The Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) welcomes the Class of 2028. The 10 fellows of the incoming class have engaged in scholarship, pre-program conservation experience, scientific research and community outreach that prepare them to excel at WUDPAC and further their careers as conservators. Their wide-ranging interests include treatment and analytical techniques, community engagement, conservation ethics and environmental sustainability. They are eager to continue developing their skills, exploring their interests and deepening their commitment to cultural heritage preservation while working and studying at WUDPAC.

Where they have worked and what they have treated

Members of the Class of 2028 have lived and worked across the contiguous United States and Puerto Rico. They have cared for material culture in 33 institutions, including museums, cultural and historical centers, libraries, government agencies and private practices.

Their treatment experiences span a wide variety of media and materials, including textiles, ceramics, works on paper, books and archival materials, furniture, paintings, outdoor sculpture, murals, basketry, metals, stone, glass, plastics, plaster and archaeological materials.

Highlights of their collective experiences include treating President Lyndon B. Johnson’s family Bible, preparing a beaded Tlingit dance collar to be worn in a potlatch ceremony and conserving a series of large-scale Soviet anti-Nazi posters.

Research and analytical techniques

In their pre-program conservation work, the fellows have employed a diverse array of analytical techniques, including chemical spot testing, colorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), glossimetry, infrared reflectography (IRR), microfade testing, polarized light microscopy (PLM), UV-induced visible fluorescence (UVF), visible-induced infrared luminescence (VIL), X-radiography and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

Outside of conservation, their research has used gel electrophoresis, ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM–MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and spectrophotometry.

Professional engagement and outreach

Members of the incoming class have engaged with the conservation field and the public through community engagement, public outreach and union organization. They hold active membership in professional conservation organizations across the country, including the American Institute of Conservation (AIC), Bay Area Art Conservation Guild (BAACG), AIC Emerging Conservation Professionals Network (ECPN), International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC), Philadelphia Area Conservation Association (PACA), Preparation, Art Handling, Collections Care Information Network (PACCIN), Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC) and Washington Conservation Guild (WCG).

They have also taken part in conservation lab and studio tours, STEM and conservation-related community events, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, social media outreach, news features, research and treatment presentations and consultations with tribal representatives in connection with archaeological excavations.

Shared values and goals

The fellows share career goals to increase the accessibility of conservation, build collaborative relationships with marginalized communities and assist in preserving their material culture, create more equitable cultural institutions, improve employment conditions for conservators and workers in related fields and advocate for environmental sustainability.

Diverse backgrounds and interests

The members of the Class of 2028 arrived at conservation through unique pathways, and their diverse backgrounds are reflected in their varied occupations and hobbies.

Beyond conservation employment: art handlers, baristas, research associates, teaching assistants, art instructors, cake decorators, studio photographers, office assistants, art framers, legal assistants and English tutors.

Creative skills and pursuits: painting, photography, sewing, ceramics, interior design, historical costuming, fiber arts, printmaking and drawing.

Interests and activities: cooking, baking, caring for pets, playing video games, watching films and TV shows, building computers and keyboards, reading, listening to music, birding and thrifting. Many also stay active with hobbies like weightlifting, hiking, camping, running, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ballet, Pilates, Zumba, volleyball and tennis.

Looking ahead at WUDPAC

The fellows are keen to continue their education and foster their skills, interests and professional development with the support of WUDPAC faculty. Over the next three years, they hope to build community with their peers, develop hand skills, study materials science and organic chemistry and learn more about different career paths available to conservators. They also look forward to strengthening their career-long commitments toward advocacy, sustainability and sharing the wonders of conservation with their communities.