Assets 2024 Speakers

Tentative Schedule:  Speaker & times subject to change

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

Friday Morning General Session 1 

9:15am – 10:15am           

Speakers: Dr. Michael Prokopow, Nicholas Bell & Wava Carpenter

Panel Discussion: Intersecting Market and Cultural Value: A Holistic Appraisal Approach

Session Description:  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.

Dr. Michael J. Prokopow is a cultural historian and curator whose areas of expertise include material culture, design history and critical theory. His many publications include, most recently, Reside: Contemporary West Coast Houses (Figure 1 Publishing: 2024), Hurvin Anderson (Lund Humphries: 2021) and Smith House II (UBC-SALA Press: 2018). Between 2004 and 2008, he was curator of the Design Exchange, Canada's only museum of 20th century industrial design. In 2016 he co-curated the touring exhibition (and accompanying catalog) True Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada. He sits on the boards of the Arthur Erickson Foundation and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale and he is a regular contributor to Studio: Craft and Design in Canada.  He holds a PhD from Harvard University and is a faculty member at University of Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Nicholas Bell is CEO, Glenbow Museum - Originally from Vancouver, Nicholas joined Glenbow in 2019 from his position as Senior Vice President for Curatorial Affairs at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. Nicholas launched a formidable exhibitions program during his three years at the preeminent American maritime museum. He previously served as The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, DC, where he led the Renwick’s relaunch, increasing attendance from 150,000 annually to one million. In 2023, Nicholas was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to community. Nicholas is an author and editor of over ten books on art, museums, and contemporary culture and offers a proven background in spearheading change and successfully implementing strategic initiatives.

Wava Carpenter is Co-Founder of ANAVA Projects & Consultant for Design Miami.  For nearly two decades, Wava Carpenter has built an international reputation for curating design-focused cultural and commercial exhibitions, writing scholarly and popular texts, producing lectures and events, developing and jurying awards programs, and creating online and IRL platforms—all to uplift the global design community.  Currently based in Chicago, Carpenter is a long-time Curatorial Advisor for Design Miami and Editor-in-Chief of Design Miami’s Forum Magazine. She is also co-founder of Anava Projects, an agency dedicated to harnessing the power of design to center social and environmental awareness, with the aim of achieving a healthier, more connected, and more equitable world. She holds an MA in Design & Decorative Arts History from Parsons School of Design and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

Design Miami Forum Magazine:  https://designmiami.com/forum-magazine

Friday Morning General Session 2

10:45am – 11:40am

Speaker: Michael Diaz-Griffith

Tradition Transformed: The Young Connoisseurs Redefining Collecting

Session Description: 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.

Michael Diaz-Griffith, a notable collector, author, & art and design historian, has passionately dedicated the last decade to fostering a new, informed generation of antiques enthusiasts. His tenure as Associate Executive Director and Board Member of the esteemed Winter Show—a premier U.S. art, antiques & design fair has spanned nine impactful years, during which he has successfully ushered in a fresh wave of collectors, bridging the gap between historical appreciation and contemporary collecting. Diaz-Griffith’s endeavors in the antiques world are driven by a mission to inspire and educate his contemporaries, a journey that is both chronicled in his writing and embodied in his advocacy for the arts.

The New Antiquarians can be purchased here:  https://bit.ly/3UMIKBm

Friday Morning Breakout Sessions

11:45am – 12:45pm

Fine Art Presentation

Speaker: Patricia Feheley

The Inuit Market Today

Session Description:  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.

Patricia Feheley is the Director Feheley Fine Arts, a Toronto art gallery specializing in traditional and contemporary Inuit art. Over the last three decades, Feheley has spearheaded the gallery's ongoing program of catalogued exhibitions featuring emerging and established Inuit contemporary artists. Feheley holds a Master's degree in art history and museology from the University of Toronto. She has an extensive administrative background in the visual arts, coupled with a lifetime of experience with Inuit and the Canadian Arctic. She has also published widely on the subject oflnuit art.

Feheley is the past President of the Art Dealers Association of Canada and is also a past member of the Inuit Art Foundation and Cultural Human Resources Council. Currently she serves on the Canadian Cultural Properties Export Review Board (CCPERB) and is the President of the Art Dealers Association of Canada Foundation Board. In 2022 she was inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada.

Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts

Speaker: Dr. Philippe Halbert

The French Connection: Style, Identity and French Canadian Furniture

Session Description: 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.

Philippe Halbert is the Richard Koopman Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut. A graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture, he received his PhD in the history of art from Yale University in 2022. His research explores the intersections of art, empire, and self-fashioning in early modern Europe and the colonial Americas.

