As the year comes to a close, South Florida Art Conservation reflects on a particularly active and rewarding period of work in art conservation, museum exhibitions, and professional training. This year included teaching, major museum installations and deinstallations, and conservation projects for both private collectors and institutional clients.
Paper Conservation Course: pH and Conductivity Control
The year began with a practical course on paper cleaning focused on controlling pH and conductivity. This hands-on course emphasized a scientifically informed approach to aqueous treatments for works on paper, highlighting the importance of conductivity monitoring to achieve effective cleaning while minimizing physical and chemical stress to paper substrates. The course combined theory with practical application, reinforcing best practices in contemporary paper conservation.
Museum Exhibition Deinstallations
Museum work followed shortly thereafter with the supervision of the deinstallation of Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and Its Empire at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The exhibition featured significant paintings on loan from The Hispanic Society Museum & Library of New York and required careful coordination to ensure the safe handling of complex, large-scale works.
This was followed by the careful deinstallation of Joaquín Sorolla’s Afternoon Sun at the Norton Museum of Art, part of the exhibition Sorolla and the Sea. The project involved close attention to condition, packing, and transport requirements for this important painting.
Installation of the Leiden Collection at the Norton Museum of Art
Later in the year, we participated in the installation of Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time: Masterpieces from the Leiden Collection at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. This exceptional exhibition brought together an impressive group of paintings by Rembrandt, the only Vermeer in private hands, and a superb selection of works by Rembrandt’s followers. The installation required close collaboration with curators, registrars, and technical staff to meet the highest conservation and display standards.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Alongside these projects, our work this year was also strengthened by the ongoing contribution of our intern, Amanda Nuckles, who continues to work with us for the time being. Throughout her time with us, Amanda has demonstrated a strong capacity for careful observation, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making, engaging thoughtfully with both the practical and theoretical aspects of conservation work. Her approach to documentation is clear and methodical, and she consistently works with precision and respect for original materials. Taken together, her work reflects a level of maturity and preparedness that aligns well with her expectations of advanced conservation training. We value her contribution to our practice and look forward to following her continued professional development in the field.
Conservation Training and Professional Exchange
The year concluded with an inpainting course for conservators at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Teaching in an institutional setting provided a valuable opportunity for professional exchange, discussion of ethical frameworks, and hands-on training in reintegration techniques for paintings, objects, and works on paper.
Art Conservation Projects: Looking Ahead
These projects, along with numerous conservation treatments for private collectors and institutional clients—including NASA, Daytona Museum of Art and Science, etc.—made this a year defined by meaningful challenges, exceptional artworks, and professional satisfaction.
As we look ahead, we extend our warmest holiday wishes to our colleagues, clients, and collaborators. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a successful, inspiring 2026.
