Jennifer McGlinchey Sexton is a paper and photograph conservator in private practice in Colorado Springs. Trained as a fine-art photographer, Jennifer holds an M.A. in Art Conservation from Buffalo State College, a certificate in Arts Management from SUNY Purchase, and a BFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art. Jennifer has honed her skills as a conservator and photographer in positions at museums, regional centers, and private practices throughout the United States. Jennifer is a Professional Associate member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). In this episode, we discuss how Jennifer started her practice after moving to Colorado,  her experience teaching interns, her work as Secretary for the AIC Board. Of special interest is her experience of recently expanding her business with a bank loan to purchase a building, renovating the space and creating of an art community and studio called “zoneFIVE” with the additional space.

For more information on McGlinchey Sexton Conservation and zoneFIVE, visit: 

https://www.msartconservation.com/

https://www.zonefivecs.com/

Time Markers: 

(01:32) Introduction

(02:08) Pre-program experience 

(07:03) Graduate school application

(09:21) Experience at SUNY Buffalo State College

(11:54) Time at Williamstown Art Conservation Center

(12:46) Thinking about private practice

(14:09) Time at Paul Messier’s studio

(15:02) Family life and work in Boston

(16:54) Move to Colorado

(20:09) Starting McGlinchey Sexton Conservation

(21:32) Pros and cons of gome studio

(23:37) Preparing home studio for conservation work

(24:55) When McGlinchey Sexton Conservation became profitable

(27:52) Charging clients

(29:04) Circumstances and process of purchasing new studio space

(39:22) Pros of new studio space

(40:56) Description of purchased building

(43:12) zoneFIVE

(45:11) Intersections betwen conservation and the public

(47:24) Mentorship and teaching experience

(49:07) Goals for future team expansion

(50:55) Balancing work and personal life

(53:37) Challenges of communicating conservation to clients

(56:26) Work as Secretary of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Board

(01:01:13) Advice for emerging professionals interested in private practice 

(01:04:01) Pros of opening to studio to the public

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speaker, and not necessarily to the speaker's employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual. No individual connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information within this interview.