In this episode we speak with returning guest Tanzy Ward, who is a scholar, book author, educator, antique jewelry dealer, & historic preservationist. Her book publications include Hidden Legacies: African Presence in European Antiques and Unsung Portraits: Anonymous Images of Black Victorians and Early 20th Century Ancestors. Her second historical non-fiction book Unsung Portraits was selected as a 2022 Contingent Book List Award for Historian Authors. 

Tanzy's passion for Black material culture and heirlooms has presented her with the opportunity to be featured in critically acclaimed exhibits, including Yale University's 2022 show Allegories, Renditions, & A Small Nation of Women. 

Tanzy's connoisseurship training includes the Asheford Institute of Antiques and she is a proud member of the Asheford Associate Membership Program & The American Society of Jewelry Historians. Her expertise and scholarship have been featured in various decorative arts and jewelry publications, including National Jeweler. 

In this episode we discuss:

-       The inspiration and process of writing her second book

-       Tanzy's scholarship, and how she actively engages with artifacts of self-representation in portraits, in fashion, and in jewelry to illuminate and give voice back to individuals who haven't always been included in historical scholarship

-       Tanzy's philosophy about being a conduit to steward the perspectives of "unnamed ancestors" as she describes them in her book

-       How she utilizes modern platforms like Instagram for positive educational impact, creating beautiful content that also shares hidden stories

-       How Tanzy's work has expanded into new historical eras such as Mid Century Modern with her "Modern Black Glamour" themed posts

Links mentioned in the interview:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanzyward_antiques/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanzyward/

Books:  https://zanathiajewelry.com/collections/tanzy-ward-books

Zanathia Jewelry:  https://zanathiajewelry.com/

Tanzy's first episode on The Art Elevator Podcast: https://www.larissawild.com/podcasts/the-art-elevator/episodes/2147617546

In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Vanessa and Alexander Wendl of Toad Atelier on their exhibition at Larissa Wild Fine Art: Selections from the Toad Atelier Collection. This show will feature 35 rare artifacts from their collection of over 3,000 objects that highlight the history and impact of mid-century modern design.

Through this discussion, Vanessa and Alexander delve into their collecting journey, share their collecting philosophy which centers on three core principles: preservation, sharing, and enjoyment, and highlight how sharing their collection brings joy and fosters connections with like-minded individuals.

The episode is rich with anecdotes about specific pieces in the collection, such as the large-scale photograph of a New York scene and the Herman Miller Collections prototype catalogue. Alexander shares his profound connection to Irving Harper's work, explaining that Harper's creative process and the calming nature of his paper sculptures serve as a source of inspiration for Alexander's own artistic pursuits. The Wendls emphasize the therapeutic nature of creation and the importance of engaging with art for personal fulfillment and relaxation.

Alexander and Vanessa's story serves as an inspiring example of how passion, preservation, and creativity can come together to create a rich and fulfilling journey in the world of art and design.

Many family members of artists find themselves with a new full-time job if not a full second career when the artist in the family passes away and no concrete plans were made to deal with not only the artwork left behind but also the artist's reputation and market.

Joining me today is Kelly Juhasz, principal of Fine Art Appraisal and Services, who will talk to us about dealing with the estates of artists and the services her company provides around legacy planning for artists.

In this episode Kelly will answer questions such as:

• What do family members need to know about working with the legacy of a family member
  artist?
• What are these specific tasks that need to be done in order to build and protect the legacy and artwork of an artist?
• What practical tasks can the families of artists do to get ready or start building the artist's
  legacy?

Learn more about Kelly Juhasz and her services here:

www.fineartappraisalandservices.com 

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this third episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss:

- What is restitution?

- What are some scenarios and how does the process work for restitution?

- What is it like to go undercover, posing as a middleman?

Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners.

Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients.

Learn more about Doug Bort:

Odyssey Consulting

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this first episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss:

- What is the difference between a fake and a forgery?

- What is the process for figuring out if a painting is fake?

- Some case studies with the different motives behind each of them.

Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners.

Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients.

Learn more about Doug Bort:

Odyssey Consulting

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this first episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss:

- What money laundering is

- How art is used in money laundering

- Some case studies and surprising statistics on art and money laundering

Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners.

Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes.

Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients.

Heather Bhandari (she/her) is the Co-Founder of Art World Learning (AWL): a subscription-based, online education platform to help those in the creative sector thrive by making intelligent business and financial decisions. It grew from a business and financial health conference for visual artists, named Art World Conference (AWC), which debuted in NYC in April of 2019, Los Angeles in February of 2020, and online in October of 2020. She and her AWL co-founder, Dexter Wimberly, were listed in the Observer's "Arts Power 50: Changemakers Shaping the Art World in 2019."

Heather is also an independent curator; a co-founder of the project-based curatorial team and podcast, The Remix; a trustee of Art Omi (an international artist residency in Ghent, NY); and an adjunct lecturer at Brown University where she teaches professional practice to visual arts majors. The second edition of her book, ART/WORK, was published by Simon and Schuster in October of 2017. 

From 2000 to 2016 Heather was a director of Mixed Greens, a commercial gallery in Chelsea where she curated well over one hundred exhibitions while managing a roster of nearly two-dozen emerging to mid-career artists. Most recently, she was the Director of Exhibitions at Smack Mellon, a nonprofit in Brooklyn. Heather received a BA from Brown University and an MFA from Pennsylvania State University where she recently received  their College of Arts and Architecture Distinguished Alumni Award. Her career began at contemporary galleries Sonnabend and Lehmann Maupin, both in New York City.

- The reality for most artists is they need to run a business as well as create masterpieces, and often incredible artists aren't wired for the former skillset. Heather covers some of the fundamentals an artist needs to have a viable career from a business standpoint

- Learn the benefit to society at large from providing this education for artists

- While we can question the root problems that have plagued "starving" artists in making a living to survive and thrive, hear what Heather Bhandari and Dexter Wimberly are doing to turn this around and empower artists through Art World Learning

With 3D printing, virtual reality and other technologies available, sculptors have an opportunity to explore the three dimensional in a way not previously possible. Join me as I chat with Nick Ervinck on how he harnesses these technologies to create works that speak to the present and the future, though remain grounded in the lineage of sculpture through time.

As an artist I am particularly interested in the tension between nature and culture, between tradition and innovation.

I try to push the limits of digital possibilities, while maintaining respect for the (art) historical legacy.

When creating a work I investigate the possibilities between the organic and the digital, between the virtual and the physical.

I explore classical themes such as man (with a focus on the anatomy and the emergence of cyborgs), plants (especially their genetic manipulation),
masks and animals, always starting from an (art) historical background that I cut with contemporary pop and sci-fi culture.

- Nick Ervinck

For this episode I had the pleasure of discussing the connections between art and transformation with artist Miriam Vlaming, whose work explores the human experience through figurative subject matter. Join us in this exploration of how art can create pathways for us to see ourselves more clearly, from different perspectives and ultimately lead to transformation.

Ever wondered what it is exactly that an art consultant does? I know I get the question all the time. In this episode the one and only Sarah Reeder of Artifactual History Appraisals and Worthwhile Magazine interviews me to pick my brain on what it is that I do. Here are some of the key points:

• Guide you to develop your interests, style, taste and awareness of what artwork is out there
• Help you understand the larger art world and how the pieces you are interested in fit into that picture
• Guide you on how to understand price and value, and then balance your collection to embrace both passion and your financial interest.
• Understand that the most important things when selecting an art consultant are: finding a good personality fit, as well as identifying one that has the education and background to help you navigate the art world intelligently and with meaning.

There are so many arenas in which the visual arts can intersect with a community. It doesn't always have to be about creating a finished looking object for the wall or a pedestal. Sometimes it's about the journey, the way a united vision can bring people together to consider and solve big questions in the real world. It can be about connection, a way of processing thoughts and mapping out future dreams. In this interview, we are traveling to Lamu in Kenya, where Ajax Axe has set up Space Station #2 to invite local residents to collaborate in imagining and designing a framework for a shared vision of the future.

