The Conservation Center
Maria Ochalek is a seasoned art professional with extensive experience in client services and art conservation. Currently serving as Vice President of Client Services at The Conservation Center since 2016, Maria contributes to the largest private art conservation laboratory in the U.S. Previous roles include Director of Client Services and Business Development Director at The Prime 8 Art League, where Maria curated annual exhibitions and managed various aspects of fundraising events. Additional experience includes positions at Gallerique, Newcity Magazine, and multiple galleries, showcasing expertise in art curation, sales, and education in the art field. Maria holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Painting/Drawing from Dominican University, complemented by a study abroad program in Florence, Italy.
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The Conservation Center
The Conservation Center is the largest and most comprehensive private art conservation laboratory in the country. With over 33 years of experience, The Center is a leader in the field of art preservation, evolving new treatments and methods to adapt to the rapidly-changing art world. We have cared for fine art from some of the country’s most prestigious private collections, museums, galleries, insurance companies, and corporations. Our conservators are expertly trained in the treatment of paintings, works of art on paper, photographs, textiles, murals, antique and fine furniture, rare books, frames and gilding, objects, and sculpture. Founded in 1983, The Center grew from a handful of painting conservators to more than 33 staff members with a wide range of specializations. In 2012, The Conservation Center moved from Chicago’s River North neighborhood to its new home in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor in West Town. With the help of Studio Gang Architects, we revitalized a late 19th century warehouse, previously used to store gold, into a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory. The treatments executed in The Conservation Center’s laboratory are in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. When conserving a piece, our goal is to preserve the artist’s original intent by using non-invasive and reversible techniques, utilizing archival-grade materials; thus forming our treatment philosophy: less is more. The Conservation Center strives to uphold the greatest standard of care when preserving and handling your artworks. Please take a look at the services we offer, or contact us for more information. We look forward to assisting with your next project.