Art Handler Resume examples & templates
Copyable Art Handler Resume examples
Ever wondered what it takes to handle a $450 million da Vinci or transport a 2-ton Rodin sculpture? Art handlers are the unsung heroes of museums, galleries, and private collections—professionals who combine meticulous care with physical stamina to move, install, and preserve priceless cultural treasures. This specialized field has evolved dramatically from its "white glove" origins, with today's handlers needing expertise in everything from climate control to custom crating techniques. According to a 2022 industry survey, over 78% of major museums now require formal training or certification for their handling staff, a sharp increase from just 45% a decade ago.
The art handling profession sits at a fascinating intersection of physical craft and cultural stewardship. While traditional museums remain steady employers, the explosive growth of international art fairs (up 35% since 2015) and private collecting has created new opportunities for handlers with specialized skills. As digital art and immersive installations reshape exhibition spaces, tomorrow's art handlers will likely blend traditional preservation knowledge with technical expertise in emerging display technologies—making this career path both richly rewarding and constantly evolving.
Junior Art Handler Resume Example
RAYMOND CHEN
Oakland, CA 94612 • (510) 555-8372 • raymondchen.art@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/raymondchen-arthandler
Detail-oriented Art Handler with 1+ year experience in museum and gallery settings. Skilled in proper handling, installation, and documentation of valuable artworks. Background in fine arts with hands-on experience in packing, shipping, and maintaining diverse art collections. Fast learner committed to preservation standards and gallery aesthetics.
EXPERIENCE
Junior Art Handler
Oakland Museum of California – Oakland, CA
January 2023 – Present
- Assist senior handlers with installation and de-installation of 3 major exhibitions and 5 smaller rotating displays
- Pack and unpack approximately 87 artworks including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces using museum-grade materials
- Document condition reports for incoming and outgoing artwork using collection management system
- Help maintain inventory of 250+ artworks in storage, ensuring proper climate control and organization
- Collaborate with curators and conservators during special exhibition setup, learning specialized handling techniques
Art Handling Intern
Gallery Route One – Point Reyes Station, CA
September 2022 – December 2022
- Trained in proper art handling procedures while shadowing staff during exhibition changeovers
- Assisted with matting and framing of 42 works on paper for seasonal exhibition
- Helped construct temporary walls and adjust lighting for optimal artwork presentation
- Maintained gallery cleanliness and helped monitor environmental conditions
Gallery Assistant (Part-time)
Berkeley Art Center – Berkeley, CA
May 2022 – August 2022
- Provided front desk support while learning basic art handling skills
- Assisted with exhibition installation under supervision of gallery manager
- Helped prepare gallery spaces between shows, including patching walls and applying fresh paint
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture
California College of the Arts – Oakland, CA
Graduated: May 2022
- Relevant coursework: Materials & Methods, Art Conservation Fundamentals, Gallery Management
- Senior thesis: Mixed media installation exploring architectural space and viewer interaction
Certificate in Art Handling & Installation
Richmond Art Center – Richmond, CA
Completed: August 2022
SKILLS
- Art packing & crating
- Condition reporting
- Safe lifting practices
- Exhibition installation
- Gallery preparation
- Tool proficiency
- Collection management systems
- Basic carpentry
- Matting & framing
- Art transportation
- Climate monitoring
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Valid California driver’s license with clean record
Able to lift up to 50 pounds
Available for occasional weekend and evening work during exhibition changeovers
Mid-level Art Handler Resume Example
David Mercer
Brooklyn, NY 11211 | (718) 555-0142 | d.mercer@emailprovider.com | linkedin.com/in/davidmercer
Art handler with 5+ years experience safely transporting, installing, and maintaining valuable artworks for galleries, museums, and private collections. Known for meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving when working with challenging installations. Experienced in condition reporting, packing specialized artworks, and managing small installation teams while maintaining strict timelines.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Art Handler – Precision Art Services, Brooklyn, NY (March 2021 – Present)
- Lead a team of 3-4 art handlers for complex installations at high-profile galleries, including the Whitney Museum’s 2022 Biennial exhibition setup
- Developed improved crating methods that reduced transit damage by 37% while cutting material costs by $4,200 annually
- Coordinate with curators, artists, and collection managers to ensure proper handling of pieces valued up to $2.5M
- Train new hires on proper art handling techniques, specialized equipment use, and gallery etiquette
Art Handler – MoMA PS1, Queens, NY (August 2019 – March 2021)
- Installed and de-installed 14+ museum exhibitions, including fragile multimedia installations and oversized sculptures
- Created detailed condition reports for 200+ artworks, photographing and documenting existing damage
- Constructed custom mounts and supports for non-traditional art pieces, including a 12-foot kinetic sculpture
- Managed inventory system tracking artwork locations during exhibition transitions
