Connoisseurship Outside the Classroom: Special Activities For Chicago Modernism Students

By Sarah Reeder, ISA

Modernism has been a passion of mine for many years, and I am thrilled about the brand new Modernism course that the ISA will be offering next month in Chicago:  "Modernism: Prints, Photographs, and Multiples," June 13-15, presented by Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP. 

The class will cover a wide range of topics related to editioned works of art, including the identification of modern and contemporary prints, photography and sculpture mediums and processes, the impact of condition on value, evaluating comparables in different marketplaces, authentication issues, and common legal concerns. Modern prints, photographs, and multiples is one of the most challenging and complex categories to appraise. This class will provide an invaluable introduction to the increasingly strong modern market and help prepare appraisers for encountering such items in future assignments.

Held in Chicago, a city known for its rich Modernist heritage, this course ensures that students will also enjoy a variety of local field trips and hands-on connoisseurship opportunities to enhance their knowledge. Class participants will visit the Art Institute of Chicago and be treated to special docent-led tours of the museum’s collection of modern prints, multiples and modern design currently on exhibit. 

The class will also tour the Museum of Contemporary Photography and study selections on view from the extensive collection. Later, bus transportation will be provided for an exciting visit to the iconic mid-century modern store An Orange Moon, where students can enjoy the opportunity to closely examine items in its award-winning mid-century modern design inventory. They will also explore other nearby galleries located in Chicago’s popular arts neighborhood, known as the "WOW District." The day concludes with an optional group dinner for students at Maggiano’s Little Italy.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes peek at the course materials during the development of this brand new ISA educational offering. As a fellow mid-century modern specialist, I can attest that class participants are in for a fascinating and informative experience! I urge everyone to both read more about the course and register online at the ISA website.