The 2025 ASA Personal Property Appraisal Symposium recently took place in Houston, TX, bringing together professionals from across the country for three days of dynamic learning, lively discussion, and valuable networking. With a robust program featuring leading voices in personal property appraisal, museum studies, fine and decorative arts, and auction markets, the symposium offered attendees insights across a wide spectrum of specialties within the personal property appraisal field.
The event kicked off Thursday morning with opening remarks followed by ana lively keynote session by Mister McKinney of Historic Houston, who highlighted the lasting cultural impact of early Houston families such as Ima Hogg, the de Menils, and the Mastersons. Their influence on institutions like Bayou Bend, The Menil Collection, and Rienzi set the stage for Houston’s emergence as a global cultural hub.
Attendees were then treated to a thoughtful exploration of Toshiko Takaezu’s artistry by Elizabeth Essner of the Museum of Fine Arts. ASA’s own Peter Held followed with an engaging market-focused session, tracing the growing demand for Takaezu’s work and highlighting key trends in valuation across gallery and auction settings.
Thursday’s morning sessions on Asian art markets featured Lark Mason, who shared a compelling case study on the appraisal of a significant Imperial Chinese screen, and Lark Mason III, who provided key insight on evaluating Japanese swords and prints. An enlightening lunch presentation was delivered by Allison Armstrong Ayers with a look at how Latin American artists are increasingly being integrated into the global art market.
The afternoon included a reflective talk by Melissa K. Grobmyer on her extensive career as an art advisor, followed by a panel discussion focused on Illustration Art, Photography, and Books & Manuscripts. Presenters Sarahjane Blum, Deborah Rogal, and Darren Winston shed light on their respective markets and provided guidance on navigating changing tastes, softening sectors, and the value of having expert collaborators.
Friday’s sessions began with a focus on auction market trends. Alasdair Nichol provided a survey of the post-COVID art world, while Raphael Chatroux examined a decade of American art sales. Carolyn Pastel, AAA, led a fascinating presentation on the rise of 20th-century design, exploring its journey from niche interest to global category. The morning wrapped up with an auction house roundtable Q&A.
During Friday’s Lunch & Learn, Deborah Miller, ASA, explored current menswear trends on the secondary market, inspired by the Met’s upcoming exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The afternoon turned to Latin American and Native American markets. Scott W. Hale provided a sweeping overview of Southwestern and Indigenous art, from 19th-century ledger works to contemporary art. Genice Lee, ASA wrapped up the second day with a powerful session on African American archives, reinforcing the importance of research and cultural context in valuing these materials.
The symposium concluded on Saturday with an in-depth workshop on expert witness roles in appraisal. Denise Peterson and Josh Wood provided attendees with an approachable introduction to depositions, mediations, and arbitrations, guiding them through the legal and procedural basics of trial testimony.
With a well-rounded schedule and expert speakers, the 2025 ASA Personal Property Appraisal Symposium reaffirmed its role as a premier event for personal property professionals. A sincere thank you goes out to all the speakers, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who made this year’s event such a success.