Dr. Mass is a cultural heritage science professional with over 20 years of research, teaching, and museum experience. She has held positions working with both major encyclopedic museum collections and in the decorative arts world, as well as teaching conservation science in both the Buffalo and Delaware Master's Degree Programs in Art Conservation. She specializes in studying questions of authenticity, state of preservation, attribution, and using innovative methods of analysis to address these questions. 

In this episode you will learn:

• How certain materials change over time and react to the environment
• How to read the clues left behind in materials
• A peek inside the forensic processes used to determine fakes and forgeries
• The importance of vetting for art fairs to protect the consumer
•  

And much more!

In this episode, Aubrey Catrone explains the importance of provenance, defining it as the history of ownership of an art object from its creation to the present day. She highlights the necessity of distinguishing between stated and verified provenance, emphasizing the need for supporting documentation.

Aubrey discusses challenges such as the rapid pace of art transactions and the importance of trusting sources in the art market. She advises collectors to proactively ask for documentation, conduct risk assessments, and digitize their records. New technologies like blockchain and AI are explored, with Aubrey noting their potential and limitations. She outlines the three-pronged process of verifying authenticity through scientific testing, provenance, and connoisseurship.

And the part we love most: Aubrey highlights the emotional and historical connection that provenance provides, enriching the collector's experience and deepening their connection to the artwork.

Aubrey Catrone is an international art historian, appraiser, and provenance researcher. Aubrey earned an MA in the History of Art from University College London, specializing in the documented histories of art objects. With an art gallery and academic research background, Catrone founded Proper Provenance, LLC to provide her clients with the tools, not only to historically contextualize art, but also to shed light on attribution and legal title within the international art market. She is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America with a specialization in Impressionist & Modern Art.

Catrone has researched artworks including paintings, artefacts, works on paper, prints, and sculptures spanning the fourth century B.C.E. to the twenty-first century C.E. She has appeared as a guest expert on the History Channel and published her scholarship in a variety of publications including RICS Journals and the Journal of Art Crime.

Utilizing more than 30 years of art market experience, Cindy has written and presented widely on complex art appraisal methodology, diligent art collection practices and meaningful appraiser qualification criteria for a broad range of audiences. She has won numerous national awards for thought leadership and service to the appraisal profession. 

In this episode you will learn:

How can a buyer of art protect themselves from being taken for a ride?

What is the basis for saying this is authentic and needs no further examination or research?

What does not constitute proof of authenticity?

And much more!

Anjan Chatterjee is a Professor of Neurology, Psychology, and Architecture and the founding Director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. 

He has won awards for his work in the fields of cognitive neurology as well as psychology and art and has written some fascinating books on these topics. 

In this episode you will learn about:

• How our brains respond to beauty.
• How the human experience of beauty is malleable and why this matters.
• What the evaluation of art looks like in the brain.
• The potential for misuse of neuroaesthetics in the art industry.

In this episode you will learn:

• What a cultural philanthropy advisor does
• Strategies and approaches to solve for the funding crisis in the arts.
• Ways to recognize what's important to the new generation of patrons of the arts
• How to tie donors, audiences, and patrons into stories in a meaningful, inclusive and compelling way

Plus much more!

I'm joined in this episode by Greg Dalli from Centauri Capital, which is a company that invests in NFTs, Crypto and Startups. He describes himself as an Angel Investor, NFT Nerd and love of psychedelic art.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why NFTs have value, and what does value mean?
• What genres exist within this NFT landscape Trends in NFTs for the future?
• Why NFTs are able to democratize access to the art world And a whole lot more!

#18 Spencer W. Stuart provides advisory services to private collectors as well as institutions aiding in the design and execution of collection development, inventories, catalogues and collection appraisals as well as deaccession strategies.

In this episode you will learn:

• What is an idea-based collection?
• How questions can spark collections that explore dialogues not written into mainstream history.
• Examples of some fabulous idea-based collections

And SO much more!!

#17 Join me in episode #17 of The Art Elevator Podcast as I interview Monica Brown, the Senior specialist of prints and multiples at Hindman Auctions. Through our discussion on printmaking, you will learn:

• That prints can be a great entry point to collecting art, and how to get started
• The importance of understanding the print type and artist's market when buying prints, especially on the secondary market. Find out the right questions to ask before you buy!
• Some of the ways dealers can misrepresent prints
• Insight into some artists whose prints have appreciated over time

And more!!!!

