Preservation is a word we hear a lot when it comes to houses, buildings and neighborhoods. But it’s also front of mind for classic and historic art — paintings, sculptures and much more.

If possible, should every art form be preserved because of historic significance or what it helps us learn about human creativity?

To learn more, we spoke with Peggy Holben Ellis, professor of paper conservation at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts.

And to get a more hands-on feel for art conservation and restoration, we visited the ASU Art Museum in Tempe and spoke with Lead Art Conservator Dana Mossman Tepper.