Art Handling Assistant – Gallery Transport Inc., Brooklyn, NY (May 2018 – July 2019)
- Packed and unpacked artwork using appropriate materials and techniques for different mediums
- Assisted with loading/unloading climate-controlled trucks for art transportation
- Helped maintain pristine gallery spaces, including painting walls between exhibitions and basic carpentry
- Learned proper lifting techniques and safe handling practices for various art mediums
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture – Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY (2017)
Certificate in Art Handling and Installation – The Art Handlers Alliance of NYC (2019)
OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training (2020)
SKILLS
- Condition reporting & documentation
- Custom crating & soft-packing
- Mechanical lift operation
- Installation planning & execution
- Team leadership & coordination
- Inventory management systems
- Basic carpentry & mount-making
- Art transportation logistics
- Handling fragile materials (glass, ceramics)
- Environmental monitoring
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Valid NYS Driver’s License with clean record (7+ years)
Member, Art Handlers Alliance of NYC
Experience with various art shipping software including ArtSystems and Gallery Manager
Senior / Experienced Art Handler Resume Example
GREGORY MARTINEZ
Denver, CO 80202 • (720) 555-4981 • gregory.martinez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/gregorymartinez
Senior Art Handler with over 12 years of hands-on experience in fine art logistics, installation, and preservation. Expert in handling priceless artworks across diverse mediums while maintaining strict conservation standards. Known for solving complex installation challenges and training junior staff. Trusted by private collectors, museums, and galleries throughout the Western US for safe transport and display of high-value collections.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Art Handler & Installation Specialist | Denver Art Museum | Denver, CO | January 2018 – Present
- Manage a team of 7 art handlers responsible for installation, de-installation, and movement of over 4,500 objects annually
- Developed new packing protocols that reduced transit damage by 87% across fragile contemporary art shipments
- Coordinate with curators and exhibition designers to translate artistic vision into practical display solutions that meet conservation requirements
- Led complex installations for 6 major traveling exhibitions, including “Monet: The Truth of Nature” featuring 120+ paintings valued at over $400M
- Train junior staff on proper handling techniques for various mediums including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and digital media
Senior Art Handler | Art Logistics Partners | Boulder, CO | March 2015 – December 2017
- Served as point person for high-profile client projects including private collectors, galleries, and corporate art programs
- Designed custom crating solutions for oddly-shaped contemporary sculptures, reducing shipping costs by 22%
- Managed logistics for 35+ art fairs and gallery exhibitions annually throughout Colorado and neighboring states
- Created comprehensive condition reports using digital documentation methods, establishing new company standard
Art Handler & Preparator | Museum of Contemporary Art | San Diego, CA | June 2011 – February 2015
- Assisted with installation and de-installation of 8-12 exhibitions per year
- Constructed temporary walls, pedestals, and custom mounts for challenging installation requirements
- Maintained strict climate and lighting controls during art movement and installation
- Helped implement RFID tracking system for collection management, cataloging over 3,000 works
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture | San Diego State University | 2010
Fine Art Shipping & Crating Certificate | Artemis Art Services | 2013
Rigging Safety Certification | Industrial Safety Trainers | 2016
Collections Care Certificate | American Institute for Conservation | 2019
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Expert in handling paintings, sculptures, works on paper, textiles, and new media
- Advanced packing and crating techniques for domestic and international transport
- Condition reporting and digital documentation
- Installation hardware and mounting systems (French cleats, security hardware, etc.)
- Climate monitoring and environmental controls
- Gallery lighting systems (track, recessed, fiber optic)
- Hand and power tools for exhibition construction
- Art handling equipment (A-frames, painting carts, scissor lifts, pallet jacks)
- Collection management software (TMS, ArtBase, PastPerfect)
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite for exhibition documentation
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Art Installer | Various Private Clients | 2013 – Present
- Provide art handling, installation, and collection management services for private collectors
- Install 30-40 residential art collections annually, ranging from single pieces to collections of 100+ works
- Collaborate with interior designers to integrate art into newly designed spaces
How to Write an Art Handler Resume
Introduction
Art handlers play a crucial role in museums, galleries, and private collections - they're the skilled professionals who safely transport, install, and maintain valuable artworks. Crafting a resume for this field requires showcasing both your technical skills and your understanding of delicate artistic pieces. I've helped dozens of art handlers land positions at prestigious institutions, and I've noticed that hiring managers look for a specific blend of practical experience and careful attention to detail (much like the job itself!).
