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Art & Antique Investment Funds are BACK IN PLAY !
On July 12th the New York Times ran an article about ‘Hedge Funds Diversify into Exotic Assets’ listing several new companies that invite wealthy investors to partake in potential profits in funds that accumulate art & antiques. Some of the funds plan to specialize in such things as photographs, autographs and wine. All are worthy things if, as an individual, you love them and make discriminating choices that suit your needs.
Will Return of Cultural Patrimony Nullify Donor’s Tax Deduction?
Yet another episode in the repatriation of looted antiquities is in the news. This one involves millionaire Maurice Tempelsman, the long time companion of the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. On September 1, 2007 the New York Times reported that in 1980 Tempelsman purchased two 6th Century BC acroliths (statues with marble or stone head, hands & feet, with a wooden torso) for a reported $1 million USD.
Appraisal Research Tool - The Internet
Common Search Engines including individual and meta search sites, Using Wikipedia, Checking the authority of sources, Decoding domain names and Internet addresses, Search tips including Boolean, quotations and truncation, Library resources in the San Diego metropolitan area
Tips on Expert Witnessing - Shared by Seasoned Chapter Members
The legal environment can be intimidating to appraisers who aren’t used to defending their reports or who share a general inhibition about being in the limelight. The tips and stories shared by our panelists served to help de-mystify the subject and to build confidence among those just beginning or contemplating taking on litigation assignments. The tips were useful even to non-litigation appraisers who seek to generally improve their professionalism. Tips and advice...
The Appropriate Marketplace Issue
It is the appraiser’s responsibility to determine the appropriate market place relevant to the items under appraisal, so says USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). In most situations the scope of work– the purpose and intended use of the appraisal – will be an important element in deciding the appropriate market place for the items under consideration.
$50,000 Oil Painting Recovered Thanks To Pamela Bensoussan, ASA
During an estate-liquidation sale at a San Diego auction house in March, a painting by notable landscape artist Charles Reiffel raised suspicions. The 72-year-old oil painting of a farmer on a plow, "Mountain Rancher, Southern California," matched the description of a painting missing from the San Diego Unified School District's art collection. Just hours before the piece was to be auctioned, certified appraiser Pamela Bensoussan alerted the district to reclaim it.
Golf Memorabilia is Coming Down the Fairway
Golf isn’t just a hobby these days, with the increasing popularity of the sport comes increasing popularity in collecting golf related memorabilia. With the onset of Tiger Woods and the advent of advanced technologies in golf equipment, many people are interested in discovering the roots of the sport and collecting its memorabilia.
George Washington is Dead - Appraising an Old Newspaper
I recently had a phone message asking if I knew anything about a "very old newspaper with an article announcing the death of George Washington, dating from 1800." Before I called him back I logged onto Artfact.com to see what I could find. There were two auction sales of an original newspaper describing the death of General Washington.
Pewter - Is it worth anything?
The other day I was on an appraisal looking at various pieces of sterling silver for a client. As my client was going through her cabinets and bringing me pieces of her silver collection, I noticed that she set aside a few interesting pitchers and mugs. I asked her about these pieces and she replied, "Don’t worry about those, they are only pewter. I like the look of them but they aren’t worth anything." Well...
"Social Capital" Are you building it in your communities?
Do you know that Americans are less "involved" than they were 50 years ago? Organizations from AARP, PTA, community groups, churches, and local political groups have noted this phenomenon. That includes professional organizations, many who are experiencing declining attendance at meetings. It is just the way it is with so many demands on our time – 2 career families, long commutes, inflation eating away at our disposable income creating pressure to spend more time on work.
Guidance on New Appraisal Requirements for Non cash Charitable Contributions
The IRS has issued Notice 2006-96 as transitional guidance on the new definitions of qualified appraisal and qualified appraiser, and on penalties for substantial or gross valuation misstatements, as added by HR4 - the Pension Protection Act of 2006. This applies to appraisals for charitable contribution deductions on tax returns filed after August 17, 2006.
New IRS Rules on Donation of Household Goods & Clothing
The IRS has new guidelines on donations of household goods and clothing effective August 17, 2006. Items of this type, with a FAIR MARKET VALUE (thrift shop value, not original cost) of $500 or less for each item, must be in GOOD condition to qualify for a deduction. The donor should prepare an itemized list of the item(s) with a value under $500, and include photographs and original receipts if possible, and maintain this information in their tax records for production in the event of an audit.
