He then served as Conservator of Objects & Variable Art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from 2003 to 2013. During this time, he also taught as an adjunct faculty instructor at IUPUI and Johns Hopkins University[4]. He worked on several exhibitions and projects with internationally recognized curators and artists. He completed many conservation treatments on iconic works at the museum and curated the exhibition "Indiana: By the Numbers" about the artist Robert Indiana's work from the 1980s. During this time, the museum was given the prestigious Ross Merrill Award, among other distinctions.[5]
Highlights of McCoy's projects at IMA:
Conservation of Time-Based Art: McCoy worked on innovative conservation strategies for time-based media and digital art, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between artists and conservators to maintain the integrity of artworks over time.[6][7]
Jean Tinguely’s "Chaos 1": McCoy oversaw the conservation and return of this kinetic sculpture, ensuring its functionality and aesthetic integrity.[8]
Interview with Robert Irwin: McCoy conducted an in-depth interview with artist Robert Irwin about his installation "Light and Space III" for the IMA’s atrium, discussing the challenges and intricacies of conserving large-scale contemporary art.[9]
Hands-Off Approach to Controlling Media-Based Artworks: He co-authored a paper on the implementation of a computerized control system for electronic media components in contemporary art installations, which enhanced efficiency and reduced gallery downtime.[10]
Documenting public art with a community-based approach, including all of Tony Smith's outdoor sculptures.[11]
In 2013, he began working for the Columbus, Indiana redevelopment commission to create a plan and process to care for the world-renowned cultural heritage. In 2014, McCoy became the Founding Executive Director of Landmark Columbus Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and advancing the cultural heritage of Columbus, Indiana. The organization runs three primary programs: Exhibit Columbus, the Columbus Design Institute, and Progressive Preservation projects.[12]
Under McCoy's leadership, Landmark Columbus Foundation has grown significantly, gaining recognition for its progressive preservation and community engagement efforts. The foundation's signature program, Exhibit Columbus, explores community, architecture, art, and design, celebrating Columbus's modernist legacy. The program creates an innovative cycle of events, fostering innovative ideas and site-responsive installations.[13]
