Chris Stavroudis instructing and West Lake Conservators will present a Modular Cleaning Workshop this fall, 2009. It is scheduled to begin at 9 am, Monday, November 2 and will end Thursday, November 5, at 4:30 PM. in Skaneateles NY.
The Modular Cleaning Program
with Chris Stavroudis
Nov.2 - 5, 2009
Skaneateles, NY
Course Description:
The Modular Cleaning Program (MCP) is a systematic approach to cleaning artworks. The MCP consists of a series of concentrated stock solutions and a computer database. The database assists the conservator in combining the stock solutions and provides information about the stock solutions, their components, and the mixtures used for cleaning. The database also allows the conservator to specify new cleaning solutions and assists him/her in mixing them. The MCP has been developed to assist conservators in cleaning with water-borne systems, solvent gels, and solvents. The workshop will introduce the participating conservator to the cleaning theories behind the MCP and the use of the MCP database and concentrates. Each participant will leave with a set of the aqueous concentrated stock solutions and, travel arrangements permitting, a set of the stock solvent gels
The workshop offers exposure to a new system of working with concentrated stock cleaning solutions and a computerized system to assist the conservator in mixing and testing different cleaning solutions. The computer uses calculations based on physical constants to formulate the stock and cleaning solutions. The conservator guides the computer program in changing physical parameters of the potential cleaning system. The concentrated stock solutions can be mixed together in different proportions to allow the conservator to test many more potential cleaning solutions and pick the cleaning system that the conservator decides provides the best cleaning outcome and leaves the surface in the best possible condition.
This workshop will reinforce the participating conservators’ theoretical background in aqueous cleaning theory, solvent theory, and the formation of solvent gels. We will also discuss the polymer stabilized emulsion systems, even though they are not yet supported in the MCP computer program.
The course and working with the Modular Cleaning Program reinforce the connection between the theory of cleaning and the practice. By learning to think about fine tuning a cleaning by, perhaps, changing the pH of the cleaning solution, adding a chelator, or increasing the hydrogen bonding component of a solvent mixture, the conservator learns to think of cleaning as a rational process rather than a phenomenological exercise or a choice of whose recipe to try next.
Former attendees of the Modular Cleaning Program workshops are welcome to take the workshop again. There is some new information that has been added to the lectures (some of which is derived from the recent Cleaning Acrylic Paint Surfaces – Research into Practice Colloquium). The registration cost can be decreased if the returning conservator does not want to make one or both of the stock solution sets that they had made in the previous workshop.
Participants will leave the course with a set of the concentrated aqueous stock solutions, and if feasible, a set of the stock solvent gels, so that they can implement the cleaning techniques learned in the workshop immediately upon returning to their studios.
When:
Monday November 2 to Thursday November 5, 2009.
Sunday November 1: 6PM-7PM Wine and Cheese Reception, Dinner on your own.
November 2-5: 9 AM – 5PM with 1 hr. lunch break
November 6 checkout by 11 am.
Location:
The location is the Stella Maris Retreat & Renewal Center, 130 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152, in the Finger Lakes, close to Syracuse, NY.
The center is a ministry sponsored by Sisters of St. Francis in a historic Sanford White mansion with a vast manicured lawn on the shore of Skaneateles Lake. From past experience we know it to have marvelous small conference facilities, including single room lodging for all, with 3 meals a day for $75 inclusive. This makes the workshop affordable and ensures ample time for networking with other attendees.
Located within walking distance of downtown Skaneateles, a historic tourist destination since the 19th century, with many restaurants and lodgings available.
Book Lodging directly with Stella Maris on line. It is separate from the workshop registration:
Visit their web site at: Stella Maris Retreat Registration
Target Audience & Requirements:
Practicing conservators who work with painted surfaces desiring to increase their options and skills cleaning those surfaces. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lap top computer to run the Modular Cleaning Program database. The MCP software runs under either Windows (XP or Vista) or Mac OS-X (10.4.7 or higher).
Enrollment Goals:
Due to the economy and timing the size workshop must be determined by October 3rd to allow time to order the appropriate amount of materials and schedule the standby assistant instructor if necessary.
Small workshop…… Minimum 16; maximum 21.
Medium workshop…Minimum 22 to 29
Large workshop…….Minimum 30 to 36
plus 4 WLC staff.
Instructed by Painting Conservator Chris Stavroudis:
Chris Stavroudis developed the computer program and the concept of the modular cleaning program. He has codified the scientific basis of aqueous cleaning and solvent theories into the logic of the computer database. The program models aqueous chemistry at a given pH, reflects an ad-hoc theory of solvent gel formulation, and makes calculations in Hansen solubility space as it guides the conservator in the preparation of test cleaning solutions. Chris began teaching this as a workshop assistant in Richard Wolbers’ August 1990 class “Workshop on New Methods in the Cleaning of Paintings” sponsored by the Getty Conservation Institute. Since then he has continued to present the techniques and refine the soft ware in numerous lectures, workshops courses and publications.
Registration Cost:
US $600. payable to West Lake Conservators.
US $550 for current AIC Painting Specialty Group members.
This includes a welcome wine and cheese reception, instruction binder, MCP software, and a test kit of various cleaning stock solutions with an estimated value of approximately $200. (This material cost will be prorated at the time of the workshop to include any increase dependant upon workshop size and actual purchase cost of materials).
Registration Procedure:
See link to registration form above. E Mail or Fax the completed application with payment information ASAP to secure your position by October 3rd. 2009. Early registration is advised to ensure the course won’t be canceled due to lack of interest.
Participants will be selected on the basis of order of receipt of registration. Should the maximum number of registrants be exceeded, a waiting list will be established.
Payment:
Payment is due upon registration, and must be provided in US funds by check or money order (made payable to West Lake Conservators) or credit card ( Master Card or VISA).
Refunds:
Participants who wish to withdraw from the workshop must phone ASAP and submit their request in writing. Refunds will be issued according to the following schedule:
A full refund less a $25 administrative fee for requests received in time to refill the position prior to the start of the workshop; a 50% refund if the position is not filled and no refund for requests received less than 7 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Cancellation:
WLC reserves the right to cancel this workshop if the minimum enrollment requirement is not met by October 3rd.. In such cases, WLC will refund the full registration fee, but will not be responsible for any transportation, housing, loss of income, or other costs that may have been incurred by the participants.
Additional Information:
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact::
Shelley Buff, Office Assistant, E-mail: shelley@westlakeconservators.com
Susan Blakney, Chief Conservator
E-mail: susan@westlakeconservators.com
Tel.: 315 685 8534
Fax: 315-685-0027
Questions about the Workshop or the MCP itself can be directed to:
Chris Stavroudis:
E-mail: cstavrou@ix.netcom.com
West Lake Conservators, PO Box 45, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
Tel. 315 685 8534