The Influence of Movies on the Collectible Market
Have the New Star Wars Movies Killed the Collectible Toys Market? One of the topics that have been actively discussed in the collector community over the past 10 years is the influence of the most recent movies on the Star Wars collectibles market. Ever since Star Wars first showed in 1977, a fever took over this planet.
TRUE OR FALSE? - Antiques & Artworks Always Appreciate in Monetary Value
Most people believe that art, antiques and collectibles always appreciate in value. Not true! It is common for ‘objects of desire’ to go in and out of fashion. Monetary value is an expression of how many people with disposable income want something and they compete to keep the prices up in the market place.
Sam Maloof: 90th Anniversary Retrospective Mingei International Museum
Often associated with chair making, Sam Maloof is a pioneer in the field of hand-crafted furniture. At Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, there is an exhibition of Maloof’s work. Whether you are familiar with his work or not, on display are pieces of his ranging from tables to cradles to music stands to his famous rocking chairs.
It Never Rains But it Pours
A phrase fellow appraisers often say to each other. It always seems that there are slow periods followed by an avalanche of work. How can we schedule appraisal assignments, when we are in the middle of one of those busy periods, so that both the client and you get the best work possible?
Alan Hodgkinson's Stories from the Gem World
Mr. Hodgkinson began with a slide of a Roman Necklace (circa 430 AD) found in Britain: a treasure of 22 kt woven gold with four emeralds. On closer inspection we discover only one is a true emerald, three are glass. Two thousand years ago, Hodgkin’s says, they were fakes. Even Tutankhamen had fake turquoise and topaz in his tomb.
Acquiring 'Real Knowledge'
At least once a month I am contacted by someone interested in starting a career in appraising art or antiques. I always recommend the ASA sponsored core courses, explaining that they pertain to the special techniques, skills and ethics of the profession. They teach the appraisal process from defining scope of work and methodology, to the process of developing value conclusions and formatting the report.
Modernism Furnishing Booming
Modernism is a style that reflects the 20th century desire to streamline the fussy old Victorian aesthetic, and made use of the outpouring of 20th century technological advances in materials and manufacturing. Plastic, Formica and bent plywood was BIG, with bright colors and biomorphic design!
Do you do expert witness work?
An individual with scientific and/or professional training – degrees, courses, practical work - in a field that is well above the level of an average person-on-the-street, and who, as an expert, applies ALL the accepted principles, practices and discipline to his field of knowledge, to reach a conclusion.
What's your family heirloom really worth?
"People realize they might have some things that are valuable lurking in their closets and attics," says Pamela Bensoussan, owner of Bensoussan & Associates, an appraisal and consulting firm in Chula Vista, CA.
Hurricane Katrina – Appraisers Provide Assistance
After immediate survival needs are met, many appraisers will be called upon to provide professional opinions regarding the nature and value of losses to commercial & residential real estate, business and personal income and economic damages, as well as residential contents, art, antiques and collectibles. Some of this "stuff" will be monetarily very significant – ante-bellum historic homes, fabulous mansions, huge factories and expensive business assets – and some will be humble dwellings and mom & pop operations.
High Priced Designer Furnishings High Value
It is interesting how stratified markets are. For example, very expensive furniture is worth only a fraction of its cost in the secondary market, even if in 'mint' condition. Happy hunting, or just collecting 'comparables'.
The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life
"A Cross between the Dalai Lama’s ethics and Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits, The Diamond Cutter will have you gardening a path to the bank." —Amazon.com, editorial review "Here is wise advice and counsel on an ethical and prosperous way of being in the workday world based on Tibetan Buddhist principles." —Spirituality and Health
Guarding Against Illegal Traffic of Cultural Property
During provenance research conducted by the San Diego Museum, it was discovered that the painting might have been stolen from a church in a small village in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. The Museum’s Board of Trustees voted to return the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden to Mexico and Dr. Cartwright generously offered to have the painting restored before sending it back.
18th Century English Chair ... or Not?
The family ‘myth’? The chair was a treasured heirloom, worth lots of money. The reality?
