Art Conservation FAQ

Question: Is pre-program conservation experience a requirement for my application?

Answer:

Pre-program conservation experience is not a requirement for application. However, most applicants to the program do in fact have some degree of experience within the field of conservation, and this enhances their applications. For this reason, it is strongly advised that prospective applicants try to gain some experience as a volunteer in a conservation laboratory.

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Question: What should I do if my application is missing documents, such as letters of recommendation, and the deadline for application is looming?

Answer:

It frequently happens that applications are not complete when we receive them and so we are prepared to accept transcripts and letters of recommendation after the due date of January 31. If your application is still not complete when reviewed by program faculty (generally around mid-February) then you will be contacted and asked to supply any missing items.

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Question: If I am accepted in the program and my plans change can I defer my acceptance?

Answer:

The School of Graduate Studies does not allow deferrals. You must reapply in the calendar year for which you wish to be accepted, by submitting a new application and paying the application fee.

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Question: Would it help me to send some samples from my portfolio along with my application?

Answer:

Please do not send any portfolio material with your application. If you are called for an interview you will be asked to bring a portfolio with you and the instructions will be given to you at that time.

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Question: How many pieces would be sufficient for the portfolio?

Answer:

Generally, not more than 10 images and a maximum of 5 pieces of small artworks.

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Question: If an interview is scheduled does it have to be in Kingston or can it be scheduled in another city?

Answer:

It is preferable for both parties if the interview is held in Kingston—and it is easier for the faculty to judge your work firsthand. However, if this is not possible, other arrangements can be made.

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Question: When do interviews take place?

Answer:

Interviews generally take place during the month of March.

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Question: Is there a specific format for the portfolio?

Answer:

There is no specific format to the portfolio; digital images, slides, prints, drawings, paintings, etc. are all acceptable. Small works are preferred for portability.

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Question: What should the statement of interest consist of?

Answer:

The statement of interest should be a page or so about your background and career aspirations, and why you wish to come to Queen's University for graduate studies.

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Question: I am not sure if I have the qualifications for the Art Conservation Program. Is there anyone that I could meet with who could look at my qualifications and advise me about what I need to do to be a competitive candidate?

Answer:

It may be possible to have your transcript and curriculum vitae evaluated. Contact the program's Graduate Assistant to make these arrangements. You would also be welcome to pay a personal visit to discuss requirements and to see our labs, however please make an appointment before coming to the Art Conservation Program.

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Question: At my university I cannot take a studio class unless I am registered in the fine art program. How can I get the studio requirement fulfilled?

Answer:

The studio course requirement is essential for admission to the Art Conservation program. Because of the difficulty students may encounter fulfilling this requirement we are prepared to accept courses taken at the Community College level, and we may also consider courses offered at private art schools. In the latter case it is up to the applicant to prove that the course content is equivalent to courses offered by educational institutions. Some courses may be more relevant than others, depending on the treatment stream in which you are interested. Courses in pottery making, jewelry making, spinning and weaving, stained glass construction, etc., are appropriate choices for the Artifact Conservation stream. Courses in painting, drawing and printmaking are suitable choices for the Paper and Painting Conservation streams. We do not stick rigidly to these divisions but it is essential to have some knowledge of art and craft materials and techniques.

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Question: What are the science prerequisites for the art conservation treatment programs?

Answer:

The science prerequisites are three terms of chemistry at the university level, including at least one term of organic chemistry, all courses preferably with a laboratory component.

Topics in these courses would include equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, behaviour of gases, electrochemistry, structure and bonding, as well as, for organic chemistry, bonding, stereo-chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and structure-reactivity correlations.

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Question: Are there any exchange programs available through the Art Conservation Program?

Answer:

Exchange programs do not apply in our case, however there are opportunities for work abroad during the summers. Our two-year program requires attendance at Queen's University for eight months each year. During the summers, students are required to complete twelve-week off-campus internships in their area of specialty. Placement may be in Canada or abroad. Upon graduation, many of our students look for internships and fellowships throughout the world.