Ali Wysopal earned her MS in Historic Preservation with a concentration in material conservation from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. Her research centered on decorative windows in North America, their technological development, mechanisms of deterioration, and conservation.
Ali has held internships at the Western Archeological and Conservation Center, Historic Brattonsville (SC), and completed a Conservation Fellowship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She opened her private practice, A.W. Studios, in 2022, providing conservation services for decorative glass including leaded panels, stained glass, and dalle de verre. She works with both museums and private clients to ensure the long-term preservation of decorative windows across the U.S.
Ali is a member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT), the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), the Preservation Trades Network, and is trained as a National Heritage Responder.
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Historic Preservation (09/2019-05/2021)
The University of Texas at Austin, TX
School of Architecture, focus on material conservation
Thesis: Treatment of Fire-Damaged Stained Glass
Supervisors: Izabella Nuckels (chair), Racheal Lute, and Rolf Achilles
The University of Texas at Austin, TX
School of Architecture, focus on material conservation
Thesis: Treatment of Fire-Damaged Stained Glass
Supervisors: Izabella Nuckels (chair), Racheal Lute, and Rolf Achilles
Heritage Conservation Graduate Certificate (08/2018-05/2019)
The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Art Conservation (09/2014-04/2015)
Studio Arts College International, Florence, Italy
Thesis: Recent Developments in the Field of Stained Glass Conservation
Supervisor: Professor Nora Marosi
Studio Arts College International, Florence, Italy
Thesis: Recent Developments in the Field of Stained Glass Conservation
Supervisor: Professor Nora Marosi
Undergraduate Courses in Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (01/2013-05/2014)
Metro State University, St. Paul, MN
Metro State University, St. Paul, MN
B.A. in Art History and B.S. in Anthropology (08/2008/05/2012)
Loyola University Chicago, IL
Loyola University Chicago, IL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sherman Fairchild Fellow, Objects Conservation (09/2021-08/2022)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY
Fellowship focused on the conservation of stained glass under the guidance of conservator Drew Anderson. Projects included the conservation of a 16th century panel from the Convent of Rathausen and an American opalescent window attributed to Tiffany Studios.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY
Fellowship focused on the conservation of stained glass under the guidance of conservator Drew Anderson. Projects included the conservation of a 16th century panel from the Convent of Rathausen and an American opalescent window attributed to Tiffany Studios.
Preservation Intern (06/2021-07/2021)
Historic Brattonsville, SC
Assisted with the conservation of a fire-damaged 19th century masonry chimney. Treatment included documentation, cleaning, resetting failing bricks, repointing, and testing potential consolidants.
Historic Brattonsville, SC
Assisted with the conservation of a fire-damaged 19th century masonry chimney. Treatment included documentation, cleaning, resetting failing bricks, repointing, and testing potential consolidants.
Graduate Research Assistant (09/2020-01/2021)
University of Texas at Austin, TX
Completed a Historic American Buildings Survey on the Bunk House & Mess Hall at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
University of Texas at Austin, TX
Completed a Historic American Buildings Survey on the Bunk House & Mess Hall at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Finish Analysis (09/2020-12/2020)
Prepared for McCoy Collaborative Preservation Architecture, PLLC, Dallas, TX
Completed a finish analysis on the Juanita Craft House as part of a larger restoration project undertaken by the city of Dallas, Texas. Collected samples for the interior and exterior of the two buildings on the property. Prepared and analyzed samples following established methodology. Created a chronology based on results to help establish a construction timeline. Created a final report with color match recommendations for interior and exterior features within the time period of significance.
Prepared for McCoy Collaborative Preservation Architecture, PLLC, Dallas, TX
Completed a finish analysis on the Juanita Craft House as part of a larger restoration project undertaken by the city of Dallas, Texas. Collected samples for the interior and exterior of the two buildings on the property. Prepared and analyzed samples following established methodology. Created a chronology based on results to help establish a construction timeline. Created a final report with color match recommendations for interior and exterior features within the time period of significance.
Condition Survey (08/2020-12/2020)
Edgar Miller Legacy, Chicago, IL
Assessed the condition of a series of 20th century stained glass windows by Edgar Miller in Oakridge Abbey in Hillside, IL. Completed individual condition reports along with recommendations for the preservation of the collection and surrounding building envelope. Documentation included producing annotated photographs, floor plans, and performing archival research.
Edgar Miller Legacy, Chicago, IL
Assessed the condition of a series of 20th century stained glass windows by Edgar Miller in Oakridge Abbey in Hillside, IL. Completed individual condition reports along with recommendations for the preservation of the collection and surrounding building envelope. Documentation included producing annotated photographs, floor plans, and performing archival research.
Collections Assistant (09/2019-05/2021)
Landmarks, University of Texas at Austin, TX
Performed monthly condition inspections and minor conservation treatments on a collection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Created condition and treatment reports for each object. Supervised the work of preservation volunteers and organized events for members of the preservation guild.
Landmarks, University of Texas at Austin, TX
Performed monthly condition inspections and minor conservation treatments on a collection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Created condition and treatment reports for each object. Supervised the work of preservation volunteers and organized events for members of the preservation guild.
Conservation Technician (05/2019-07/2019)
Student Conservation Intern (03/2019-05/2019)
Western Archeological and Conservation Center, Tucson, AZ
Assisted with the documentation and treatment of objects from the National Park Service collection under the direction of conservators Megan Narvey and Betsy Burr.