Primer on the Care & Feeding of Clients
Our October program on "The Care and Feeding of Clients" was one of the best of the year – getting high marks for interest and relevance from members across appraisal disciplines. Pamela organized her notes on that popular meeting for the benefit of those who missed it or would like to revisit ideas that were shared during our lengthy panel discussion.
Valuing A Silver Trophy Collection
Silver trophies have been around since the Greeks and Romans, but very few survive from that era. The Renaissance and Baroque times saw the rise of elaborate and costly, gold, jeweled and silver trophies – but most of these are now in museums. Recently I had a fabulously interesting appraisal assignment, a collection of Silver Trophies – presentation awards to winners of sporting and other tournaments.
Problems Encountered by Supervising Appraisers
I often act as ‘supervising appraiser’ on a large estate or job with a huge variety of items, some of which are outside my own specialization. Sometimes I tell the client this item is beyond my area of expertise and ask them to get it appraised on their own.
Economic Uncertainty Since 9/11
From my corner of the profession, I find the low-end and middle-market in San Diego county has suffered deflation. The very top end of the market, the most desirable and pristine of ‘tangible personal property’ is sky high, prices in some cases having doubled since the rebound after 9/11. People are generally shocked as they seem to have bought into the fallacious notion that "art & antiques always appreciate."
Go The Final Mile
Do you ever experience a big huge surprise in your appraisal work? Make an assumption based on past experience, and find out you are dead wrong? I do. And not infrequently. It is why I always check market comps before I finish an appraisal, even for things I think I know all about. I am sometimes terrifically amazed.
Appraise Before A Loss
"My Grandmother’s silver & ivory flatware was lost in the October fires. It was sterling with ivory handles” she tells me, "and it was worth a fortune." There is no more important lesson - get an appraisal of valuable items before something happens to them.
Congress Questions Value of Donated Items
The gist of the article in the New York Times News Service is that the General Accounting Office, the “investigative arm of Congress” finally woke up and discovered that the fair market value of the many vehicle, boat & art donations made to charities, is much higher than the actual selling price – particularly if the item is simply thrown out the back door to a liquidation service.
Georgie Stillman, ASA, Awarded Life Membership by ASA International
Georgie has been the driving force of the San Diego Chapter since the 1970s. She is constantly advocating the rewards of achieving the ASA accreditation and has mentored many new Candidate members. She is a strong advocate for member participation at meetings and relevant programming and has strived to help grow leadership within the chapter. She is arguably the glue that has and continues to hold the San Diego Chapter together.
Georgie Stillman & Pamela Bensoussan Speak at San Diego Bar Association Meeting
The San Diego County Bar Association Financial Professionals Committee receives ASA input on the "Unique Estate Appraisals and Valuing National Treasure and Cultural Property Items". Attorneys were cautioned on exercising due diligence in determining legal title to certain types of estate assets.
Pamela Bensoussan, ASA - Appointed to Chula Vista Planning Commission
Pamela has been appointed by the Mayor and City Council to a four-year term on the Chula Vista Planning Commission. A longtime advocate of partnering historic preservation with urban renewal, Pamela received the Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties Award of Honor in 2002, and in 2004 she was named Chula Vista’s Historic Preservationist of the Year.
Kathi Jablonsky - Awarded Certificate of Excellence at ISA Conference
Kathi Jablonsky, ISA AM, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the ISA Annual Conference for outstanding contribution developing the online Educational Calendar for Antiques & Residential Contents.
Heirloom Discovery Clinic
Pamela Bensoussan, ASA, James Hill, Candidate and Georgie Stillman, ASA participate in 'Heirloom Discovery' clinic & fund raiser for the Bonita Sunrise Rotary Club
Greg Tesone, ASA - Our Newest Senior Member
Greg Tesone is our newest Senior Member, in Business Valuation. Greg is also on the Board of the San Diego Forensic Expert Witness Association.
Winslow Garnier - A Company is Born
Our new company "Garnier Group and Associates, LLC", provides equipment leasing, appraisals, and asset disposition. Headquartered in Poway we specialize in technology equipment located in clean rooms or high security areas. Our targeted industries include Biotechnology, Defense contractors, Healthcare, and Electronics. We are a Veteran and minority owned enterprise, certified by the SBA and other agencies.