Gems & Jewelry

Speaker: William Drucker

Georg Jensen:  A Study of Brand Identity & Scandinavian Design

Session Description:  Bill Drucker, living and breathing Jensen since his youth, is offering us a fast paced in depth presentation into the work of the Master Silversmith Georg Jensen.  This is the opportunity of meeting the Master of the subject.  We’ll delve into the naturalistic designs of Jensen’s youth while taking his background in sculpture into the fine work of silver jewelry. 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.

William Drucker, President of Drucker Antiques, is a well-known lecturer and author who brings a sharp and studied focus into 20^th Century Silver.  Most known for his mastery of all things Jensen, he graciously shares his knowledge to all who ask. Besides Jensen, Drucker’s background includes Arts and Crafts jewelry, 20th Century Design including Modern Scandinavian Design, and 20th Century Studio jewelry.  He is the co-founder of PART (Professional Appraiser Round Table) a weekly zoom meeting for appraisers and members of related fields.  Begun during the Pandemic, it has evolved into a weekly scholarly, fun insight into the appraiser’s world.

Friday Afternoon General Session 3         

2:00pm – 3:00pm 

Speaker: Caitlin Sutherland, Senior Director Digital Art, MakersPlace & Sotheby’s Institute of Art

How to Spot a Grail: Deciphering the Digital Art Market and Blockchain-Based Art Sales

Session Description:  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.

Caitlin Sutherland is a curator and business development professional based in New York. She joined MakersPlace as a Senior Director in 2021, to manage major accounts and bespoke projects in the digital art space. Previously her career was concentrated in the traditional fine art market, having worked for various auction houses in Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, Denver, Chicago, and New York. Most recently she was a Business Director at the Sotheby's New York headquarters for the company's Americas regional offices and Global Fine Art departments.

Friday Afternoon Breakout Sessions

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Fine Art Presentation

Speaker: Dr. Annette Blaugrund

Beyond the Canvas: The Evolution of Frame Design in America and its European Heritage

Session Description:  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. Attendees will gain an intimate understanding of the traditional and avant-garde techniques that have shaped frame making, as well as insights into the ebbs and flows of the frame market. Celebrate innovators like Whistler, White, and Kulicke who transformed framing into an art form, enhancing the masterpieces they surround. This presentation is a must-see for art professionals and enthusiasts, offering a profound appreciation for the frames that not only encase but also enhance the masterpieces they hold.

Dr. Annette Blaugrund, a trailblazer in American art history, served as the first female director of the National Academy Museum (1997-2007) and has held curatorial positions at prestigious institutions including the New-York Historical Society and the Brooklyn Museum. A prolific author of sixteen books on American art and a recognized scholar, she's been honored with France's Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Design. She earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University, where she also taught. Currently, she's a consulting curator at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and is preparing an exhibition on art, industry, and ecology along the Hudson River for Columbia’s Wallach Art Gallery.

Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts

Speaker: Dr. Rachel Gotlieb

Beyond Ornamentation: A Paradigm Shift in Museums' Presentation of Decorative Arts and Design

Session Description:   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. Gotlieb navigates through the complexities of spatial constraints, the imperative of decolonization, and the innovative reframing of historical collections through a contemporary lens.

Rachel Gotlieb, Ph.D., served as the Ruth Rippon Curator of Ceramics at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California (2021–2023). She previously worked as Chief Curator and Interim Executive Director of the Gardiner Museum in Toronto (2011–2014). As the founding curator of the Design Exchange (1990–2002), she co-wrote the landmark Design in Canada.  In 2016 she co-curated the touring exhibition True Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada. Gotlieb was the lead curator of Canadian Modern (2022–3) presented by the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. She is currently the lead curator for the reinstallation of the design and decorative arts collection at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In 2023, Gotlieb authored Ceramics in the Victorian Era: Meanings and Metaphors in Painting and Literature (Bloomsbury).

Gems & Jewelry

Speakers: Danusia Niklewicz & William Whetstone

New Perspectives on Recognizing Hallmarks & Trademarks From Around the World

Session Description:  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.

Danusia Niklewicz GG, FGA, ISA-CAPP, ASA, began in the jewelry industry in 1977 as a jeweler, was past International Instructor for the Gemological Institute of America, has been an Independent Appraiser for over 35 years, currently is the Director of Research and International Liaison for HRI, and Co-Author of World Hallmarks Vol.1&2.

William Whetstone began working with precious metals as a numismatist in 1965, graduated from McGill in History, was a past President of the International Society of Appraisers-Canada, currently is a Specialist of antique precious metal objects, HRI’s Director of Historical Research and Co-Author of World Hallmarks Vol.1&2.

