice session of the world-famous Blue Angels in the…
Firing up the Phantom Furnace Columns of Youngstown
Slowly, gently, night unfurls the splendor of the recently preserved Phantom Furnace Columns, 2002 by public artist Andrew Liecester. The artwork Phantom Furnace Columns serve as a metaphor for the blast furnaces that once stood in the mills of Youngstown,…
Conserving a River of Light: Treatment of a Glass Fiber Optic Artwork
Christina L. Simms, Conservator of Objects and Sculpture, and Jim Gwinner, Conservator of Public Art and Sculpture, of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory recently performed a conservation treatment of a glass fiber optic artwork, River of Light by Mikyoung Kim, located…
Assessment of Electronic Media When Art Makes Census
Jim Gwinner, Conservator of Public Art and Sculpture, performs conservation treatment and assessments of electronic media and digital artwork. He recently completed an assessment and minor interventive treatment of American Varietal, 2013 by artist Jason Salavon which is installed at…
Conservation Assessment in Maryland: Let’s Get Musical!
Sometimes one needs more than just a sense of sight to appreciate a work of art. Jim Gwinner, Conservator of Public Art and Sculpture, recently performed a conservation assessment in Maryland, examining a unique kinetic musical work by Montana artist…
Neon Art Conservation: Final Treatment of Red Neon Circle Fragments on a Blue Wall by Stephen Antonakos
In March of 2018, we shared an in-progress neon art conservation treatment of Red Neon Circle Fragments on a Blue Wall, 1978 by Stephen Antonakos, detailing the deinstallation of the large artwork at its original location at the Federal Building…
Outdoor Electronic Media Artwork Assessment in Denver, Colorado
Electronic Media assessments and Optical Artifact Conservation; Public Art Conservation: The precursor of a successful art conservation treatment is a thorough examination. Jim Gwinner, Conservator of Public Art and Sculpture, and our staff expert in electronic media, recently traveled to…
Gesture Politics: A Time-based Media Conservation Treatment
Electronic Media, Optical artifact, Time-based Media Conservation: Body language and hand gestures are an important part of communication, especially in the world of politics and diplomacy. The artwork Gesture Politics, 2009 by artist Sean Healy is a time-based media installation…