Christine Jones , ASA - A Blessing is Born
Congratulations, Christine on the birth of this lovely child! We wish you much love, joy, and happiness. Christine specializes in the valuation of fine art and Asian art providing both appraisal and consultation services. She brings to her appraisal practice a working knowledge of valuation science, and an extensive background in art education, as well as curatorial and collections management.
Pamela Bensoussan, ASA, Receives 2004 Historic Preservationist of the Year
Pamela Bensoussan, ASA was presented with this award by Chula Vista Mayor Steve Padilla at the Beautification Awards Dinner held August 19th at the Chula Vista Country Club. She is recognized for her leadership on numerous committees and civic organizations that promote the preservation and enhancement of Historic sites, including the Resource Conservation Commission and the Heritage Museum Executive Board.
Paul Golubovs Unveils His Musical Talent In Unveil Your Love
This new set of 18 original romantic songs is a collaboration between San Diego antique appraiser Paul Golubovs, ASA, who wrote the lyrics and John Sokoloff, a classically trained pianist of Culver City, CA. who composed the music.
Kim Ufford, AM, Business Valuation
Kim Ufford is a shareholder in Levitz, Zacks & Ciceric, Certified Public Accountants, a long-established and highly regarded San Diego institution, where he leads their appraisal department. Kim says his practice is currently centered on three areas of business valuation: Family Limited Partnerships (for estate planning purposes); Corporate Shareholder Transactions (shareholder buyouts or transfers to key employees); and S Corporation Elections.
Winslow Garnier - Recovery in the Tech Market
Winslow Garnier reports to the SD ASA Chapter from his travels on appraisal assignment in Austin. With the upturn in the tech markets, the cost of used/refurbished jumped skyward. The demand for reliable and accurate appraisal values has increased along with the recovery.
JOHN ANALLA, ASA - Automotive & Classic Car Specialist
This fancy car is the most expensive Hot Rod in the world, known affectionately by car fans as "Hot Rod Lincoln" or "Red Hot Lincoln" if you are friendly with the owner. It just sold for $432,000 at the January 2004 Barret-Jackson Vintage & Collector Car Auction at Scottsdale, AZ. Cruising the recent Auto Show at the SD Convention center, John saw the replicas of this car are offered for about $150,000, and wonders if this might be a good investment for someone with some loose change.
Jim Hill - 40th Anniversary in the Antiques Business
While Treasure Trove has a fascinating variety of antiques, including rugs, Orientalia, china, glass, dolls, and collectibles, from the beginning Jim had a special interest in coins, and he is a nationally recognized numismatist.
HARD DRIVES & AB 5 - What can’t be hidden – Technically & Legally
This dynamic presentation will address what every Testifying Expert should at least be aware of regarding the subpoena of their electronic files -- and hard drives.
Marketing Tactics to Build Your Appraisal Business
In today’s world of websites, social networks, public relations and traditional advertising where do we turn for professional advice on what to do? In her 90-minute presentation, Certified Marketing Executive, Sue Almon-Pesch, will give us "how to" strategies we can immediately implement ourselves that are easy and cost effective.
New USPAP Rules in 2010 - Are You in Compliance?
USPAP has undergone changes for 2010 and there are new rules and requirements that appraisers need to know beginning in January. This is a rare opportunity to hear about USPAP from a Director of Research & Technical Issues at the Appraisal Foundation.
Fakes and Forgeries
An overview of selected forgeries and forgers from the last 500 years.
How Appraisers Apply Discounts to Values
An intriguing discussion on how appraisers apply discounts to value. Appraisers frequently examine property that has depreciated in value in some way. The depreciation in property may be caused by impairments to condition or a form of obsolescence, such as functional, economic or technological.
Social Networking Opportunity
The meeting for September is a social networking evening. We hope to see many new members as well as long time members that we have not seen for a while. Please bring guests or fellow professionals that you feel would benefit from a new and energized relationship with ASA. Attorneys, fiduciaries, insurance agents, and others are more than welcome to mix and mingle.
