ISA Conference

Michael Findlay speaking

I have been having a wonderful time at the ISA Conference in Kansas City.  The attendance is strong, and the appraiser attitudes are even better about the conference and direction of ISA. On Friday we had Fine Art and Antiques and Residential Content tours at the Nelson Atkins Museum, with a special presentation by Marilyn Carbonell, head of Library Services at the Museum and appraiser Soodie Beasley, AAA. (I also hit the Arthur Bryant BBQ original location for lunch).

ISA also introduced its new Guide to Appraising Fine Art book.  The

ISA Guide to Appraising Art

book immediately sold out and they were taking orders.  It is heavy, thick, and in glorious color with 13 chapters and addendum covering terminology, paintings, prints, connoisseurship, report writing, authentication, frames, research, photography and much more. Between the new logo, promotional material, online learning platform, new art appraising book, ISA again is showing it is dedication to being the organization of choice for professional appraisers.Lets also not forget the New Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies. Click HERE to order. Click HERE to order the ISA Guide to Appraising Fine Art.

In the evening we had an early reception that was packed with members.  I am so pleased to see so many new members and perhaps more importantly, young members.  ISA really seems like the appraisal organization to belong to.

Conference speakers today were fantastic.  We started with Michael Findaly of Aquavella Galleries talking about the art market and value, a presentation by attorney Peter Gaido on expert witness proceedings and Judith Pearson of Aris Companies on art title insurance.  I also had lunch with ISA President Cindy Rosenberg, FA Chair Perri Guthrie, Michael Findlay and Dr Bruce Robertson, Acting Dir at UCSB Art Museum.  Certainly some interesting conversations and great KC Barbecue.

During a Networking Break

Tonight, out to dinner and hopefully some KC Jazz.  Kansas City is turning out to be a great conference host and location. On Sunday another group of presentations and discipline break out sessions.  I have said it in the past, but it is so true, ISA has the best, bar none, appraisal conferences within the profession.  Next year in Philadelphia it should be amazing. If you are not attending this conference you are not only missing some interesting presentations and speakers, but opportunities to network with appraisers from across the country.