Art Conservation is the study, preservation, and restoration of works of art and cultural material. Some objects are noteworthy because of their aesthetic appeal; other objects are significant because they represent early technologies or contain important historical information. Because time, environmental conditions, and other circumstances cause damage and deterioration to art and artifacts, careful conservation is necessary to preserve these important elements of cultural heritage.

While many people enjoy visiting museums and art galleries, or observing or participating in archaeological excavations, conservators consider the materials from which the paintings and pot sherds were made. The scientific analysis of the object and the careful examination of its condition allows the conservator to design and implement an appropriate treatment. 

Conservators work to assess the condition of collections and provide expertise in preservation management. They also treat individual artifacts, work in education and public outreach, carry out historic and scientific research, and develop new conservation technologies. Many of these activities require interdisciplinary approaches that bring conservators into contact with museum curators, archaeologists, art historians, and scientists.

The Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State College provides students with the education and training that enables them to become professional conservators, helping to care for the world’s cultural heritage of art and objects.

Please visit the links to your right for more information about the field of art conservation