The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts center located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It is within walking distance of Lake Michigan and one hour from Milwaukee and Green Bay. While other museums focus on objects, JMKAC and its recently opened Art Preserve focus on relationships with artists and the community, and on preserving and exhibiting artist-built environments. Founded in 1967, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s presents works by diverse artists, from the vernacular to classically trained and from local to global perspectives. JMKAC establishes a community locally and nationally with its rotating, original contemporary art exhibitions, live performances and events, classes, workshops and an on-site preschool.


Are you a contemporary art handler/preparator seeking your next career opportunity in planning, managing, and leading exhibition installations? Are you known for building and leading art installations that generate an immersive and interactive experience for art enthusiasts? Would you consider yourself a creative and team collaborator? If you answered yes to these questions, then we may have the opportunity for you!

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (Sheboygan, WI) is seeking a Lead Preparator to oversee and manage the installation of exhibitions, the packing and crating related to exhibitions and collections, and the transportation of works of art. Responsibilities may also include construction, cleaning, crating, painting, and planning. This position leads the Preparator and contract staff and reports to the Director of Exhibitions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Manage long- and short-term planning for exhibitions, collaborating with the Director of Exhibitions and curatorial team on exhibition design and scheduling de-installation and installation of exhibitions.  
2. Assist in the care, packing, and shipping of all works of art and related materials loaned to or owned by the Arts Center.
3. Manage the installation of eight to ten exhibitions per year as assigned, including several site-specific installations.   
4. Work closely with the Registrars to oversee the safety and movement of all artworks entering and leaving the facility. 
5. Oversee all custom fabrication needs including wood, metal and acrylic components.  
6. Oversee the organization of the workshop, inventory controls, tracking and general maintenance of equipment. 
7. Work collaboratively both within the Exhibitions department and with other departments in the Arts Center and Art Preserve on special projects. 
8. Lead Preparator and contract staff in daily operations including scheduling, payroll completion, and performance.
9. Interface directly with artists in all phases of exhibition planning and installation.
10. Oversee artwork transportation as well as related materials and equipment for exhibitions and collections.
11. Assist with billing and accounting duties per exhibition or project.
12. Other duties as assigned.