Applications of Science &Technology to Conserve Perishable Art & Architecture
Scientific perspectives on the perishable nature of pigments, painted surfaces, tileworks, and ancient architecture and the application of the cutting-edge technologies in addressing the many world-wide conservation projects that are supported by the Getty Conservation Institute's staff and facilities
The State of ASA
Where We Are, Where We’re Going: Topics include financial condition, governance, status of chapters, government issues, standards, and relationships with other appraisal organizations
The Care & Feeding of Clients
Is there an appraiser out there who hasn’t had difficulties with clients? After several years there are surely more tips and tools we can add to our arsenals. Topics covered include Screening (& Rejecting) Clients, OK! You’re hired! Now what, Managing the Client On Site, & Delivering Bad News.
The Living Gem - The History, Fashion & Truth About Pearls
Topics covered include Natural Pearl Formation, Pearl Culturing, Pearls and Royalty, Pearls in Fashion, Freshwater Pearls, Akoya (Japanese) Pearls, Tahitian Pearls, South Sea Pearls, Calcareous Concretions – The “Other” Pearls, Rare Cultured Pearls, Pearl Grading & Valuation, & Latest Trends in the Pearl Market. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, you’ll follow Blaire on her travels to private pearl farms in Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia, and into the private vaults of collectors.
Now What? - Economic Distress Triggered by the Mortgage Crisis
The events of the past year have turned the American Economy, social and political systems on their heads. With unprecedented economic distress triggered by the Mortgage Crisis, causing meltdown in major financial institutions, and economic turmoil around the world, 2009 presents challenges to government, business, industry, professionals and individuals.
Brighton Press - Private Tour of a Fine Art and Book Press
The creation of limited edition artist's books and broadsides, which are typically single sheets that combine text and illustration; The process of collaboration between artists and artisans in the fine art printmaking process, as well as printing techniques.
The Fine Art of Japanese Swords
Background on the fine art of sword making; a description of Japanese swords and their components; which master sword smiths are the most collectible and why; what makes a blade rise in quality and desirability above others; how to recognize when you need to pull in an expert
Artistry of Asia captured in The Influence of Japanese Art on Design
Dr. Hannah Sigur, author of The Influence of Japanese Art on Design, a new book exploring the impact of Japanese fine and popular arts on American design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this beautifully illustrated volume with more than 200 photographs, Dr. Sigur juxtaposes glass, silver and metal arts, ceramics, textiles, furniture, jewelry, advertising, and packaging with a spectrum of Japanese material ranging from expensive one-of-a-kind art crafts to mass-produced ephemera.
Auction Market Trends, Values & The Inside Story
To many people, the inner workings of major auction houses are a mystery as well as how auction estimates are created by experts in the field. Garrett will present information on the current state of the auction market for antiques, art and collectibles. What is hot in the auction world and what areas are declining? How the auction markets are fairing in the down economy? The inside story on auction estimates and what they mean. A discussion of what appraisers need to be aware of before they can use the input of auction experts to influence their appraisal valuations.
Victorian Jewelry
Jo Ellen Cole, noted expert on Victorian and antique jewelry, will guide you through the outstanding virtuosity and craftsmanship of Victorian period jewelry, covering over six decades, and discuss how the political and economic changes influenced the popular designs and styles.
The Early "Deans" of San Diego Painting
Ammi Merchant Farnham (1845 – 1922). Although not widely known today, Farnham is considered to be the first accomplished artist to work in San Diego. Subsequent "Deans of San Diego Painting" including the well known Maurice Braun, Charles Fries, Elliot Torrey, Alfred Mitchell and Charles Reiffel. The art world in San Diego at the beginning of the 20th Century
Eclecticism & the Victorian Home Interior
Presenting various revival styles and Orientalism as they appeared in furniture and decorative arts. The furnishing desires of a growing middle class and how production techniques and advances worked to change the nature of home furnishings from ‘handmade’ to ‘mass produced’. How travel and the ‘globalization’ of the Victorian world influenced what was considered smart and fashionable, and the must have ‘status symbols’ of the day. The social & economic conditions that influenced these styles.
Fabulous Victorian Quilts
Quilt Historian & Appraiser Julia Zgliniec will share her extensive knowledge of Victorian quilts & quilt history. A lifelong love of art and handwork has led to a career as a professional quiltmaker, instructor, fabric designer, and appraiser, certified by the American Quilter’s Society.
