Services

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art

As an academically trained conservator, Rhonda Wozniak focuses on preserving the integrity of objects by designing conservation treatments that will stabilize the art or artifact with minimal intervention.

Prior to treatment, each object is carefully examined and its condition assessed. Conservation methods and materials are selected to be appropriate for each specific object. Treatment plans are designed to be non invasive and as reversible as possible so as not to interfere with any future treatments or examinations. Photographic and written documentation accompany each treatment.

Types of objects and materials that Rhonda Wozniak treats include: fine art; decorative art; contemporary art; folk art; archaeological objects; ethnographic materials; historical artifacts; marine site objects; select outdoor sculpture; religious collections; family treasures; and collectibles in metal, wood, ceramic, glass, wax, stone, and synthetic or modern materials. 

Preservation is a pro active approach to preventive conservation. There are many precautions that you can take as an individual to preserve your personal family treasures, and special measures that institutions can implement to ensure the safety of their collections. 

Rhonda Wozniak will take the time to discuss the preservation needs of your collection and tailor a plan for the long-term care of your objects. She offers consultations for all aspects of collections care including recommendations for environmental parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, and light levels.

Proper display of your artwork can insure its longevity.  Whether in a museum or a home, special attention should be given to display methods, materials, and maintenance in order to prevent damage before it occurs.

Rhonda Wozniak can advise you on the safe display of your art with respect to stable and unobtrusive mounting devices, archival display case construction, exhibit maintenance, and appropriate environmental parameters.

Photo Courtesy of Bishop Museum of Hawaii

Proper storage can prevent damage and lay the groundwork for preserving your collections. Both individuals and institutions can implement basic storage preservation strategies for safeguarding their collections.

Rhonda Wozniak can provide you with guidelines for the proper storage of a wide variety of artifacts, with respect to archival storage materials, housing methods, and appropriate environmental conditions.

Handling artwork is an art in itself. Taking the time to learn how to properly handle the art in your care will minimize damages.

For institutions, Rhonda Wozniak is available for informative handling seminars to educate staff. For private individuals, she will demonstrate proper handling of heirlooms as part of the treatment package. 

Insuring the safety of your art in transit is paramount to its survival if it must be shipped. Certain measures can be taken by professional packers and even by not so experienced individuals to minimize risks while transporting art objects.   

Rhonda Wozniak can advise you on preventive measures to protect your objects in transit with proper supports, padding, buffering materials, and crate design. 

To minimize damage that may occur to art in transit, Rhonda Wozniak offers courier services for both institutions and private individuals.

She will accompany your shipments, or even hand-carry fragile artwork as permitted under airline regulations, nationally or internationally.  She will supervise safe loading and unloading of the artifact from point to point, ensuring its safe passage and arrival.

Pests can damage a variety of materials and be devastating to collections. As a homeowner or an institution, monitoring your art for signs of infestations is essential for preservation.

Rhonda Wozniak can advise you on both preventive and active measures that can be implemented to protect your art and archaeological objects from pest damage.

Photo courtesy of Denver Art Museum

Collection surveys and risk assessments are the first steps in taking a professional approach to the preservation of your collections. Collection surveys determine the conditions of objects in your collection, describe and analyze current storage and display methods and materials, and make specific recommendations for maintenance and upgrades. 

Whether you are a private collector or an institution wishing to preserve your treasures, a survey of the condition of your objects and assessment of the risks that might pose a danger can provide a comprehensive overview of your holdings. This information is critical for targeting funding to support your preservation efforts.

Rhonda Wozniak is available for collection surveys and risk assessment documentation. She will compile the necessary data to assess your collections' needs and evaluate the state of your storage and display areas in an easily comprehensible format. 

Educating yourself, your staff, and the general public is paramount to protecting the art and artifacts in your care. Education can help you and your staff to make more informed choices regarding preservation.

Rhonda Wozniak offers a number of informative lectures and demonstrations for interested groups or institutions. She is also available for your community outreach efforts. 

Educational lectures include:

"A Career in Conservation" -presented to Museum Studies class, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA (2010)

"Caring and Preserving Your Silver" -presented at the Posner Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (2009)

"Conservation of a Japanese Doll Collection"- presented at the Maridon Museum, Butler, PA (2008)

"Agents of Deterioration" -presented to Museum Studies class Chatham College, Pittsburgh, PA (2007)

Photo courtesy of IFREMER

Planning for the preservation of marine archaeological materials must begin even before materials are recovered from the sea bed. A qualified and experienced conservator is an indispensible member of the expedition team. Rhonda Wozniak can provide preparatory services such as pre-expedition conservation planning and organization of conservation supplies.

Expedition services include: operations of the on-site conservation laboratory including post-excavation stabilization; written and photographic documentation; preparation for shipment of all excavated materials; and handling of artifacts for customs inspection.