Assets 2024 Conference Schedule^_*

Conference Registration

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

7:30am                     Conference Registration Open

9:00am - 5:00pm     Specialty Course - Advanced Methodology Case Studies _{(ISA AM & CAPP Only)}

Back by popular demand, the Advanced Appraisal Methodology course is designed for experienced ISA members who wish to increase their understanding of appraisal methodology. Specifically, the course will examine all new complex appraisal problems and address how to approach them in order to create a stronger appraisal report. After completing this course, appraisers should be able to think about new and complex appraisal problems from a different perspective. Advanced Appraisal Methodology is designed to help appraisers develop problem-solving skills so that they approach challenging assignments without fear.  Course Instructors will be Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP and Kirsten Smolensky, JD, ISA CAPP

Course Registration

Thursday, April 25, 2024

7:30am                     Conference Registration Open

9:00am - 5:00pm     Specialty Tours:  Fine Art / AF+DA  (FINE ART TOUR IS SOLD OUT!)

Fine Art Tour:  McGill Visual Arts, Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), Landau Fine Art (Private Collection) & the Canadian Centre of Architecture (CCA).  SOLD OUT!

AF+DA Tour:  Pointe-à-la-Callière Museum, Canadian Center for Architecture & La Maison Louis Joseph Forget (Private Collection - This opportunity has been graciously afforded through the generous support of the MacDonald Stewart Foundation.”)

To add your name to the Fine Art Tour wait list please send your request to:  earl.stoner@isa-appraisers.org

10:00am - 12:00pm      Gems & Jewelry Workshop - NEW TIME  Meet in the Hotel Lobby @ 9:30am

This is a rare immersive experience.  For all gemologist members, join the ISA Gems & Jewelry Magical Mystery Workshop at the McCord-Steward Museum.  This is a 2 - 3 hour, hands on workshop.  This workshop is restricted to gemologists members. Others who are interested in attending the workshop, please email your interest to earl.stoner@isa-appraisers.org.

6:15pm - 7:00pm     New Member & First Time Attendee Reception

7:00pm - 8:00pm     Opening Night Reception

Friday, April 26, 2024           

8:00am - 5:00pm      Conference Registration Open

8:00am - 9:00am      Coffee & Breakfast

9:00am - 9:15am      President's Welcome/Opening Remarks + Land Acknowledgement

9:15am - 10:15am    GENERAL SESSION 

• Panel Discussion: Intersecting Market and Cultural Value: A Holistic Appraisal Approach
  • Dr. Michael Prokopow, Professor, University of Ontario College of Art & Design 
  • Nicholas Bell, President & CEO Glenbow Museum
  • Wava Carpenter, Co-Founder ANAVA Projects & Design Miami

  • Appraisers of personal property endeavor to remain objective, unbiased, and impartial at all times. Relevant to all appraisers, our opening session will focus on the importance of understanding the relationship between cultural and market value. How can we expand our appraisal practices to provide services relevant to today's collectors through stewardship, and connoisseurship? Informed by our conference theme of "Tradition Meets Innovation", this diverse panel of industry experts aim to answer this question and others by analyzing recent sales results within the existent yet still emerging market of art objects.

10:15am - 10:45am    Coffee & Networking Break

10:45am - 11:40am   GENERAL SESSION 

• Michael Diaz-Griffith, Writer, Designer And Executive Director of the Design Leadership Network
  • Tradition Transformed: The Young Connoisseurs Redefining Collecting
  • In his talk centered around his new book "The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors," Michael Diaz-Griffith will reveal the transformative trends within the world of young antiquarians. Unpacking the narratives from his book, Diaz-Griffith will shed light on how the new wave of collectors is shaping market trends, their eclectic tastes forging a bridge between historical reverence and contemporary relevance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the mindset of these young collectors, their influence on the antiques market, and their ripple effects on collecting as a whole. This session is an essential exploration of how youthful energy and innovative visions are redefining collecting for future generations.

11:45am - 12:45pm    BREAKOUT SESSIONS 

 Fine Art:  Pat Feheley, Inuit Art Dealer & Specialist 

• The Inuit Market Today
• Join Patricia Feheley, a vanguard in Inuit art, for an insightful talk that navigates the rich history and vibrant future of this unique art form. As a distinguished art dealer and specialist, Feheley will share her extensive knowledge on the cultural significance and evolution of Inuit art. Her presentation will illuminate the traditional roots, contemporary developments, and the dynamic market trends that appraisers must be attuned to in today's fine art landscape. With a deep dive into the aesthetic principles, symbolism, and the economic factors influencing Inuit artworks, Feheley's talk promises a comprehensive overview for appraisers and enthusiasts alike, looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of one of the most fascinating and evolving artistic traditions.

AF+DA:   Dr. Philippe Halbert, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art 

• The French Connection: Style, Identity, and French Canadian Furniture
• At its height, New France extended from eastern Canada, across the Great Lakes, and down the Mississippi River to Louisiana. Although its population remained small, French Canada was no less dynamic in terms of artistic originality or creative output. Even after New France’s fall in 1763, the Province of Quebec held fast to Gallic aesthetics and vernacular traditions. This presentation will introduce a cross-section of furniture that embodies the vibrant legacies of Francophone cultural identity in the Saint Lawrence Valley.