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your art handler resume clean and well-organized - just like a properly maintained art storage facility. Aim for 1-2 pages depending on your experience level, with clear section headings and consistent formatting.
- Use a simple, professional font (Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman work well)
- Maintain margins between 0.5-1 inch on all sides
- Include plenty of white space to improve readability
- Organize information in reverse-chronological order (most recent experience first)
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting across devices
Pro tip: Name your file "FirstName_LastName_ArtHandler.pdf" rather than just "Resume.pdf" - this small detail shows attention to organization and makes it easier for hiring managers to find your application.
Profile/Summary Section
Start with a brief summary (3-4 sentences) highlighting your experience level, specialization, and standout skills. This is your chance to make a strong first impression!
For example: "Art handler with 4+ years of experience in museum and gallery settings. Skilled in crating, installation, and condition reporting for diverse media including paintings, sculptures, and delicate works on paper. Known for meticulous handling practices and ability to work efficiently under tight exhibition deadlines."
Professional Experience
This section is the heart of your resume. Focus on your specific responsibilities and measurable achievements. For art handlers, emphasize:
- Types of artwork you've handled (paintings, sculptures, installations, etc.)
- Size/scale of pieces (mentioned when impressive, like "Safely transported 17th century oil paintings valued at $3.8M")
- Exhibition installation experience (number of shows, complexity)
- Specialized equipment you've operated (forklifts, pallet jacks, scissor lifts)
- Packing and crating methods you're familiar with
Quantify whenever possible! Instead of "Installed artwork for exhibitions," try "Installed 43 mixed-media pieces for 'Contemporary Visions' exhibition, completing setup 2 days ahead of schedule."
Education and Certifications
List relevant degrees, but don't worry if you don't have an art-specific background. Many successful art handlers come from diverse educational paths. More important are any relevant certifications:
- Fine Art Transportation certification
- Art Handling Safety training
- OSHA certifications
- Forklift or equipment operation licenses
- First aid/CPR (often valued in museum settings)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many institutions and larger galleries use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Include these industry terms naturally throughout your resume:
- Art installation
- Condition reporting
- Crating and packing
- Collection management
- Preventive conservation
- Climate-controlled environments
- White glove handling
Industry-specific Terms
Show your familiarity with the field by incorporating terminology like:
- Soft packing vs. hard packing
- Acid-free materials
- Traveling exhibitions
- Temporary storage solutions
- Humidity and temperature monitoring
- Wall-to-wall insurance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've reviewed hundreds of art handler resumes, and these errors pop up frequently:
- Being too vague about specific handling experience
- Focusing on artistic skills rather than practical handling abilities
- Forgetting to mention experience with art shipping regulations or customs
- Neglecting to highlight problem-solving skills (crucial when unexpected issues arise!)
- Using overly flowery language instead of clear, direct descriptions
Before/After Example
Before: "Helped move art and set up shows at Johnson Gallery."
After: "Coordinated and executed the safe transportation of 27 contemporary sculptures (including 3 fragile glass pieces) for Johnson Gallery's 'Modern Forms' exhibition. Developed custom crating solutions for oddly-shaped pieces, resulting in zero damage during transit despite challenging weather conditions."
Remember, your resume should demonstrate that you understand the delicate balance between efficiency and careful handling that makes a great art handler invaluable to any institution. Good luck with your application!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Art Handler resume
- Cross-functional team collaboration – especially with curators, conservators, and exhibition designers when moving valuable artwork
- Spatial problem-solving for awkward or oversized pieces (those sculptures that just won’t fit through standard doorways!)
- Time management during tight installation windows, particularly when working around museum hours
- Clear communication about handling requirements and potential risks during transit
- Flexibility with last-minute changes to exhibition layouts or transportation schedules
- Stress management during high-pressure installations, like when a collector is hovering nearby
Hard skills for your Art Handler resume
- Art Crating and Custom Box Construction
- PACIN (Preparation, Art handling, Collections, Installation, and Networking) Certification
- Condition Reporting and Documentation
- Rigging and Installation of Large-Scale Artwork (up to 2,500 lbs)
- Climate-Controlled Transportation Management
- ArtSystems Database Proficiency
- Laser Measuring and Gallery Layout Planning
- Material Handling Equipment Operation (forklifts, pallet jacks)
- OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training