The State of Finances of the City of San Diego
Sworn in as San Diego City Attorney on December 6, 2004, Michael Aguirre's legal career spans three decades as a federal prosecutor, fraud victim trial attorney, municipal law expert, U.S. Senate investigator, and public interest lawyer. A lifelong San Diegan, Mr. Aguirre is an energetic community volunteer and has represented numerous individuals and organizations in pro bono cases involving the public interest, including late labor leader Cesar Chavez of the United Farm Worker's Union.
Up in Flames - Appraisers to the Rescue
Brace yourselves for a sudden surge in demand for appraisers due to the recent devastating wild fires throughout Southern California. Disaster-related appraisal assignments - what Appraisers need to know about insurance adjusters, independent adjusters and public adjusters. How to educate the adjuster about professional appraisal standards and why it’s important.
Tune Up Your Appraisal Career with an ASA Educational Course
Opportunities for beginning, intermediate and advanced appraisers abound in ASA – sponsored programs. Quality courses and seminars are available as close as San Diego and Irvine – and for the really determined and adventurous - as far away as Russia!
RAMP IT UP !
Highlights from the ASA 2007 International Conference, Unification Plans & Other Changes in ASA, Errors & Omissions Insurance Plans for SD ASA Members, New SD ASA Discipline Chairs
The Internet as an Appraisal Research Tool
For most appraisers the Internet has completely changed the way we conduct research. Finding comps for personal property appraisers, for example, has never been easier - just imagine life without Artnet or Artfact! Obscure facts that were once nearly impossible to find are now at our fingertips. Sometimes, however, we find too much information! Internet research can become tedious and time-consuming, sometimes even overwhelming.
A Night with the Director of the Mingei International Museum
Mingei is a special word increasingly used throughout the world for "arts of the people." The director of the museum, Rob Sidner, discusses how the museum came to be, including a retrospective on the Mingei’s 30 year history, behind the scenes information and stories regarding the museum and its collections.
Honing Your Expert Witness Skills
Many appraisers serve as an Expert Witness in litigation matters, but even if you don’t, the skills needed to prepare your report, defend your methodology, analysis and conclusions are highly useful in your appraisal practice. Ideally every appraiser would prepare an appraisal with an eye to supporting all aspects of the appraisal process from a challenge.
Spanish Colonial Revival Furnishings of California
The Spanish Colonial revival movement was born in the architecture of the Panama-California Exposition of 1915 in Balboa Park. This Spanish influence spread not only to vernacular eclectic architecture of the Mission revival style but was evident in furniture, hand painted tiles, pottery, ironwork, textiles and fine art that filled the early California bungalows.
Hot Topics for 2007
Art expert Fran Priesman, ISA, recently attended the AAA (American Appraisers Association) conference held in NYC, and has brought us back a bagful of new tricks and tips for 2007, including New USPAP Rules for 2007, Museum Donation Appraisal Tips from Tax Specialists & The Insider Scoop on the BIG NYC November Auctions.
A Private Tour of A French Marquetry Workshop with Antique Refinishing
At this unique workshop we will see how a master craftsman creates and restores fine furniture using old world techniques, and learn about the art of marquetry. Patrick Edwards will also discuss how he works as a partner with appraisers in the field assisting with authentication, condition reports, and repair estimates.
Tax Tips for Small Business Owners
Many of our San Diego ASA members are sole proprietors or small business owners and we often lack the benefit of sound tax and financial advice when it comes to finding honest legal ways to minimize the tax bill.
Appraisals & Case Studies with the FBI
How can appraisers become aware of possible illegal activities in the valuation arena? What are the resources & opportunities available to appraisers in the San Diego area? FBI Special Agents are responsible for conducting sensitive national security investigations and for enforcing over 300 federal statutes.
Estate Appraisals & Appraisals for Estate Planning
It’s time to brush up your knowledge of State & Federal estate laws as they affect appraisals. Things change: in 2006 the Federal Estate Tax Exemption went up to $2 mil, and there are other changes in the rules and expectations that govern appraisers when we prepare appraisals for estate & trust purposes, conservator, gift tax or donation purposes.