Gems & Jewelry: William Drucker, President, Drucker Antiques 

• Georg Jensen:  A Study of Brand Identity & Scandinavian Design
• Jensen jewelry stands the test of time, it’s never out of style, always fresh not like today’s silver jewelry often discarded after a few wearings and sold for its silver value. Drucker will take us to Jensen’s workshop, designs, the meaning/dating of the hallmarks, marketing, moving into holloware and the work of a master jewelry goldsmith.

12:45pm - 2:00pm        Lunch (on your own)

2:00pm - 3:00pm        GENERAL SESSION 

Caitlin Sutherland, Sr. Director Digital Art, MakersPlace & Sotheby's Institute of Art

• How to Spot a Grail: Deciphering the Digital Art Market and Blockchain-Based Art Sales
• The term “grail” is used in the digital art market as a synonym for “masterpiece.” The term can cause confusion in more traditional fine art circles, but it is being widely adopted and referenced in various auction houses and galleries. Caitlin will take a deeper look at how to assess the quality and value of digital art, and identify major collector categories and style movements.

3:00pm - 3:30pm        Coffee & Networking Break

3:30pm - 4:30pm         BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Fine Art:  Dr. Annette Blaugrund - Art Historian & Curator

• Beyond the Canvas: The Evolution of Frame Design in America and its European Heritage
• Discover the art of framing with Dr. Annette Blaugrund's enriching and visually compelling exploration into the rich tapestry of the American frame industry. This presentation will delve into the storied past of frame craftsmanship, tracing its origins back to European antecedents and unfolding the narrative of its growth and sophistication.

AF+DA:   Dr. Rachel Gotlieb - Design and Craft Curator/Historian

• Beyond Ornamentation: A Paradigm Shift in Museums' Presentation of Decorative Arts and Design
• Drawing from her extensive curatorial experience, Rachel Gotlieb presents a glimpse into her recent and future projects, exhibiting design, ceramics and decorative arts. These include the 19th-century and modern and contemporary ceramics galleries at the Crocker Art Museum, the Canadian Modern exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum and the upcoming reinstallation of the decorative arts and design galleries scheduled to open at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in March 2025.

Gems & Jewelry: Danusia Niklewicz & William Whetstone, Hallmark Research Institute

• New Perspectives on Recognizing Hallmarks & Trademarks From Around the World

• Learn new perspectives on mark nomenclature, and how to separate hallmarks from confusing trademarks. Reviewed will be the common English, French and Russian hallmarks, expanding to explore hallmarks from important regions like Egypt, India, Israel, and others around the globe. Attendees will leave with a more heightened awareness for recognizing and identifying world hallmarks.

4:30pm - 5:30pm        ISA Committee Meetings

6:00pm - 9:00pm        ISA Education Foundation Reception (Offsite)

Location:         Cabaret Lion d’Or - Preserved from demolition by fortunate circumstances, this art deco style hall is one of the few cabarets from the 30s to remain in Montreal.  Space is Limited – Invitation and RSVP required – Invite to come soon!  Transportation to event will be provided from Delta Hotel.

_{*Speakers as of 3.16.24 -- Subject to change without notice}

Saturday, April 27, 2024

8:00am - 4:30pm     Registration Open

8:00am - 8:30am     Volunteer Breakfast

8:30am - 9:25am     Coffee & Breakfast

9:25am - 9:30am      Land Acknowledgement

9:30am - 10:30am    GENERAL SESSION

• Panel Discussion: Digital Dynamics in Art Insurance and Estate Planning: A Forward-Looking Approach
  • Olivia Cinqmars-Viau, Berkley Asset Protection
  • Dr. Sara Johnson, RBC Wealth Management
  • Join Dr. Sara Johnson and Olivia Cinqmars-Viau in an engaging conversation around disruptive art technologies and how they impact traditional art asset and risk management and their interaction with collections management and appraisals. Technology is quickly evolving as well as its impact on collecting, and related art services. Join our experts as they explore how we collectively can use these technologies to add value, create more interconnectivity and enable more holistic services as an industry for collectors.

10:30am - 11:00am   SPECIAL UPDATE:  Kelly Davids  

• The Appraisal Foundation: Special Update for Personal Property  Appraisers
• The President of the Appraisal Foundation will address Assets attendees directly with pivotal updates on recent changes to the composition of the Board of Trustees, and new resources and benefits for personal property partnering organizations. Following the update, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Kelly Davids during a Q&A segment. Don't miss this chance to be at the forefront of appraisal evolution with insights straight from the source.

