Christ on the Water SOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)-

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) requires the painting “Christ on the Water” by Hunter Wood (American Merchant Marine Museum Object ID: AMMM 1947.014.0001) undergo movement, and redisplay. “Christ on the Water” needs to be moved from its present location in the USMMA Mariners’ Memorial Chapel and relocated for display in the Astronaut Eliot M. See, Jr. Conference Room on the ground floor of Wiley Hall. All necessary steps must be taken to ensure long-term preservation of “Christ on the Water.” Work will be done in accordance with established guidelines for the treatment of museum objects. All work will be consistent with the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) and the National Park Service Museum Handbook: Part I, Museum Collections. “Christ on the Water” is hereinafter referred to as “the painting.”

Due to the complexity and technical requirements of this project, attending a site visit to be coordinated by USMMA’s Procurement Office is highly recommended.

The contractor shall:

· Furnish all labor, materials, supplies, and services necessary to complete all aspects of the contract.

· Coordinate work plan, access to facilities, and any necessary conservation or display services with USMMA collections management staff, and act under the oversight of USMMA heritage asset custodian Joshua Smith, Director of the American Merchant Marine Museum.

· Advise USMMA on any necessary conservation, cleaning, or repair action required for the painting to reach an end state where it is preserved and suitable for public appreciation and exhibition now and in the future.

· Perform any USMMA approved conservation actions.

· Relocate the painting “Serving the Nation from Sea to Stars” and its accompanying bronze plaque, description of the painting, and letter from Senator Kelly to the east (opposite) wall of the Elliot See Room, taking necessary precautions to protect and preserve the painting during execution of this contract. This includes repairing any scuffs, abrasions, or tears to the painting or canvas.

· Remove the painting “Christ on the Water” from the location in the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel and install it on the west wall of the Astronaut Eliot M. See, Jr. Conference Room, taking necessary precautions to protect and preserve the painting during execution of this contract. This includes repairing any scuffs, abrasions, or tears to the painting or canvas.

· Restore the “Christ on the Water” to its 2022 dimensions (19’9 ¾” by 11’ 4 ½”and either replacing or changing the current stretcher system or reutilizing the pre-2023 stretcher system. Note: The current folded-over dimensions are 18’ 6” by 8’ 6”. This work to include any additional lining for restoring the painting to its previous size.

· Restore the “Christ on the Water” painting’s pre-2023 decorative frame on the west wall of the Eliot See Room.

· Provide and erect any USMMA approved display elements, to include a museum-grade plaque with a brief history of the painting and its significance and a brief biography of its painter, LT Hunter Wood, USMS, to read as follows:

“Titled “Christ on the Water” and often referred to as “Jesus and Lifeboat,” this painting was created as a tribute to all merchant seamen, especially midshipmen on vessels torpedoed during World War II. The artist, Lt. Hunter Wood, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Maritime Service at the then-new U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1944. Lt. Wood was a renowned marine artist and mariner whose artwork has been displayed at various museums and federal facilities. This painting has taken on historical significance and become a part of the Academy’s community, imparting varying meanings for different members of the Academy’s community.”

· Demonstrate proof of insurance and bonding, commensurate with replacement or repair of the painting in the event of damage or catastrophic loss.

· Protect all other painting, buildings, walls, grounds, and facilities from damage during the execution of this contract.

· Immediately report any damage to the painting or grounds to USMMA collections management staff.

· Photograph the painting before any movement or conservation action begins, during any conservation action, and after. Digital image files should be provided to USMMA collection management staff and be in .jpg format. File names should identify the painting by object ID number, (1947.014.0001).

· Clean any work areas, removing any debris or items associated with conducting this work.

· Provide a report complete with images detailing the entire process in digital/pdf format to Museum staff no later than ten (10) days after completion of the painting’s installation Period of Performance: All work shall be completed within 60 calendar days after award.