As artists, we spend so much time creating our work— but what happens after it leaves the studio? How do we protect the materials, stories, and creative labor invested in each piece?
In this hands-on seminar, conservators from the Balboa Art Conservation Center (BACC) will introduce artists to the foundations of artwork care and preservation. Whether you’re an emerging artist building your first body of work or an experienced maker looking to better protect your creations, this workshop will provide practical knowledge to help your artwork last.
Together, we’ll explore:
Simple ways to protect your artwork from environmental damage and everyday wear
How material choices and techniques can impact the long-term preservation of your work
Best practices for storing, handling, and shipping artwork safely
No prior knowledge of conservation is needed— just a curiosity about caring for your creative work. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how preservation can become part of your artistic practice and help your work continue to be experienced for years to come.
Held at the Institute of Contemporary Art - Central location, this workshop is the third of a four-part "Art Biz" series designed to support artists in developing sustainable creative careers. RSVPs are required for each free workshop in the series.
Nylah Byrd (she/her) is the Assistant Conservator of Objects & Programs Assistant at BACC, specializing in objects and library & archives conservation with experience across museum, archival, and cultural heritage collections. Her work includes preventive care, preservation planning, and the treatment of collection materials, with a strong emphasis on accessible, community-centered approaches to conservation practice. She is also a founding member of the Black Art Conservators group, and is especially interested in how conservation can support public engagement, stewardship, and broader access to cultural heritage knowledge.
Morgan Wylder (she/her) is the Associate Conservator of Paintings at BACC, where she examines, treats, and conducts technical analysis on a wide range of historic and contemporary paintings. Her work combines hands-on conservation treatment with materials research and technical art history, helping audiences better understand the science, methods, and decision-making behind conservation practice. She is also a co-founder and co-editor of Materia: Journal of Technical Art History, bringing expertise in artist materials, technical study, and open-access scholarship in conservation.
This free workshop is provided by Space 4 Art in collaboration with the Institute of Contemporary Art and sponsored by The Prebys Foundation. The Arts Ecosystem grant aims to bring more art funding to the San Diego Art Economy. The grant is part of the Prebys Foundation’s 2025 Emergency Arts Investment, which responds to significant challenges facing the region’s arts sector, including federal and state funding cuts, rising operational costs, and the need to preserve vital community spaces for creativity.
By enrolling in this class, you acknowledge and agree that photos and video may be taken during the event. These materials may be used by the organizers for marketing, promotional, and educational purposes.