Student Conservation Intern (03/2019-05/2019)
Western Archeological and Conservation Center, Tucson, AZ
Assisted with the documentation and treatment of objects from the National Park Service collection under the direction of conservators Megan Narvey and Betsy Burr.
Student Conservation Intern (01/2019-05/2019)
Conservation Laboratory at the Arizona State Museum, Tucson, AZ
Developed skills in conservation practices for museum collections including the documentation, treatment, and the rehousing of objects, under the direction of conservator Nancy Odegaard and lab manager Gina Watkins.
Conservation Laboratory at the Arizona State Museum, Tucson, AZ
Developed skills in conservation practices for museum collections including the documentation, treatment, and the rehousing of objects, under the direction of conservator Nancy Odegaard and lab manager Gina Watkins.
Student Curatorial Assistant (09/2018-02/2019)
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Contributed to collections inventory project involving cataloging, research, and data-entry. Gained experience using QGIS and ICMS.
Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research at the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Contributed to collections inventory project involving cataloging, research, and data-entry. Gained experience using QGIS and ICMS.
Stained Glass Craftsperson (08/2015-07/2018)
Bovard Studio, Fairfield, IA
Master craftsperson responsible for the restoration of decorative glass windows, including stained glass and dalle de verre. Helped guide coworkers’ process and train new employees. Assisted preproduction with documentation work.
Bovard Studio, Fairfield, IA
Master craftsperson responsible for the restoration of decorative glass windows, including stained glass and dalle de verre. Helped guide coworkers’ process and train new employees. Assisted preproduction with documentation work.
Curatorial Intern (01/2011-05/2012)
Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL
Assisted the Registrar and Advancement Officer with the production of exhibitions. Support included handling communication between lenders, filing loan documents, compiling overall lists of artwork using PowerPoint and excel, photographing, researching labels, and installation. Also worked various events at the museum, helped with marketing projects, and performed other general office duties. Major shows worked on include Heaven + Hell (2012) and Stories in Cloth (2011).
Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL
Assisted the Registrar and Advancement Officer with the production of exhibitions. Support included handling communication between lenders, filing loan documents, compiling overall lists of artwork using PowerPoint and excel, photographing, researching labels, and installation. Also worked various events at the museum, helped with marketing projects, and performed other general office duties. Major shows worked on include Heaven + Hell (2012) and Stories in Cloth (2011).
VOLUNTEER WORK
National Heritage Responder and Apprentice Trainer (06/2022-Present)
Foundation for Advancement in Conservation
Foundation for Advancement in Conservation
Disaster Response Initiative Task Group (01/2022-Present)
Association for Preservation Technology International
Association for Preservation Technology International
Architecture Specialty Group Liaison (12/2021-Present)
American Institute for Conservation
American Institute for Conservation
Austin Regional Liaison (05/2020-05/2021)
American Institute for Conservation
American Institute for Conservation
Vice President, Student Historic Preservation Association (09/2019-05/2021)
University of Texas at Austin, TX
University of Texas at Austin, TX
Collections Volunteer & Board Member (11/2015-07/2018)
Carnegie Historical Museum, Fairfield, IA
Carnegie Historical Museum, Fairfield, IA
AWARDS
George Stout Scholarship (01/2022)
Foundation for Advancement in Conservation
Foundation for Advancement in Conservation
Student Scholar (06/2021)
Association for Preservation Technology International
Keepers Preservation Education Fund (04/2021)
Maine Community Foundation
Association for Preservation Technology International
Keepers Preservation Education Fund (04/2021)
Maine Community Foundation
Paul C. Ragsdale Grant (01/2021)
University of Texas at Austin Historic Preservation Program
University of Texas at Austin Historic Preservation Program
Educational Grant (11/2020)
Association for Preservation Technology, Texas Chapter
Association for Preservation Technology, Texas Chapter
James C. Whitney Scholarship (09/2020)
American Glass Guild
American Glass Guild
Dorothy L. Maddy Academic Scholarship (09/2020)
Stained Glass Association of America
Stained Glass Association of America
Emerging Professional’s Scholarship (10/2017)
Midwest Regional Conservation Guild
Midwest Regional Conservation Guild
James C. Whitney Scholarship (05/2017)
American Glass Guild
American Glass Guild
The Iowa Conservation and Preservation Consortium Scholarship (03/2017)
PRESENTATIONS
"Picking Up the Pieces: Conservation of a defaced Tiffany stained glass window from Woodlawn Cemetery" (06/2022)
Emerging Scholars Event, Art Glass Forum, New York
Emerging Scholars Event, Art Glass Forum, New York
"Examining the Risks Inherent to Releading: The Conservation of Two Stained Glass Windows" (05/2022)
Research Out Loud: Met Fellows Present, The Metropolitan
Research Out Loud: Met Fellows Present, The Metropolitan
"Assessing the Damage: strategies for approaching the conservation of fire-damaged stained glass" Poster (05/2022)
American Institute for Conservation Annual Meeting
American Institute for Conservation Annual Meeting
"Assessing the Damage: how scanning electron microscopy can aid in the examination of fire-damaged stained glass" (10/2021)
Association for Preservation Technology International Annual Conference
Association for Preservation Technology International Annual Conference
“Conservation of Fire-Damaged Stained Glass: potential conditions and treatment options for decorative windows impacted by fire" Virtual Poster (02/2021)
Historic Preservation Symposium, Texas A & M
Historic Preservation Symposium, Texas A & M
“Restoration of a Tiffany Window, maintaining integrity while ensuring long-term preservation” Poster (02/2020)
Historic Preservation Symposium, Texas A & M
Historic Preservation Symposium, Texas A & M