Travel along the banks of the Potomac River and enjoy an intimate view of 18th century Virginia, until we disembark at the gates of Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington.  Upon arrival, ASA participants will be greeted and then be taken to an audience with Lady Washington in the Interpretive Center.  From there, participants will be taken on a tour of George and Martha Washington's home, with rooms faithfully reproduced in period colors and original furnishings, presenting an authentic view of life at the estate in the 1700's.  After lunch, participants will view a private screening, followed by a tour of the museum with the collections staff.  At the conclusion of the tour, participants will have an opportunity to relax and browse the 6,600 square foot gift shop. 

An educational luncheon titled, "The Art of Describing: Cataloguing Works of Art," is included in this tour.  During this luncheon, Elaine Banks Stainton, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Doyle New York will speak to attendees about proper cataloguing - the accurate description - of fine and decorative art.  Elaine will speak to us about how one of the most important jobs in cataloguing an appraisal or an auction catalogue is simply to make the clearest and most accurate description possible.  Clients in this context are of many kinds and have many different needs.  They can be owners, families of owners, attorneys, would-be buyers, IRS examiners, in fact every person with a real interest in a work's proper description.  The talk will define standard appraiser's terms and discuss their use.  Elaine will also address unusual situations where the conventional terms need to be supplemented with further explanation.