Sarah is a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers with the Private Client Services designation for working with high-net-worth individuals and a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America.

 Sarah is CEO of Artifactual History® Appraisal which provides USPAP-compliant appraisal services of art, Midcentury Modern Design, silver, furniture, antiques and decorative arts for clients including private collectors, corporations, institutions, and members of the diplomatic community.  Sarah is the Co-Founder and Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine™ which publishes about collecting, connoisseurship, and appraising.  She is also the creator of the online course SILVER 101: Quickly Learn How to Identify Your Sterling Silver and Silverplate to Find the Valuable Pieces and Sort with Empowered Confidence, available for enrollment through her website or Teachable school. 

Larissa is also a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers and an art consultant and can be found at: https://www.larissawild.com/
You can find out more about personal property appraisers at: https://www.isa-appraisers.org/ , https://www.appraisersassociation.org/, https://www.appraisers.org/Home.

Sarah and I sit down in this new series where we discuss the world of appraising and give an inside look into what the appraisal world looks like.

In today's episode, Sarah and I discuss:

• What is in a qualified appraisal
• How to find a qualified appraiser
• The benefit of using USPAP -compliant appraisers.

Plus much more!

Find all the links and show notes at theartelevator.com/blog.

#15 Marilyn Borglum has been a professional artist for over twenty-nine years.

She is Co-Founder of Borglum Art Education and Move America.

Marilyn received her Master of Fine Arts in painting from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1993.  While she was a student there, she was awarded the graduate teaching position for printmaking. While she had been drawing and painting horses since she was a young girl, she began her in-depth study of the horse, as an art student as both a printmaker and painter. Her exploration of the horse's form has expanded for over two decades, often working on very large-scale life-sized equine portraits. Her equine paintings have been featured in Dressage Today, Hanover Lifestyle Magazine, Inside Hanover, The Laurel Magazine, and many online periodicals.

Her new large-scale narrative portraiture series demonstrates her mastery of the acrylic medium, her attention to detail, and her love for the intellectual challenge in creating narrative work. 

She has been influenced by the expressionist works of William de Kooning, and Ben Shahn, and the equine work of Deborah Butterfield and others.

I'm so excited to bring my interview with artist Marilyn Borglum with you today. In our conversation, you will learn:

• How the best of us struggle, and how this can bring new ways of seeing
• The importance of understanding color as an artist, and as a viewer
• The journey of Monet as an artist, from the perspective of an artist
• How to see what artists have created more clearly

And much more!

#14 Heather Marx Art Advisory is a comprehensive art consultant agency that services private and corporate collections nationwide, produces and project manages independent curatorial projects, and provides arts-related consultation. HMxAA focuses on projects that inspire clients and provide a welcoming dialogue about how art can create positive change.

For over 20 years, Heather Marx has worked in the arts industry in both academic and professional contexts. She received her Masters of Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and worked in the Los Angeles and San Francisco art scenes of the 1990s. In 2001, she established what would ultimately become Marx & Zavattero, a leading contemporary gallery in San Francisco known for a strong, cutting-edge program.

I'm so excited to share this interview with Heather today. In today's episode, you'll learn:

• The role of an art consultant
• The benefits of working with an art consultant
• What mistakes art consultants will help you avoid

Plus much more!

Aubrey Catrone is an international art historian, appraiser, and provenance researcher. Aubrey earned an MA in History of Art from University College London, specializing in the documented histories of art objects, and is a USPAP-compliant Associate Member of the Appraisers Association of America. With an art gallery and academic research background, Catrone founded Proper Provenance, LLC to provide her clients with the tools, not only to historically contextualize art but also to shed light on attribution and legal title within the international art market.

#13 I'm so excited to give a clearer picture of art provenance and its role in the art world. In today's episode, you'll learn:

• What is art provenance and why does it matter
• Why you want to do your due diligence when you purchase artwork
• The importance of your paperwork and the role it plays in art history.

And much more!

Find all links and show notes at theartelevator.com/blog.

In this episode, Brooke Kuhnhusen shares her evolving understanding of creativity, initially seeing herself as a psychologist engaging in art, but now embracing her identity as a creative person.