World Hallmarks Book Series Vol. I & II:  https://hallmarkresearch.com/html/Books.htm

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2023

Saturday Morning General Session 1       

9:30am – 10:30am

Speakers: Olivia Cinquemars-Viau & Dr. Sara Johnson

Panel Discussion: Digital Dynamics in Art Insurance and Estate Planning: A Forward-Looking Approach

Session Description:  Join Dr. Sara Johnson, VP, HNW Planning Services - International estate, art and digital legacy planning, RBC and Olivia Cinquemars, AVP, Fine Art at Berkley Canada 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.  Our panelists will break down stakeholders’ roles in the art asset and art risk management ecosystem and then explore how new technologies are impacting their roles, creating new opportunities (and threats) in the industry.  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.

Dr. Sara Adami-Johnson is a VP HNW Planning Services, International estate, art and digital legacy planning for RBC Family Office. She completed the J.D. equalization requirements for both the Canadian Federation of Law Societies and US accreditation and was called to the California State Bar. Sara is a member of PAIAM in NYC, the IBA, Art and Law Institute in London, UK, The Art Lawyers Association in London, UK and Center of Art Law in Los Angeles, California. She writes, research and presents on complex trust and cross-border planning, art collection management and digital assets legacy topics

Olivia Cinqmars-Viau, Berkley Canada, is a distinguished figure in the insurance sector, Olivia Cinqmars-Viau joined Berkley Canada in 2023, leveraging a wealth of experience from her nearly ten-year tenure at AXA XL, a global leader in insurance. Her roles spanned Underwriting, Management, and Sales, focusing on the fine art, collectibles, and high net worth segments across Canada, the US, and Mexico. Olivia’s academic credentials include a Master of Arts (MA) from the renowned Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, where she kickstarted her career in the contemporary art department. Additionally, her expertise is solidified by a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation in Canada, underscoring her deep understanding and dedication to the insurance field. Olivia brings a unique blend of art acumen and insurance proficiency to her role, further testament to her extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence in her field.

Saturday Morning General Session 2

10:30am – 11:00am

Speaker: Kelly Davids

The Appraisal Foundation: Special Update for Personal Property Appraisers

Session Description:  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. This special presentation will include screening of a short video developed to highlight the importance of engaging credentialed personal property appraisers. Following the update, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with Ms. 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.

Kelly Davids, Ms. Davids leads The Appraisal Foundation in fulfilling its mission to uphold public trust in the appraisal profession. She was previously the Foundation’s Senior Vice President and has been with the organization for over a decade. Prior to joining the Foundation, Davids was Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, the chief regulator for Ohio’s appraisers. Her experience includes working in senior-level positions for two Ohio Governors and serving multiple terms in elected office. Davids holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University. 

Saturday Morning Breakout Sessions

11:15am – 12:15pm

Fine Art Presentation

Speaker: Dr. Lisa Duffy-Zeballos

The Art of Research: A Guide Through IFAR's Provenance, Authentication & Legal Resources

Session Description:  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.

Dr. Lisa Duffy-Zeballos is a luminary at the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR), where her scholarship enhances the understanding of art provenance and authentication. As a co-author of IFAR's acclaimed online Provenance Guide, her expertise shapes the global discourse on art history and legal issues. With a robust background in research and an acute focus on the legal dimensions of art, she provides unparalleled insights into cultural property concerns. Dr. Duffy-Zeballos’s leadership in developing IFAR's Catalogues Raisonnés Database and Art Law & Cultural Property Database has made her an authoritative figure for appraisers and researchers seeking to navigate the art world's complexities with confidence and precision.

Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts

Speaker: Dr. Chih-En Chen

Trompe l’oeil in Qing Times and Today

Session Description: 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. How did this porcelain form come to prominence and how has it retained such popularity today? In this breakout session, Dr Chen will explore the Qing history of trompe l’oeil and its applications in the current Asian art market.

Dr. Chih-En Chen is a Research Contractor at the National Museum of Asian Art (Washington D.C.) and the Gardiner Museum (Toronto). Before he arrived at his current position, he worked at Tim Yip Studio and Blue Dragon Art Company in Taipei (2009-2012), Christie’s Toronto Office (2013-2014), and Waddington’s Auctioneers (2014-2018). He also worked as a Sessional Lecturer of East Asian Art History at the University of Toronto (2021-2022). He was awarded a PhD by the Department of the History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, University of London. His research interests lie primarily in Chinese ceramics and material culture, artisanal knowledge, art in a Eurasian context, gendered spaces and objects, Chan Buddhist art, and the relationship between art, medicine, and science. Dr Chen received his first degree from Tzu-Chi University (Taiwan) in Life Sciences and graduated with an MA in History of Art from the University of Toronto. He was a Visiting Scholar at the Beckman Institute (2008) and Academia Sinica (2018), awarded SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship and Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS  Doctoral Scholarship from Canada (2017-2021), GSSA Fellowship from Taiwan (2018-2019), Santander Mobility Awards (2018-2019), The BADA Friends Prize in Memory of Brian Morgan (2020), The Oriental Ceramic Society (OCS) George de Menasce Memorial Trust Award (2020-2021), the Chiang Ching-kuo CCK Fellowships for PhD Dissertations (2020-2021), and the Smarthistory Honorarium from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation (2022-2023)*, among others.