The Fruits of Planning
This meeting was an opportunity for members and leaders of the chapter to brainstorm on how to improve upon the successful elements of the chapter and generate ideas for how the chapter can evolve to meet the expanding needs of the membership. Suggestions and discussions included...
Getting Paid !
A Letter of Engagement or Client Contract is an essential business tool. It sets out exactly what you have agreed to provide for your client (scope of work), and the terms under which you have agreed to perform your work - what is included in your fees, when you expect to get paid, and how a disagreement or dispute will be handled. Without a legally sound client contract you might have trouble getting paid.
Insuring Your Success
What if you broke a valuable antique while doing an appraisal? Ever worry if a client might sue you because they didn’t like your value conclusion? What if your insurance company refused a claim because the loss happened during the business use of your car? Ever need personal liability coverage for a very large job?
Keep Your Valuables Safe! How to Protect & Preserve Your Antiques & Artworks
Do you know how to correctly hang a painting or install a sculpture to protect it in the event of an earthquake, or the unintentional bumbling of kids, pets or pests (to say nothing of spouses)? What do you need to know to prevent damage from the sun, dirt, dust & mold, hungry insects and moisture?
Appraiser's Tool Kit
What are the essential tools for field work in your profession? What objects do you put in your black bag or car trunk that you might need during an inspection?
A Giant in the Gem Appraisal & Education Field Tells Tales from Gem World
Alan Hodgkinson has achieved international stature in the Gems & Jewelry world as a leader in education and innovation. He co-invented Hanneman/Hodgkinson Synthetic Emerald Filter, and 'Visual Optics' a revolution in gem ID. In the years since he has garnered every conceivable award and honor possible in the jewelry world.
Mid Century Modernism - The New Hot Collecting Area
In the late 1940’s and 1950’s a new wave of design ideas took the USA by storm. It was fun, wacky, wild and wonderful! The coconut chair! The marshmallow sofa! It was made of plastic, chrome, plexiglas, it was red, lime green, chrome yellow, it stacked, it swooped, it flexed and it was A BLAST!
Domains of Wonder Exhibit
We celebrated the Holidays by joining ASA members for a visit to the San Diego Museum of Art to explore the dazzling exhibition of Indian miniature paintings "Domains of Wonder". These paintings burst with energy and delight the eye, and they are rarely on exhibit!
Antique Maps & Globes
Antique maps are fascinating on many different levels. They are beautiful examples of art, filled with illustrations of fierce and fond spirits watching over perilous journeys, the imagined appearance of exotic peoples and strange flora & fauna.
Technology & Appraising
The implementation of specific technology can ease the demands of gems and jewelry appraising while improving accuracy, appraiser confidence, business marketing, and our bottom line.
Small Business Office Organization Tips
Organize Your Workspace & Habits - Be More Efficient & Effective! Can you usually find what you need within five seconds or less? Is stored information on the computer or in your paper files easy to retrieve by you and others? Do you consistently arrive at meetings and client appointments on time and well-prepared? Are your daily routines as efficient and effective as they can be?
Expert Depositions: The Law, Urban Myths, Reality
The Vomhofs share highlight from an informative in-depth seminar on the art of giving depositions. Are you curious about what tricks attorneys play on experts? Do you want to know what the law actually requires of an expert in the deposition? What is meant by attorney work product privilege? Do you want to know what other expert witnesses charge?
Your Business - Kick It Up A Notch with Great Photos
GREAT Photographs can give your practice a serious advantage. They dramatize a point you want to make, zero in on an important asset or defect of a subject property, and provide an important piece of documentation for your files.
Go for the GOLD Secrets on Building Your Appraisal Practice
David is a very astute marketer of his appraisal service, utilizing some "new concepts" and the internet. On April 19th he will share some innovative ways he has developed to bring customers to his door.
Fine Art Appraisals Issues of Authentication, Provenance and Ownership
Surely the value of the artwork depends to a great extent upon its authenticity. The IRS certainly thinks so; they make quite clear that the appraiser is fully responsible for authentication of donated art objects. Also, the provenance must be thoroughly looked into, as questions of stolen property, looted wartime art & antiques, and objects claimed as 'National Artistic/Cultural Treasures' by foreign nations – subject to repatriation claims - make the headlines, even in San Diego.