She discusses the therapeutic connection of creativity, highlighting its role in connecting with the deepest self through compassion, curiosity, connectedness, and creativity. Brooke emphasizes the importance of joy in the creative process, describing it as a vital, fun energy that has the ability to transform those who engage. She recounts her personal experience with land art, overcoming self-doubt, and finding satisfaction in the creative process itself. 

Brooke also explores cultural perspectives on creativity, particularly in ceremony and ritual, and the significance of giving oneself permission to be creative. She highlights the power of co-creation and community in amplifying joy and connection, viewing creativity as a collaborative and exponential force.

Lastly, she underscores the natural world's role in inspiring and holding our joy and courage in creative endeavors.

About the speaker:

Dr. Brooke Kuhnhausen is a deeply creative soul who embraces explorations of connection and healing across varied landscapes ranging from academic classrooms to treeside in a forest.  Dr. Kuhnhausen values creativity and collaboration as portals of transformation and imagination so vitally needed for new ways of being together and caring for the Earth in our time of climate change. She is a psychologist who practices depth and relational therapy in her private practice and also trains and consults with other therapists, teaching in various graduate programs and therapy institutes.

Dr. Kuhnhausen's climate justice advocacy includes her participation in ecofeminist art exhibitions, including her absolutely stunning land art installation last summer at the Verdancy Project in Oregon.  Her passionate centering of beauty and connection as north stars for inspiring positive change has personally shifted co-host Sarah Reeder's thinking away from climate despair many times.  It is such an honor to be able to share her unique gift of perspective on the podcast as we talk about creativity as a force for healing.

Dr. Kuhnhausen can be reached at B.kuhnhausen@gmail.com for inquiries regarding workshops, speaking engagements, creative collaborations, and other opportunities.

#12 Nikki Todd is the founder of Visions West Gallery located in Denver Colorado and Bozeman and Livingston in Montana. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is contemporary naturalism?
• Why animal and nature themes have been used throughout art
• How artists are able to bring attention to social and environmental issues
• The influence of art of the american west

And much more.

#11 Sarah and I sit down in this new series where we discuss the world of appraising and give an inside look into what the appraisal world looks like.

In today's episode, Sarah and I discuss:

• How we determine if someone needs an appraisal
• The frequent objects that get we get requested to appraise
• Why knowing what markets are available to sell in are so important
• The benefit of using USPAP -compliant appraisers.

Plus much more!

Sarah is a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers with the Private Client Services designation for working with high-net-worth individuals and a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America.

Larissa is also a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers and an art consultant and can be found at: https://www.larissawild.com/

#10 Kelly Bennett is the Head of Collections Management at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the founder of ArtPro Net: an organization dedicated to connecting art professionals in all areas of art logistics with clients across California and the United States.

Today Kelly is here to share insights from her many years of managing public and private art collections.

• Essentials on how to manage the art you have, or plan to have, in your home.
• How to hang paintings
• Considerations for looking after your art

Find all links and show notes at www.theartelevator.com/blog.

#9 Patrick Connors is a Philadelphia easel painter. A graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania, his work is exhibited internationally and included in private and public collections.

Among the institutions where Patrick has lectured are Yale University Art Gallery, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Drexel School of Medicine. He has taught at the New York Academy of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art: Manhattan and Rome Programs.

Fellowships and grants include a Franz & Virginia Bader Fund Grant, an Oxford University Summer Residency Fellowship in painting and anatomy, a Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant for painting, the Samuel D. Gross/Thomas Eakins Award for Significant Contributions to Medicine and its Surrounding Culture by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia; and the select alternate for a Senior Research Fulbright Scholarship for Italy.  This year, Patrick was awarded the Howard and Gail Schaevitz Foundation grant for painting.

Listeners can view Patrick's paintings and connect with him through his website www.connorsfinearts.com.

In today's episode, you'll learn about:

• The introduction of perspective in Renaissance art
• What perspective is and the major artists involved in popularizing the use of perspective
• Patrick Connors' experiences using perspective in his own paintings

And much more!