11:00am - 11:15am    Coffee & Networking Break

11:15am - 12:15pm    BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Fine Art:  Dr. Lisa Duffy-Zeballos 

• The Art of Research: A Guide Through IFAR's Provenance, Authentication & Legal Resources
• Explore the intricate web of fine art research with Dr. Lisa Duffy-Zeballos of the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR). Her talk will offer art appraisers a deep dive into the sophisticated realm of provenance research and authentication challenges, leveraging IFAR’s esteemed ‘Catalogues Raisonnés Database’. Dr. Duffy-Zeballos will unravel the complexities of art authentication and legal intricacies, drawing from her expertise as a co-author of IFAR’s online ‘Provenance Guide.’ The session will also navigate the nuances of IFAR’s ‘Art Law & Cultural Property Database,’ providing appraisers with indispensable tools for mastering the art market’s legal landscape and ensuring the integrity of art transactions.

AF+DA:   Dr. Chih-En Chen - Sessional Lecturer of Chinese and East Asian Art History

• Trompe l’oeil in Qing Times and Today
• Trompe l’oeil porcelain is regarded as one of the most appreciated artifacts from the Qianlong reign, fooling the eye of spectators with its deceptive surface and ethereally applied glaze. However, despite the enormous quantity survived from the High Qing period, there is surprisingly nearly no record of imperial-directed trompe l’oeil porcelain documented in the Qing Imperial Workshop Records, and the Qianlong Emperor seemed to be uninvolved in its production.

Gems & Jewelry:  Dr. Aaron Palke

• Modern Geographic Origin Determination: Challenges, Pitfalls, and Current State of Research
• Over the last few decades, the gem and jewelry industry has come to incorporate geographic origin as an important aspect of the quality, rarity, and the story of colored gemstones. In turn, the trade has come to rely on gemological laboratories to ascertain the origin of some colored stones and issue origin opinions on their reports. While the geographic origin of most rubies, sapphires, and emeralds can be accurately determined with sufficient gemological knowledge and advanced instrumentation, the science of geographic origin determination of gemstones is not perfect and is constantly evolving.

12:15pm - 1:30pm      Lunch

1:30pm - 2:30pm       GENERAL SESSION 

Alyssa Quinlan, CEO Freeman's | Hindman Auctions 

• Uniting Traditions: The Future of Auctions with Freeman's & Hindman
• Alyssa Quinlan will illuminate the auction arena in her talk on the market's current trends and the landmark merger of these storied houses. The fusion represents a strategic alignment of legacy and innovation, creating a formidable presence in the market. Quinlan will discuss how this amalgamation sets a new benchmark for auction house operations, client service, and technological integration. She’ll also share insights on broader market trends and the evolving landscape of fine art, jewelry and collectible commerce. Participants will glean firsthand knowledge of the merger’s impact, future visions, and implications for collectors, appraisers, and art enthusiasts.

2:30pm - 2:45pm       Coffee & Networking Break

2:45pm - 3:45pm       BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Fine Art:  Jodie Utter- Conservator of Works on Paper, and Specialist in Prints

• Imprints of Time: A Conservator Decodes Condition Issues for Works on Paper & Photography
• Immerse yourself in the world of prints and photography with Jodie Utter, a seasoned conservator and specialist, as she presents an enlightening talk tailored for appraisers. With her expert lens, Utter will decode the complexities of conserving and evaluating printed and photographic artworks. This session promises to shed light on which condition issues are the most serious and have the greatest and the least impact on an object’s value.

AF+DA:  Dr. Nancy Odegaard - Conservator, Arizona State Museum

• Condition and Catalog Reporting: Descriptive Terminology for Antiques, Furnishings & Decorative Arts
• Terminology is critical. Examining the physical characteristics of any object and having the ability to document your findings in a clear and concise manner is paramount to personal property appraisers. This presentation will identify specific language as it relates to the anatomy of objects.  Dr. Odegaard will clarify terminology while presenting alongside original 3D illustrations to help appraisers facilitate objective referencing

Gems & Jewelry:  Duncan Parker - FGA, FCGmA, VP at Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers 

• Marriage, Repairs and Alterations in Jewelry, and Their Effects on Value
• Jewels are regularly repaired or altered. Perhaps we inherit a jewel from grandmother and while we value the history, we may find that it doesn’t match our personal style. Having a ring turned to a pendant, for example, may be a simple change, but does it compromise value? We will explore how one repair or alteration may have little effect on value, and another change may significantly compromise the value of a jewel. 

3:45pm - 4:00pm       Coffee & Networking Break

4:00pm - 5:00pm       GENERAL SESSION 

• Panel Discussion: Best Practices: Mastering IRS & CCPERB Compliance in Appraisals 
  • Robin Bonner, Bonner Arts/Fmr Art Appraisal Services at IRS
  • Sharilyn Ingram, Fmr Chair CCPERB
  • Dive into the world of government appraisals with Robin Bonner and Sharilyn J. Ingram in a crucial panel discussion. This informative session is designed to arm appraisers with essential do's and don'ts when preparing appraisals for the IRS in the U.S. and Canada’s CCPERB. With their combined wealth of experience, Bonner and Ingram will highlight the frequent errors encountered in donation and tax appraisals and offer expert guidance on how to avoid these common pitfalls. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of the stringent requirements and best practices that underpin successful appraisals in this highly regulated arena, ensuring their work stands up to scrutiny and meets all necessary legal standards.

5:00pm - 5:15pm          Closing Remarks

*_{Speakers as of 3.16.24 -- Subject to change without notice}