ASA Report Writing Requirements - Above and Beyond USPAP
FAILURE TO COMPLY with the additional ASA requirements is a common cause of the ASA Examinations Committee to “Flunk” the required reports that are submitted as part of the advancement process for AM or ASA accreditation.
Grow Your Business with Marketing, Financial & Management Skills
How SCORE can help you build your appraisal practice. SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneurial success by helping small business owners with advice, leadership and problem solving in all areas of running and growing a successful business - from obtaining financial backing to developing marketing strategies, and managing personnel. They work one-on-one with entrepreneurs and also offer low-cost workshops.
Care and Feeding of a Client
Is there an appraiser out there who hasn’t had difficulties with clients? This month’s program is an opportunity to learn and share from your fellow appraisers.
What is ASA doing for you? ASA - The Present & Future
A clear-eyed view of the issues before ASA as a professional society and how the ASA is planning to address OUR membership needs
Restoring Value to Inner City Properties and Neighborhoods
Flight to the suburbs left many downtown neighborhoods in dismal disrepair – lovely old homes decayed, became cheap rentals, schools looked like prisons, asphalt jungles with weed outcroppings, and property values plummeted. But sometime in the 1970’s things began to turnaround...
The Art of Patrick Nagel - An Expert Guide to the REAL & the FAUX
Patrick Nagel (1945 – 1984) was an art world superstar whose images are immediately identifiable. They seem to symbolize a certain 1980’s lifestyle. After his untimely death in 1984, his publisher, Mirage, continued to issue posthumous serigraphs. Big Time sales resulted - $21 million from 1984 – 1990, and $2.5 mil from 1991 – 92.
Valuable Stamps - Capsules of History
Every family has one – a stamp collection started by the grandparent or Uncle. Every collection has potential for buried treasure in its pages – some rare and valuable item. But there are pages, zillions of pages, to go through to find it.
Building a Website That Sells You
These days just about every business and organization has a website, but not all websites reach out, grab the customer and sell the service or product.
The Power & Glory of Fine Edged Weapons
A brief survey of the decorative techniques & themes used to create fine swords & daggers
Arts & Crafts Jewelry
Arts & Crafts Jewelry has not been the subject of much published research, although it is collectible. Jo Ellen has put together some fascinating original material, and even those who are not in the personal property discipline will be astonished at the beauty and variety of these works of art.
15-Hour USPAP Course
USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) is the “Gold Standard” of appraisal practice, technique and due diligence. The Appraisal Foundation was created by Congress in 1986 to set appraisal standards for Ethics, Practice & Methodology, and report writing. USPAP is the regulation document that sets forth these standards, and is updated every two years. It is the guideline by which appraisers are judged in most federal, state and legal venues, and the IRS has included it in their “Qualified Appraisal” requirements.
USPAP Seven Hour Update Class a Big Success
The San Diego ASA Chapter’s 7-hour USPAP Update course was a huge success. Twenty-one (21) individuals signed up for the class, and many came from other areas – Washington state, LA, and the San Francisco area! Judging from the enthusiastic audience participation, it was due in large part to instructor Bill Novotny’s ability to convey the normally dry USPAP material in a clear and meaningful way with a focus on personal property applications.
Report from the 2006 ASA International Appraisal Conference in Brooklyn, NY
The Personal Property sessions were very useful, especially for someone just starting out in the profession. The first day of the conference, New York area attorneys Edward Schlesinger and Peter Stern gave presentations on legal case studies in art and antique valuation disputes.
USPAP Courses Sponsored by San Diego Chapter
The San Diego ASA Chapter is proud to have provided this opportunity to our membership at a very low cost, and convenient for all our members. We had 19 participants, including many from out of town who came to take advantage of the great price – 2 from San Francisco and 3 from the LA area.
Why I Go to the ASA International Conference
There are a number of reasons - the professional bonds, close friendships, and networking opportunities are the primary ones. I consider getting to see top notch appraisers once a year a privilege. Just talking to everyone over dinner or drinks is professionally enlightening.
The Arts & Crafts Movement
The Arts & Crafts Movement had a profound influence on American culture in the early 20th century – architecture, furniture, lighting & home furnishings, textiles, pottery, fine art, silver, jewelry, metal work, book making and prints, to name a few areas of art & design.