#8 Tanzy Ward is the author of Hidden Legacies: African Presence in European Antiques, an antique dealer, and an appraiser. She is also the founder of Zanathia Jewelry, which specializes in preserving rare antique and vintage accessories from eras gone by. 

Tanzy is a PACC certified appraiser and graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques. In addition, she is a proud member of the Asheford Associate Membership Program & The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

In today's episode, you'll learn about:

• The "hidden legacy" of the abundant yet not widely known presence of Africans and individuals of African descent in European art
• How the absence of these depictions of individuals of African descent in traditional education has damaged our collective understanding of our shared heritage
• Recommendations for how listeners can continue to expand their knowledge about African presence in European art

And much more!

Find all the links and show notes at theartelevator.com/blog.

Claudia Hess, MBA, AAA brings 40 years of experience as an art historian, curator, entrepreneur, educator, gallery owner, and art collector to her role as CEO of Hess Art Advisory.  

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• What is an NTF and why are they so popular right now
• Does owning an NTF mean you are the only one who owns the artwork
• Steps art collectors should take to educate themselves so they can make informed decisions about NTFs

And much more!

You can find all links and show notes at theartelevator.com.

#6 Sarah is an appraiser, a Midcentury Modern Design specialist, and scholar of the 20th century artist and designer Ray Eames.  Sarah is CEO of Artifactual History® Appraisal which provides USPAP-compliant appraisal services of art, Midcentury Modern Design, silver, furniture, antiques and decorative arts for clients including private collectors, corporations, institutions, and members of the diplomatic community.  Sarah is the Co-Founder and Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine™ which publishes about collecting, connoisseurship, and appraising.  She is also the creator of the online course SILVER 101: Quickly Learn How to Identify Your Sterling Silver and Silverplate to Find the Valuable Pieces and Sort with Empowered Confidence, available for enrollment through her website or Teachable school. 

Sarah is a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers with the Private Client Services designation for working with high-net-worth individuals and a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America.  

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• How the migration of European artists during World War Two influenced mid-century artists and designers
• Why artists though everyone should be able to afford good art/design
• The connection between artists and how it influenced their art

And much more!

Find all the links and show notes at theartelevator.com/blog!

#5 In today's podcast, I interview Carl Schmitz, who is an art researcher and catalogues raisonné scholar. He joins me today as we discuss the role that catalogues raisonnés play in the art world.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What is a catalogues raisonnés
• Why are catalogues raisonnés created
• How catalogues raisonnés can enhance your art knowledge and collection
• Plus much more!

Find all links and shownotes at theartelevator.com!

#4 Matt Isble is the Director of Exhibition Design at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento California & is also the Founder of MuseumTrade.org: which is a cross-disciplinary resource for those in the Museum Trade.

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt on what it was like behind the scenes setting up a recent Richard Jackson exhibit at the Crocker Museum.

In today's episode, you'll learn:

• The preparation that goes into setting up an exhibition
• What it is like to work with an artist on their exhibition
• Why Matt started Museum Trade and how it benefits museums as a whole.

And much more!

Find all the links and show notes at theartelevator.com.

#3 In today's episode, I interview Dr. Sharon Hecker in Milan, Italy. Dr. Hecker is an art historian, curator, lecturer and consultant. Dr. Hecker gives us her insights into sculpture and light.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The development of sculpture and its relationship to light
• How light can determine how you see sculpture
• Sharon's top 3 lights considerations for placing sculpture

And much more!

Find all the links and show notes from today's episode at theartelevator.com.

Welcome back to the Art Elevator podcast! Today, we delve into the world of Artifcts with co-founders Heather Nickerson and Ellen Goodwin. Heather, CEO, shares her heartfelt journey of inheriting memories after her mother's passing, igniting the creation of Artifcts. Ellen, CSO, emphasizes the platform's simplicity in capturing, preserving, and sharing stories behind cherished items. Their new initiative, Artifcts for Professionals, aims to revolutionize collection management. Join us as we explore the human-centric approach to cataloging legacies with Artifcts.

#2 Today, I'm interviewing Alvah Beander, who is a fine art appraiser specializing in Traditional and Contemporary African Art, art by African Americans, including Folk Art and Art by people of the African Diaspora. She is a member of the International Society of Appraisers, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and holds an MBA from Marymount University of Management in Arlington Virginia.

