Collection Advisory, Conservation & Remediation Services
Habatat Galleries works with museums, foundations, estates, and private collectors in the stewardship and preservation of significant contemporary artworks. Through decades of experience working with complex studio glass and mixed-media works, the gallery provides conservation, remediation, and advisory services designed to maintain the integrity and longevity of important pieces.
Conservation & Remediation
Studio glass and mixed-media artworks require specialized care due to the complex materials involved. Habatat Galleries provides professional conservation and remediation services designed to stabilize damaged works while preserving the artist’s original intent.
The gallery regularly assists collectors and institutions with artworks affected by environmental exposure, transportation damage, or aging materials.
Typical conservation services include:
- Mold, smoke, and fire damage remediation
- Structural stabilization of chips, cracks, and stress fractures
- Surface treatment of nicks and abrasions
- Optical fogging and clarity restoration
- Paint and surface remediation for mixed-media works
- Environmental damage assessment
Collection Advisory & Institutional Services
Habatat Galleries regularly collaborates with museums, foundations, estates, and private collectors in the management and stewardship of contemporary art collections. The gallery assists with artwork documentation, conservation planning, exhibition preparation, installation strategy, transportation coordination, and consultation regarding the long-term care of artworks composed of complex materials including glass, metal, wood, painted surfaces, and mixed media.
Institutional collaborations have included:
Fort Wayne Museum of Art | Flint Institute of Arts | Imagine Museum
These partnerships reflect Habatat’s longstanding role in supporting the preservation and exhibition of important studio glass artworks.
Conservation Expertise
at Habatat
Conservation and remediation services at Habatat Galleries are led by David Walstad, Senior Conservator & Art Remediation Specialist, who has worked with the gallery for more than two decades.
David specializes in the conservation and remediation of studio glass and mixed-media artworks, including damage assessment, structural stabilization, and restoration of works affected by environmental exposure such as mold, smoke, fire, and aging materials.
Walstad is a member of the American Institute for Conservation and supports the preservation initiatives of the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation through his ongoing collaboration with conservation professionals and cultural institutions dedicated to protecting artistic and cultural heritage.a
Consultation & Assessment
Each artwork presents unique conservation considerations. Habatat Galleries works closely with collectors and institutions to evaluate the condition of a piece and recommend appropriate treatment or preservation strategies.
Consultations may include:
- Condition assessments
- Conservation recommendations
- Transportation and handling guidance
- Installation planning
- Long-term collection care
Inquiries for Conservation & Advisory Services
Collectors, museums, estates, and institutions seeking assistance with conservation or collection advisory services are encouraged to contact Habatat Galleries for consultation.
