Michael Johnston

Professional art handler with over 25 years experience working for museums, private galleries, and collectors in Southern California. Broad range of experience from crate making and outdoor sculpture rigging to exhibition installation and movement of entire collections. Adept at working with all types of art professionals including curators, registrars, conservators, gallerists and shipping agents.

Adaptable to working in various settings with different teams and team configurations, as well as working independently.

Art Handler - Cooke's Crating - California

(1996-01 - 2026-12)

Responsible for packing, transportation, installation and deinstallation of art objects and collections for museums, private galleries, individual collectors, and state and municipal entities.

• Responsible for an LA to Northern California bimonthly art shuttle, including daily management of shuttle schedule, interfacing and servicing all clients, confirming collections and deliveries, and coordination with institutions, all without any loss, damage or accidents over 20+ years.
• Safely collected and catalogued collections and archives for storage, transportation, and installation.
• Constructed a portion of a salvaged internment camp barracks from Hart Mountain, Wyoming, on Ellis Island in conjunction with an exhibition focusing on World War II internment camps.
• Worked with LA Metro Transit Authority to install 10 commissioned stone benches at LA Metro stations.

Private Contractor - Private Contractor - California

(2010-01 - 2026-12)

Worked for private collectors to transport, pack, install, and deinstall works in their collections.

Crater/Fine Art Packer - Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Los Angeles, California

(1992-01 - 1997-12)

Responsible for packing and unpacking of fine art objects for traveling exhibitions and loans.

• Designed and fabricated crates for transportation of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and all other objects in LACMA's collections.
• Collected and transported works of art to and from private lenders.
• Worked with curators, registrars, and conservators in all aspects of museum collection management and movement.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating database of object storage locations, crate locations, and packing materials inventory.
• Trained in lifting and placement of heavy objects.

Art Handler - Cooke's Crating - California

(1990-01 - 1991-12)

Assisted with transportation, crating and installation of fine art objects for private collectors and institutions throughout Southern and Northern California.

• Three-month assignment at Los Angeles County Museum of Art for landmark exhibition, Splendors of Mexico. Hired into permanent position at LACMA based on effective performance.