We were able to record on a significant day – Martin Luther King Day.

In this episode, 

You will learn:

• How to value art on all levels, including monetary, societal, and emotional value
• Observations on artists whose careers have gone from "unknown" to "successful"
• What can be learned from studying art

And much more!

Find all the links and show notes at theartelevator.com.

#1 In this episode, I am interviewing Flux who is a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder working on a dual Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience. Flux also has a background in the arts with a history as a makeup artist and body painter, a NYC performance artist, and an extensive background as a graphic designer focusing on science communication.

You will learn:

• What happens to our brain when we look at art
• How our perception of art has changed through the ages
• The role of mindfulness in forming a deeper connection with art

And much more!

Find all the show notes and links for the episode at theartelevator.com!

Sarah Reeder riffs today about how we forget that there is an inner transformation that happens within us when we express ourselves creatively, that can be very, very positive. It's totally independent from the outcome of whether anyone else likes what we've made. We have changed ourselves.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join Sarah Reeder and I in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join us in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join us in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

We hear over and over in the news about issues surrounding the estates of artists and how family members or caretakers are having control over the artwork and sales. There are lawsuits, family discord, issues with heirs mismanaging the remaining collection of artworks and stories of others involved in the artist's careers or at the end of their lives taking advantage of the artist's success.

Joining me today is Kelly Juhasz, principal of Fine Art Appraisal and Services, to talk about how artists can better plan for their own legacy to ensure that their reputations and remaining artworks are handled properly and reduce the opportunity for mismanagement.

In this episode Kelly will answer questions such as:

• What is artist legacy planning?
• Why should artist's care about what happens to their work after they pass?
• What are some of the biggest issues that Kelly has seen in working with artist's estates
• What can living artists do to start to prepare for their own legacy?

Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. 

In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I

Topics discussed:

- How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in

- Their tips on how to start a collection

- How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients

- The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you

- The joy of living surrounded by art

You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting

Podcast Show Notes

Makeba Boateng is a cultural strategist and the founder of Fashion Forum Africa, dedicated to preserving and promoting Ghana's rich textile heritage and fostering sustainable fashion practices. With over three decades of experience in public relations, appraisal, and curation, she has worked on globally recognized projects, including the Victoria & Albert Museum's Africa Fashion exhibition, now touring internationally. Makeba is reshaping the narrative around African heritage and creativity for a global audience. 

Makeba is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, a USPAP-Compliant Personal Property Appraiser leading her company Boaten Appraisal Service, and a passionate advocate for indigenous African design. Her work bridges Ghana's textile traditions with global innovation, inspiring a sustainable future for African fashion and design. 

Her work celebrates the intersection of history and modernity, blending storytelling with advocacy to elevate indigenous African textiles and design. A champion for sustainability and cultural preservation, she collaborates with artisans, designers, and institutions to create meaningful projects that honor tradition while inspiring innovation. By promoting indigenous techniques and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, she aims to inspire the next generation of creators to embrace their roots while shaping a global impact. 

Makeba's work is a testament to the power of tradition in driving contemporary relevance, making her a trailblazer in the world of fashion and cultural advocacy. 

Links:

Fashion Forum Africa: https://fashionforumafrica.com/ 

Makeba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeba-boateng/ 

Boaten Appraisal Services on LinkedIn

Makeba's ISA Profile

Fashion Forum Africa Instagram 

Fashion Forum Africa Facebook

Makeba's main garment worn during the interview: Hand-Batiked Silk Long Kimono by: Studio 189

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to The Art Elevator on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes stories from the art world.

Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Appraisal Scribe, where you can optimize your appraisal process with their all-in-one platform. Learn more here!

To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN!

Podcast Show Notes:

In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, we are joined by Lucy Walter, Head of Small Business Partnerships at Artsy, the world's largest online marketplace for discovering, buying, and selling fine art. Lucy shares her journey from finance to her current role at Artsy and discusses how the platform is revolutionizing the art market for small and emerging galleries. 

