Up Close with Conservators | Preserving and Presenting Sculpture at Olympic Sculpture Park

Preserving and Presenting Sculpture at Olympic Sculpture Park: How SAM Conservation cares for our outdoor sculpture collections
Erin Fitterer | Assistant Objects Conservator, Olympic Sculpture Park

The Olympic Sculpture Park features 22 monumental sculptures by modern artists including Tony Smith, Mark di Suvero, and Louise Bourgeois. Outdoor sculptures require constant maintenance to look their best and endure for future generations. The ever-changing northwest environment makes caring for these works challenging and rewarding. Erin Fitterer, the newest member of SAM’s conservation team, will share insights on treatments conservators perform to preserve these complex sculptures and ensure they remain vibrant and accessible in the museum’s outdoor collection.

This program is exclusively for SAM members and begins with a wine reception in South Hall at 6 pm. At 6:30 pm, Nicholas Dorman, SAM Jane Lang Davis Chief Conservator, will kick off the talk in Plestcheeff Auditorium by sharing about SAM's amazing interns and conservation internship program before introducing Erin Fitterer. Following Erin's talk will be time for Q&A.

SAM’s conservation internship program has been a vital launchpad for brilliant young conservators from our region and beyond. Nicholas Dorman will highlight the incredible contributions of these interns, showcasing works of art preserved in recent years by these talented emerging professionals. Through his presentation, Dorman will demonstrate how the program benefits both the community and the field of art conservation, inspiring the next generation and ensuring important works of art continue to be cared for into the future.

Up Close with Conservators is a series of talks taking place September 18, October 16, and November 20. Get a series pass to see them all and save $5!

Members: $10
Member Guests: $15
Series Pass: $25