Summit Artspace’s mission is to connect artists and artist-serving organizations to the community and to the resources they need to thrive professionally, creatively, and financially.
Summit Artspace Art Handler and Installer
Contracted approximately 50 hours per exhibition changeover, including select offsite exhibition changeovers. Exhibition changeovers occur quarterly. Must have ample availability during changeover periods, including the following time spans listed below:
- Start Date: August 1, 2026
Scheduled Offsite Exhibitions:
- Summit County Probate Court: Install week of August 10, 2026
- Summit County Probate Court: Deinstall previous work, install new work: October 26, 2026
- Summit County Probate Court: Deinstall previous work, install new work: December 5, 2026
- Deinstall final exhibition at Summit County Probate Court: February 8, 2027
Onsite at Summit Artspace:
- September 28 – October 15, 2026
- December 21, 2026 – January 8, 2027 (off Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
- March 15 – April 2, 2027
- June 14 – July 9, 2027 (off July 5 in observance of July 4 holiday)
- September 13 – October 1, 2027
- December 13 – January 7, 2028 (off Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
Summit Artspace is seeking fine art service providers, including professional art handlers, preparators, and art installers to perform a variety of services necessary for the installation and transportation of artworks managed by the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions, Anna E. Young.
The Art Handler is an independent contractor (1099) role. As such, the contractor will not be considered a Summit Artspace employee and will be responsible for paying their own taxes
Overview:
As an Art Handler, you will be responsible for applying your knowledge of the safe and secure movement and installation of artworks. You will assist with all aspects of gallery and artwork preparation, including patching, painting, packing, transporting, and installation/deinstallation of artworks for Summit Artspace’s quarterly exhibiting artists. You will report to the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions and work quarterly during exhibition changeovers and offsite exhibition changeovers under their supervision.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Understanding and execution of proper and safe art handling and installation fundamentals and industry best practices
- Inspect artworks prior to handling and demonstrate care when handling objects of various mediums
- Patching, sanding, and painting of galleries throughout the Summit Artspace building during exhibition changeovers
- Professional understanding of the installation of artwork, including use of proper tools and appropriate hardware
- Installation and deinstallation of works as directed by the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions throughout all three floors of Summit Artspace’s Historic building
- May provide some recommendations on layout and aesthetics when requested by the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions
- Use good judgment in all aspects of the job, especially regarding the safety of exhibited artworks
- Complete condition documentation as needed
- Installation and deinstallation of works as directed by the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions for offsite exhibitions
- Complete packing of works for transport or storage as needed for offsite exhibitions
- Drive artwork locally to and from buildings in and around downtown Akron
- Move artworks to and from vehicles to buildings for offsite exhibitions
- Communicate with supervisor and other Summit Artspace team members and volunteers
- Adapt to new working conditions, equipment, procedures, and methods
- Maintain a clean, safe, and respectful work environment both at the Summit Artspace building and offsite while working
Required Qualifications:
- 2+ years of art handling experience in a museum, gallery, artist studio, private collection or similar environment
- High school diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in studio art, museum studies, or related art field is preferred
- Must pass background check
- Possess a driver’s license and access to a vehicle to assist the Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions with transport of artwork to offsite locations
- Proficiency with hand and power tools
- Ability to carry out work required in lifting and transporting artworks
- Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, and up to 100 pounds
Preferred Experience:
- Awareness and understanding of mounts, supports and structures.
- Awareness of technology installation such as wall and ceiling mounted projectors and wall-mounted monitors
- Awareness of proper hardware and best practices used when installing on brick and plaster walls
- Awareness of proper hardware and best practices used when installing on temporary walls and wire hanging systems
How to Apply: Email proposals to Anna E. Young, Director of Artist Programs and Exhibitions by July 17. Proposals should include a bio, CV, preferred hourly rate commensurate with experience, and examples of past installations if possible.
Email: anna@summitartspace.org