 *The Smarthistory article is available here: https://smarthistory.org/europeenerie-on-a-chinese-table-screen/

Gems & Jewelry

Speaker: Dr. Aaron Palke

Modern Geographic Origin Determination: Challenges, Pitfalls and Current State of Research

Session Description:  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. The most cited example of this situation is the consternation expressed by the trade when high-value important gems are offered at auction with several lab reports, sometimes with each report offering a different origin opinion. However, many reports have been published by gemological researchers demonstrating the overlap in properties between gems from different geographic locales. The simplest example is Thai and Cambodian rubies, which have exactly overlapping properties because they are recovered from a single deposit straddling the geographic border between two countries. The most potentially hazardous example are certain sapphires from Madagascar which can have similar inclusions as those from Kashmir. This talk will lay out the current state of science in geographic origin determination, point out the remaining problematic origin calls, and discuss solutions being researched to resolve these issues.

Dr. Aaron Palke developed an interest in minerals and gemstones searching for agates and other minerals in eastern Montana. He was particularly struck by the geographic distribution of mineral and gem deposits and geological features, for instance, why were there mountains and an abundance of mineral deposits in Montana but not in his home state of Oklahoma? These questions led Dr. Palke to pursue a formal education in geology, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tulsa and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Dr. Palke began his gemological career as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Gemological Institute of America where he is now the Senior Manager of Colored Stone Research. In this role, Dr. Palke leads GIA’s research efforts into geographic origin determination for rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other colored stones as well as improving criteria for identification of treatments for colored stones. Dr. Palke is a regular contributor to Gems & Gemology and serves on the journal’s editorial review board.

Saturday Afternoon General Session 3

1:30pm – 2:30pm         

Speaker: Alyssa Quinlan

Uniting Traditions: The Future of Auctions with Freeman's & Hindman

Session Description:  Alyssa Quinlan, CEO of Freeman’s | Hindman Auctions, 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.

Alyssa D. Quinlan is CEO of Freeman's | Hindman, overseeing strategy and day-to-day operations, as well as the firm’s ongoing expansion in locations, services, and expertise.  She has 25 years of diversified business experience, with leadership experience in private banking and wealth management in addition to fine art auction and appraisal services. She led business development and Trusts & Estates at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers from 2003 to 2010, before joining J.P. Morgan to work with clients in the firm’s private banking division. In 2016, she moved to international appraisal firm Gurr Johns, where she oversaw the opening of the Chicago branch and contributed to the expansion of the company’s presence throughout the Midwest and Texas.

Since returning to Hindman in 2019 as Chief Business Development Officer, Alyssa has renewed her commitment to auctioneering —a skill she first learned from her mentor Leslie Hindman. As a sought-after charity auctioneer, she has helped to raise funds for The Salvation Army and Rush University Woman’s Board, among many others. She is an active member of Chief, the professional network for women executive leaders, as well as YPO, and supports arts and cultural organizations in her hometown of Chicago, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Luminarts Cultural Foundation, and the Women’s Board of Ravinia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University.

Saturday Afternoon Breakout Sessions

2:45pm – 3:45pm

Fine Art Presentation

Speaker: Jodie Utter

Imprints of Time: A Conservator Decodes Condition Issues for Works on Paper & Photography

Session Description:  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.  Attendees will leave with a heightened understanding of condition assessments, the terminology to describe common condition issues and the value factors implicit in appraising prints. Join us for a detailed journey through the intricate layers that define the art and science of paper and photography conservation.

Jodie Utter, Conservator of Works on Paper and Specialist in Prints, is Head of Art Conservation for the Amon Carter Museum of American Art has worked in numerous institutions and in private practice nationally and internationally.  Utter holds a graduate degree from the Art Conservation Program at Winterthur/University of Delaware.  She has taught classes and workshops on conservation, preservation, and artists’ pigments.  She has conducted extensive research on the watercolor materials and techniques of Charles M. Russell, resulting in lectures and publications, including a technical study published in a definitive book entitled Charles M. Russell, Watercolors 1887-1926.  In addition, she was featured in the PBS documentary, C.M. Russell and the American West.  Utter is a fellow of the International Institute for Conservation (IIC) and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and is a member of Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC), Midwest Regional Conservation Guild (MRCG), and the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE).  She has served on numerous boards and committees nationally and locally.  

 Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts

Speaker: Dr. Nancy Odegaard

Condition and Catalog Reporting: Descriptive Terminology for Antiques, Furnishings & Decorative Arts

Session Description:  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. The new book “A visual Dictionary for Objects of Decorative and Domestic Arts” will be the focus of this talk. Armed with an extensive curatorial background and years of hands-on experience, Nancy will clarify terminology while presenting alongside original 3D illustrations to help appraisers facilitate objective referencing.

Dr. Nancy Odegaard is Conservator- Professor Emerita at the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona where she also taught in the Departments of Anthropology, Material Science & Engineering, Historic Preservation, and Chemistry. With 50 years’ experience with moveable collections, she has led major conservation projects internationally involving survey, tribal consultation, research, treatment, and storage upgrades for collections of pottery, human remains, basketry, textiles, and pesticide residues. She is the author of five books and over 200 articles/project reports. Odegaard holds degrees in Art History, Museum Studies, and a PhD in Conservation from the University of Canberra Australia.  She is an elected fellow of the International Institute for Conservation (IIC) and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and is a member of Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC).  Her accolades also include an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Göteborg Sweden and awards from the Fulbright Commission, Getty Conservation Institute, Canadian Conservation Institute, University College London, ICCROM Italy, Winterthur Museum, Honored One from the Association of Tribal Archives Libraries & Museums, and the Keck from the American Institute for Conservation.    

Gems & Jewelry

Speaker: Duncan Parker 

Marriages, Repairs and Alterations in Jewelry and Their Effect on Value

Session Description: 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. We will look at a range of repairs, and modifications to jewels, and marriages bringing separate jewels together as one, and how these changes may affect value. 

Duncan Parker, FGA, FCGmA, is vice president and jewellery specialist at Dupuis Fine Jewellery Auctioneers in Toronto.  Past president of Jewelers Vigilance Canada, Duncan chaired the committee that wrote Canada’s Jewellery Appraisal Guidelines, and the Guidelines with the Respect to the Sale and Marketing of Diamonds Pearls and Coloured Gems.  Duncan is the past president of The Canadian Gemmological Association. He has also written and taught gem and jewellery programmes at George Brown College and at the Life Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University.

He has been an appraiser for 35 years, having been a partner at Harold Weinstein Appraisal Laboratory for 21 years prior to joining Dupuis Auctioneers as jewellery specialist. He is a regular columnist on appraising, antique jewellery, and gemmological subjects for several journals, and is a regular speaker at international conferences.

Saturday Afternoon General Session 3

4:00pm – 5:00pm 

Speaker: Robin Bonner & Sharilyn Ingram

Best Practices: Mastering IRS & CCPERB Compliance in Appraisals

Session Description:  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. 

Robin Bonner, Bonner Arts and formerly IRS's Art Appraisal Services, brings her distinguished expertise from the IRS's Art Appraisal Services to her new venture, Bonner Arts, a consultancy specializing in fine art appraisals and related compliance reviews. With an impressive background that spans over three decades, Bonner has been an artist, gallery director, owner, private dealer, and independent appraiser in both Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her tenure at the IRS from 2009 to 2021 was marked by her intricate involvement with compliance issues in appraisals. Bonner's expertise particularly shines in her assessments of Modern and Contemporary art from the late 19th to the 21st century, having appraised billions in cultural properties for charitable contributions, estate and gift tax purposes, and insurance scheduling.

Sharilyn J. Ingram, F.C.M.A. and Former Chair of the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board (CCPERB). As chair of the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board from December 2016 through June 2023, Sharilyn J. Ingram was appointed to this position following a lengthy career in the cultural sector. With a graduate degree in history, she began her career at the Provincial Archives of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum, then served as Assistant Director of the federal Museum Assistance Programmes.  Subsequent senior positions included Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Western Development Museums, Director of Policy, Planning and Management Services at the National Museums of Canada, Deputy Director of the Art Gallery of Ontario, President and CEO of Royal Botanical Gardens (Canada), and Director of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts at Brock University. As a consultant she has directed studies in governance, strategic planning, collections development and interpretation, and public art for such clients as the National Gallery of Canada, the Saskatchewan Foundation For the Arts, the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, the National Museum of Science and Industry (U.K.), and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee.

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