16 Art Handler Skills for Your Career and Resume

An art handler is a professional responsible for the installation, transportation and storage of artworks. They must have a wide range of skills to properly care for artworks and ensure their safety. If you’re interested in a career as an art handler, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Exhibition Preparation

Art handlers must be able to prepare for exhibitions and other events where they’ll need to display artwork. This includes researching the venue, creating a checklist of materials needed and preparing any necessary tools or equipment. Art handlers also need to know how to properly store art so it doesn’t get damaged. They may also need to create labels for each piece of art that explains its origin, dimensions and other information about the work.

Basic Carpentry

Basic carpentry skills are necessary for art handlers to have, as they may be responsible for building and maintaining storage units. This includes knowing how to use tools like saws, hammers and drills. You can also apply your carpentry skills in other aspects of the job, such as creating display cases or mounting artwork on walls.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of your work and materials. Art handlers often use organizational skills when working with large pieces of art, as they need to know where each piece goes in a museum or gallery. It’s also important for them to be organized when storing their supplies so that they can find what they need quickly. Strong organizational skills are especially useful if you plan on becoming an art handler manager, as this position requires planning and scheduling.

Physical Strength

Art handlers often need to lift and move large pieces of art, so it’s important for them to have physical strength. Art handlers also use their physical strength when they’re moving materials around the storage facility or loading and unloading trucks. Having a strong body can help art handlers do their job more efficiently and safely.

Shipping & Receiving

Art handlers often need to know how to receive and store incoming shipments of art. This includes knowing the proper procedures for receiving, inspecting and storing artwork that arrives by air or ground shipment. It’s also important to be familiar with shipping methods so you can prepare outgoing shipments correctly. For example, if a piece of art is being sent overseas, it may require special packaging materials.

Flexibility

Art handlers need to be flexible in their work, as they may have to adapt to different tasks and responsibilities depending on the needs of their employer. For example, if a client requests that an artwork be shipped to them by a certain date, art handlers should be able to adjust their schedule accordingly to ensure it arrives on time. Flexibility can also help art handlers when unexpected situations arise at work or during travel.

Time Management

Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet your deadlines. Art handlers often have multiple responsibilities, so it’s important for them to be able to manage their time effectively. This skill can help art handlers complete all of their duties on time and maintain a positive reputation with their employers.

Attention to Detail

Art handlers must be able to pay close attention to detail when handling art pieces. This is because they may need to handle delicate artwork that requires careful handling and storage. Art handlers also use their attention to detail when filling out paperwork, as they must ensure all information is accurate.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the process of identifying potential issues before they occur. Art handlers often use preventative maintenance to ensure that their equipment and tools are in good working order. For example, if an art handler notices a crack forming on a wall or floor, they may apply sealant to protect it from further damage.

Inventory Management

Art handlers need to be able to track and maintain inventory records for the artwork they handle. This includes knowing how to identify each piece of art by its title, artist, dimensions and other identifying information. It also requires being able to store all types of artwork in a way that preserves their condition while allowing them to be easily retrieved when needed.

Object Conservation

Art handlers need to be able to conserve the art they handle. This means that they should take care of the artwork so it doesn’t get damaged or destroyed while in their possession. Art handlers also need to know how to store and display the artwork properly so it can remain safe from damage.

Conservation skills include knowing how to clean the artwork, how to protect it from environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes and how to frame it for display.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for art handlers because they help you interact with clients and customers in a positive manner. Customer service involves providing information to customers, answering their questions and resolving any issues they may have. You can use customer service skills when interacting with clients over the phone or email as well as in person.

Installation

Art handlers need to be able to install art pieces in their proper locations. This requires knowledge of the size and shape of each piece, as well as how it should be displayed. It also requires physical strength to lift and move large pieces of artwork. Art handlers who are skilled at installation can help ensure that all art is properly displayed for viewing by patrons.

Coordination

Art handlers must be able to coordinate with other art handlers and artists in order to ensure that the artwork is properly stored, transported and displayed. This requires attention to detail as well as an ability to work with others. Art handlers also need to be able to coordinate their own tasks when working on a project. For example, they may have to plan out how they will store or transport the artwork before it arrives at its destination.

Crating & Uncrating

Art handlers need to be able to crate and uncrate art pieces for transport. This involves using tools like tape, wrapping paper or bubble wrap to protect the artwork during transit. It’s also important to know how to properly handle delicate works of art so you can ensure they arrive at their destination in good condition.

Art Handling

Art handlers need to be able to handle art pieces with care and attention. This means they should know how to properly move, store and display artwork so it doesn’t get damaged or ruined. Art handlers also need to have a good understanding of the materials used in creating art so they can identify any potential risks that may affect the integrity of the piece.

How Can I Learn These Art Handler Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the necessary skills to become an art handler. Many museums and galleries offer internships or fellowships that provide on-the-job training in all aspects of exhibition preparation and installation. There are also a number of professional development programs offered by organizations like the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Art Museum Directors that provide workshops and seminars on topics related to art handling. Finally, many colleges and universities offer courses in museum studies or art history that include a focus on exhibition preparation and installation.