Personal Property Sessions

8:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Russian Art in America: Changing Times and Perspectives

Judi Dutcher, President and Director, The Museum of Russian Art

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 contributed to a conceptual reevaluation of 20th century Soviet and Russian fine art. Through much of the 1930–1980 era, Russian realist art was largely ignored by western critics and historians as “just propaganda.” Currently Russian art is actively marketed in retail galleries, on the Internet, and through respected auction houses and private dealers. What happened to cause this artistic revolution? Learning objectives include gaining an understanding that:

• Russian 20th century realist art has a lineal tradition of excellence dating to the 18th century.
• Soviet era artists were beneficiaries of rigorous academic training that is evident in the technical mastery of drawing, composition and color palette selections.
• 20th century Soviet/Russian painting has a surprisingly diverse spectrum of subjects and exceptional styles.
• American audiences actively patronize exhibitions of Russian art and are curious to learn more about the lives and works of Russian artists.

9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Oriental Rugs: A Market Snapshot

Carnig A. Minasian, Minasian Rug Company

Can you tell the difference between a 19th century tribal rug and one created from the same hand-spun, vegetal dyed wools but woven in 2002? Are you sure? Today’s markets are changing due to a combination of geopolitics, globalism and the consumer tastes of various markets, but this is only the latest chapter of the ever-changing world of Oriental rugs. Today’s speaker will bring you up to date on the latest “players” in modern rug production (e.g., Arzu rugs from Afghanistan) and also reveal why some rugs have become so valuable while other sought-after rugs of the recent past have lost both popularity and value in today’s marketplace

10:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Refreshment Break

11:00 a.m.–Noon

Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990: A Primer

Lela Hersh, Museum and Fine Arts Consulting LLC

In the United States, artists can exercise their rights under the first amendment and copyright laws. Although these rights are generally familiar to most people in the industry, the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990 (VARA), a federal moral rights law, is not as well known. This session will explain the purpose and parameters of VARA. Several case studies will be analyzed to provide real world examples of how VARA has been viewed by the courts. Learning objectives include gaining:

• An expanded knowledge of artists’ rights under VARA
• An understanding of the impact this law can have on collectors and, ultimately, appraisers

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break (on your own)

1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Educational Tour: Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Transportation provided. Ticket required.

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, according to Frommer’s, the MIA is one of the top comprehensive fine and decorative arts museums in the country. The collection includes significant holdings in 20th century design; Asian art; prints and drawings; decorative arts including exhibitions of glass, silver and period rooms; paintings and modern sculpture; textiles; photography; and African, Oceanic and Native American art. After a special tour conducted by curators David Ryan and Jennifer Komar Olivarez, you will have time on your own to explore the permanent collection or view some of the current temporary exhibitions:

Space/Surface—Contemporary Sculptors as Printmakers; Banks Personified—Selections from the Katherine Kierland Herberger Collection; Paris 1900—Graphic Design in Revolt; Peter Henry Emerson and American Naturalistic Photography; Pablo Picasso—Livres d’Artistes; Restoring a Masterwork III—Francesco Mochi’s Saint Onophrius; Honore Daumier/Caricature (working title); Friedlander—Photography.

8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Protecting Yourself Against Attorneys

Jeffrey W. Brend, ASA, J.D.

Attorneys will try to trick and trap you; even your own. Learn the steps necessary to protect yourself against zealous attorneys, from initial retention through the final cross-examination on the witness stand by one of America’s premier forensic attorneys, who is also an ASA/CPA and a CFE. You’ll also learn how to safeguard yourself from the initial agreement, to bullet-proofing reports, drafting memorandums, preparing depositions and testifying in court; as well as valuable techniques to avoid the malpractice traps attorneys set. Learning objectives include gaining an understanding of:

• Engagement agreements
• Report drafting and writing
• Notes and memoranda
• Preparing for depositions
• Courtroom testimony

9:30 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Appraisal Issues: Authenticity, Condition and Valuation

Yvonne M. Karn, ASA, Yvonne Karn Appraisal Services; Tom A. Simatos, AM, Simatos Automotive Appraisals; Barbara K. Levin, ASA, Barbara K. Levin Fine Arts Associates LLC; John Abbott, ASA, Abbott’s; Moderator: Richard-Raymond Alasko, FASA, The Alasko Companyf

Four appraisers with widely differing specialties (celebrity properties, rock and roll memorabilia and properties belonging to inventors and authors; automotive; fine arts; and coins and jewelry) will discuss examples from their work experience that address key elements of an appraisal for their specialty area. Each will focus on how this example can be useful to appraisers outside of their specialties. Learning objectives include gaining an understanding of:

• Current issues in appraisal practice
• Practical advice and examples from the work of experienced appraisers

10:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Refreshment Break

11:00 a.m.–Noon

Appraising for the Government (Auction Format)

C. Kirk Root, GG, ASA*

After appraising jewelry for over 20 years, five years ago Kirk Root started appraising for the U.S. Department of Justice (Marshals Service). The national contract provided thousands of items for appraisal in a required compact format. Root will share his work experience on concise descriptive terminology for credible appraisal reports as required by some federal agencies. Since many seized and all forfeited properties are currently sold at auction, an “auction friendly” format is required. You will gain essential knowledge in working with, for and around auction houses. Learning objectives include gaining an understanding of:

• Working with the government
• The minimalist approach
• Shortened descriptive terminology
• Working with auction houses

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Lunch Break (on your own)

1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Educational Tours: The Museum of Russian Art and Walker Art Center

Transportation provided. Ticket required.

• The Museum of Russian Art: In the context of a booming market for Russian art, it will be fascinating to stop for an on-your-own visit to this new museum, which focuses upon the finest representative paintings of the Soviet era between 1921 and 1991. TMORA has many contacts with artists and museums in the former Soviet Union and is the only museum of its kind in North America. You will be hearing more and more about this museum, which offers first-rate scholarly exhibitions and programs and is in the process of forming a major collection.
• Walker Art Center: “One of the liveliest museums in the country, an institution that [has] maintained a strong independent voice despite its ties to the mainstream art world” is how The New York Times describes the Walker Art Center, which is famous for edgy, contemporary art. Assistant Curator Yasmil Raymond and Associate Registrar Joe King will talk to us about exhibitions and caring for the collection at the Walker. After the program you will have time on your own to explore the museum and gift shop; see the current exhibition from the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, A Theatre Without Theatre; or walk across the street to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.