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How do decide what major will best set you up for the future career you have in mind?

I want to go into art restoration, I love museums, science, history and am an artist. However, Im not sure what the best major to start the path would be. The school I can afford does not offer many art or history centric majors although they provide Anthropology. Would this be a smart decision to go into

art anthropology museums art-history
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Rachel’s Answer

Hi Addison - Art restoration is such an interesting career! I focused on art history in school but did take an art conservation course in graduate school. It was taught by conservators at an art museum conservation lab and was absolutely fascinating.

Renee has already provided some great advice for your question but I wanted to chime in as well. (And yes, please get to know your local art museum staff!) Of what I know of art restoration, it has an emphasis on science in addition to art. It may also require a graduate degree in Conservation or an allied field. For a Bachelor's degree, if you cannot study art history or studio art, a degree in archaeology, chemistry, or materials science would also be relevant and beneficial.

There is such a variety of artwork that needs restoration and conservation with all types of materials/mediums: oil paintings, works on paper, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, archaeological finds like mummies and coffins, etc. Each medium requires a very different approach to learning more about the work of art and applying and executing a restoration plan. Keep this in mind as you consider your major and the classes you take.
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Addison,

What if you found an interesting school that has a conservation program and contacted the department directly, explaining your financial limitations? Maybe you can take your foundation courses at the local school you're talking about and transfer to a school that offers what you need. Ask how getting the education you want would be possible rather than if it's possible, and see what kind of answers you get. What are the financial aid options? Are there scholarship programs you could look into? And so on.

What are other ways you can cut costs and save money? Can you live at home, go to your local school part time and work full time to save money for a transfer?

Peripherally related: Do you watch Baumgartner Restoration videos on YouTube? They're in Chicago and their stories are fascinating. Maybe you could email them and see if they have any ideas. If nothing else, it would be great to have an informational interview to get some career and education advice.

Wishing you all the best with your pursuits. While my specific suggestions might not help you solve your problem, I'm sure that opening up to all kinds of possibilities can.
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Jamie’s Answer

Hi, I used to work in a museum's curatorial art department so can help with this. If looking for a specific field, I think you should look into art conservation (different but related to art restoration). There are few schools in the US and the world that offer this program, but they are fantastic and blend art, science, history, etc. Almost all art conservators hold graduate degrees and are essential to all museums and galleries. What you should be looking into if your current schools do not offer conservation classes are what type of art do you want to focus on. For example, restorers for ceramics have a different background and skillset than those who restore paintings. If paintings, do you specialize in oil, acylic, water color, etc.? You will have to become familiar with materials, substance, and tools.

Some possible threads to get you started down the art conservation rabbit hole :)
https://www.reddit.com/r/MuseumPros/comments/sxzxxi/art_conservation_career/?rdt=47472
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtConservation/comments/1atx9qw/art_conservation_and_restoration_as_a_ba/?rdt=63239

Some schools:
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/art-conservation/undergraduate-programs/
https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu/
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Renee’s Answer

Yes, I believe anthropology can come in handy when seeking a career in museums, etc. I also believe directing your learning toward studying the type of museum history you are interested in even if it's on your own. The more you learn the better.

Connect with Museum, Library, etc organizations that help you understand which direction to take for your limited course schedule. Also talk with Museum Educators, Museum workers, art teachers, anyone who might work in the profession that can help you get a handle on what is needed and how to go about getting it.

Volunteer your services in a museum to learn about restoration. See if they have any programs for college students addressing this issue. Also check out art schools in your area as well that might offer classes, volunteer opportunities or programs.

Good luck. Hang in there!

Renee recommends the following next steps:

Take any classes offered at your school that would enhance restoring items, talk with a counselor
Do self learning through books at the library, workshops etc.
Offer your volunteer services at a museum or art institution; check to see if they have learning programs for college students. Also check out any art or cultural institution that could help in your profession such as model makers, restoration companies, etc.
Talk with others in the profession and a career counselor.
Sign up with Museum organizations you are interested in. Look for publications or magazines directed towards museum restoration, als discover companies who do restoration work regarding art, buildings, etc.
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