The Jean Segal Fain Memorial Internship offers a selected RISD student in-depth experience in the conservation and preparation of works on paper. In addition to practicing basic techniques, the intern engages in deeper exploration of various academic areas of study and artistic practice by learning about materials required to promote longevity of artwork, and how to respectfully include all stakeholders in decision making around conservation process and accessibility to art.
The Fain internship is designed as an advanced opportunity for a student with prior museum and/or conservation experience, and is awarded to a current work-study student or THAD Fellow in the museum’s prints, drawings, and photographs department. Developing upon foundational skills learned during their initial opportunity, the intern will support the Paper Preservation Specialist & Preparator by participating in advanced-level work related to the framing of prints and objects for exhibitions, contributing to conservation treatment of works of art; and designing and creating specialized archival enclosures for a variety of 2D and 3D materials. They will develop skills in type- and process-identification of print media; contribute to the organization, handling, and treatment of tools and materials in the department; and gain exposure to a diverse collection of art and design objects.
The internship is typically 225 hours and receives a $5000 stipend, but the total hours and schedule can be flexible.
Questions may be addressed to museum-academic@risd.edu.
The Jean Segal Fain Memorial Internship Program at the RISD Museum is made possible by a generous gift from the Fain Family.