Oil painting of colorful sailboats docked in a harbor with calm water and partly cloudy sky.

Artist Conserving Art

Rabbit Hill Studio provides the conservation of all types of paintings.  Our goal is to restore your painting to its original intent and do it in a way that it will last for many centuries.  Joshua is unique in that he approaches the work from the artist’s perspective. He gets into the mind of the artist that created the original work and restores it with their imagined hand. His unique understanding of materials and techniques is at the heart of the process.  He analyzes each work from a technical, historical and archival perspective. Common treatments include structural consolidation, surface cleaning, discolored varnish and over-painting removal, relining or strip-lining, loss filling, in-painting, and varnishing. We document every step along the way and make sure everything is reversible.

An oil painting of a sailboat docked at a pier with water and sky in the background. The boat has large cream-colored sails, a dark hull, and reflections in the water. The painting is done with thick, expressive brushstrokes.
Close-up of an impressionistic oil painting of a sailboat with a blue sky background.

Your treasured art deserves care that will keep it looking its best for centuries. At Rabbit Hill Art Studio, we provide museum-standard conservation services for private collections, museums, and historical institutions in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Museum-quality Care for Your cherished possessions

Led by Joshua Adam Risner, our conservation practice combines the hand of a master artist and historical curator with expert knowledge in materials and techniques. We focus on the long-term stability and historical accuracy of every piece.

  • Surface Cleaning Professional removal of accumulated soot, nicotine, and atmospheric pollutants.
  • Varnish Removal and Re-application Safely stripping yellowed or "bloomed" natural resins to reveal the artist’s original color palette and applying a fresh coat of conservation grade varnish.
  • Structural Repair Expertly mending tears, punctures, canvas deformations and stretcher damage.
  • Surface Consolidation Stabilizing flaking or "cupping" paint layers to prevent further loss.
Archival frame building

A Complete Archival Solution

To ensure the long-term health of your artwork, we also offer custom-built framing. By building our frames in-house, we ensure that every structural element—from the wood selection to the archival, acid-free backing—is engineered to support the physical health of the canvas as well as providing a perfect setting for presenting your cherished work.

Institutional Expertise

Michigan State Capitol Conservator

Public Stewardship

Trusted by the Michigan Hall of Justice

Professional Ethics

Adhering to AIC Standards

The Rabbit Hill Experience

Rooted in the vibrant culture of Grand Rapids but nestled in the rolling landscapes just outside the city, Rabbit Hill Art Studio bridges the gap between city culture and timeless craft. Our Cannonsburg studio serves as a dedicated space for chasing beauty.

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Gray abstract graffiti design on a black background