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Monkey Business

Rebecca Meah talks about building models for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City

Rebecca Meah sculpts two howler monkeys for the exhibition "The Power of Poison."

SCHOLASTIC ART: What is your job?

Rebecca Meah: I am a museum preparator at the American Museum of Natural History. I make anything you see in a display, from plants and insects to mammals, dinosaurs, and lizards. 

SA: What is your working process?

RM: I start by doing some research and speaking with the curators and scientists at the museum. Then to build a model,  I make a steel armature that captures the animal’s pose and the measurements of the skeleton. I shape it in foam, coat it with clay, and sculpt the clay, adding details like hair or feathers. Finally, the model is cast, usually in polyester resin, and then painted. 

SA: How collaborative is your job?

RM: The scientists are really involved. If I have questions, they are there to answer them. They review my work every few weeks and tell me what changes to make so the models are accurate. They also provide specimens from their collections department for reference. 

SA: When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

RM: I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be an artist! I’m interested in science too, but I really gravitated toward the arts. So I studied traditional sculpture and painting in college.

SA: Do you have advice for students who want to be museum preparators?

RM: Computers are the future. I would encourage students to be open to new technology but also to keep a foundation in traditional building techniques. 

SA: What has been the biggest factor in your success?

RM: I work really hard!

SA: What do you love most about your job at the museum?

RM: That it doesn’t feel like a job! I’m always learning something new for every show. I think that’s been the most amazing part of this job. I never feel bored here. I always love to come to work every day.

Career Profile: Museum Preparator

Salary:

Museum preparators earn between $28,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on location and experience.

 

Education:

Many museum preparators have a bachelor of arts degree (B.A.) or a bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.).

 

Getting Started:

  • Take traditional drawing, painting, and sculpting classes.

  • Visit natural history museums and study books about animals.

  • Intern or volunteer at a museum.

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