From strategies for increasing visibility to the importance of diversifying sales channels, Lucy provides invaluable insights into how galleries can thrive in the digital art world. She also introduces Artsy's exciting new partnership with ArtCloud, which simplifies gallery operations and empowers them to focus on what they do best: connecting collectors with incredible art.

Whether you're a gallery owner, an art collector, or simply fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What is Artsy? An introduction to the platform and its mission to expand the global art market.
• Challenges for Small Galleries: How Artsy helps galleries grow visibility, reach global collectors, and manage operations efficiently.
• Online Art Sales Trends: Why 80% of collectors are buying art online and how Artsy is leveraging this shift.
• The Power of an Online Presence: Tips for galleries to integrate in-person events with online platforms for maximum impact.
• Artsy x ArtCloud Partnership: How this integration is transforming inventory management and sales for galleries.
• Why Artsy is a Game-Changer for Collectors: A seamless journey from discovery to purchase and beyond.

Key Highlights: 

• Artsy has seen a 40% increase in sales this year despite a broader market downturn.
• Galleries on Artsy gain global visibility, which is essential for emerging artists with regional demand.
• Artsy's tools and analytics help galleries save time, optimize their operations, and grow their businesses.
• The ArtCloud partnership streamlines inventory and sales management, saving galleries up to 80% of time on administrative tasks.
• Collectors can explore curated collections, discover emerging artists, and purchase works from galleries worldwide with ease.

Resources and Links:

• Register interest in Artsy: https://partners.artsy.net/gallery-partnerships/  
• Explore the ArtCloud Partnership: https://partners.artsy.net/artcloud/
• 2024 report on collector behavior: https://partners.artsy.net/resource/art-collector-insights-2024/
• Artsy Viewing Rooms: https://www.artsy.net/viewing-rooms

Sponsor Shoutout:

This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world.  

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN! - https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

In this special Winter Solstice episode, recorded while basking in a welcome sunbeam, Sarah Reeder reflects on the transformative power of creativity and its role in shaping our lives. As 2024 comes to a close—a year full of challenges, growth, and connection—she shares insights on why creativity is essential, not as a luxury but as a daily source of light and inspiration. Sarah explores how the act of creating, regardless of outcome, opens new doors in our imagination and connects us to our kindred spirits, enriching our lives in profound ways. Join Sarah in reimagining creativity as an empowering force, a way to generate our own light, and a means to find joy and purpose.

Click here to join the fun: https://click.artcld.com/podcast-signup?sub=d275c822-5184-46fa-afa0-5cf0cfd35367

Join us as we dive into the world of Kelsey Rose Williams, a design scholar, historian, photographer, and American living in France. With a passion for modern architecture, archival preservation, and cross-cultural exploration, Kelsey shares her journey through art history, her work with iconic institutions like the Eames House, and her inspirations behind her captivating Substack, Absolument. We explore her love of connecting seemingly unrelated artists, stories from her travels, and the joy of weaving together influences from art, architecture, and culture into a vibrant creative tapestry. Don't miss this intimate and inspiring conversation on The Art Elevator podcast!

Links Mentioned:

Substack: https://kelseyyrose.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyyrose/

Website: https://www.kelseyrosewilliams.com/

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/kelseyyrose

This episode is brought to you by Sarah and Larissa of Artifactual History Appraisal and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To help support us in our efforts to bring you free educational and inspirational content about art, design, collecting, appraising and creativity, we invite you to consider purchasing one of our paid product offerings listed below:

Sarah Reeder

SILVER 101 course: https://artifactualhistory.teachable.com/p/silver-101

Ray Eames book: https://www.amazon.com/Ray-Eames-1930s-New-York/dp/B09PHBWT17/

🎙 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "value" is about more than price—it's about history, impact, and meaning.
• How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections.
• The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value.
• Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate.
• How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects.
• The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it.
• Steps you can take today to document your own collection.

🛠 Practical Takeaways:

• Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally.
• Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective.
• Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants.
• Don't wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Alvah Beander's Website
• Stay informed and inspired: Join the Art Elevator Email List
• Follow Larissa Wild Fine Art on Instagram
• Follow Artifactual History on Instagram

📢 Special Thanks:

This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike.