Meet the Next Director of Education

Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP

By Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP, President

On behalf of the International Society of Appraisers Board, I am delighted to announce that Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP, (member of ISA since 2009), has been appointed as the new ISA Director of Education, effective January 1, 2017.

Meredith earned her Bachelor's degree in Classical Studies and Art History from Duke University in 2000, and a Master's degree in Modern Art, Connoisseurship, and the History of the Art Market from Christie's Education in New York in 2001. She spent the next five years in the Christie's New York Antiquities Department as sale coordinator and cataloguer of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Near Eastern works of art. During her time at Christie's, she worked on numerous high profile auctions, including the Doris Duke Estate, Ancient Egyptian Art from the Harer Family Trust, and the John W. Kluge Morven Collection of Ancient Art.

Meredith joined Heritage Auctions in 2007 as Senior Consignment Director in the Fine & Decorative Arts Department, overseeing two auctions each year. In January 2010, she became the Director of Appraisal Services, preparing formal appraisals for 40 specialist categories beyond fine art.

In addition to her duties at Heritage, Meredith participates as an appraiser for Antiques Roadshow on PBS, specializing in Antiquities, Glass, Silver, and Decorative Arts. She serves on the ISA Fine Art committee and is the lead instructor for the ISA accreditation pathway, Fine Art Course. Meredith is the recent past President of the Foundation for Appraisal Education and a guest lecturer at museums, institutions, conferences, and multiple civic organizations. In 2015, she was honored with the ISA Distinguished Service Award for her contributions and dedication to the field of personal property appraisals.

In asking Meredith about her new position she stated, “I'm honored to be appointed to this position. I have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to continuing Leon Castner's legacy. The entire education team is excited for 2017 and dedicated to assisting ISA members to be the top most appraisers in the industry”.

The Director of Education position for ISA is a three year rotating position. The Board would like to thank outgoing Director of Education Leon Castner for his years of service and contributions to the education of our members.

A Real 'Name'-Changer

by Maureen S. Winer, ISA CAPP, Chair of Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts (AFDA)

Say goodbye to "ARC" and hello to "AFDA!"

I am thrilled to announce that the ISA Board has approved the Antiques & Residential Contents (ARC) Committee’s recommendation to change the name of the ARC division to Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts, otherwise referred to by its acronym AFDA.

Why the change? For years, I have believed that ARC did not properly reflect my appraisal business, nor that of most of my fellow appraisers. Sure, it is primarily an internal name and the general public is not aware of the title. Still, we are. So why does this matter? The answer is, we should be represented by a name that is consistent with our desired image; it should state our expertise and should last the test of time. The name should also represent the majority of our members.

The (former ARC) committee members agreed unanimously that a name change was necessary; therefore, we embarked on a mission to find the right name. Through much discussion and debate, and with welcome input from Libby Holloway, we chose Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts. It should be noted that we had an extensive discussion regarding our Gems and Jewelry appraisers; although they remain a part of the AFDA division, we recognize that we need to help them reestablish their own voice over the coming years. The Annual Conference Committee has made sure that there will be plenty of relevant presentations and breakouts to please our Gems and Jewelry appraising members at the upcoming Assets 2017 in Chicago, March 31 – April 3.

Many thanks to our committee members—Bridget Donnelly, Kurt Soucek, Mary Alice Manella, Rudy Pena, Sanjay Kapoor, Lisa Duke and Catherine Sanky. If you would like to become a part of our committee, please contact me at maureen@pwpusa.com.

New ISA Board of Directors

We are so pleased to introduce the new ISA Board of Directors, who were officially seated during the ISA Board of Directors meeting in Chicago on Sunday, October 18. Please join us in congratulating them!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT
Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP
Colleyville, Texas

VICE-PRESIDENT
Perri Guthrie, ISA CAPP
Woodside, California

SECRETARY
Karen Rabe, ISA CAPP
Peoria, Arizona

TREASURER
Steve Roach, ISA CAPP
Dayton, Ohio

DIRECTORS

Hughene Acheson, ISA AM
Oakville, Ontario

Marian Aubry, ISA CAPP
Sarasota, Florida

Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg, ISA CAPP
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

Suzanne Sellers Houck, ISA CAPP
La Quinta, California

Fred Winer, ISA CAPP
Baltimore, Maryland

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Joseph M. Jackson, CAE
Chicago, Illinois

ISA would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg, ISA CAPP, for her hard work and dedication during her two-year term as ISA President. Special thanks are also due to Libby Holloway, ISA CAPP, who retires from the Board after six years of service as an officer and director. Their contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization!

Newly elected President, Christine Guernsey, ISA CAPP, states: "I am honored to be elected President of the Board of Directors for the International Society of Appraisers, by my colleagues and peers. I humbly accept the position which follows in the footsteps of some 'legendary shoes' worn by recent past presidents who have made ISA the premier professional personal property appraisal organization! I intend to continue the path of promoting and educating the public to the importance of hiring credentialed and qualified personal property appraisers, while providing new opportunities for our members' professional growth."

The ISA BOD looks forward to continuing to work hard on behalf of the membership!

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM ISA

To our valued ISA members and friends,

Please note that ISA headquarters will be closed in observance of the holidays beginning Monday, December 23rd and reopening on Thursday, December 26th.

Thank you for helping to make 2013 such a successful year for ISA … and 2014 will be even more exciting!

From the Board of Directors and staff, we’re sending our warmest wishes to all for a beautiful, safe and festive holiday season!

Who We Are

“The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven association, formed to support our member needs and serve the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Our members include many of the country's most respected independent appraisers, consultants, estate liquidators, auctioneers, gallery owners, and dealers.”

The quote above was taken from ISA website. We are dedicated professionals who have chosen to be trained and tested by a volunteer-based association which has matured into one of the most respected appraisal societies in the country. Many, many individuals have contributed countless hours to make this happen.

“Volunteer” is the key word. We volunteer for many reasons including wanting to help others. But let’s be honest, we also volunteer because we generally want something in return. ISA’s continued success depends on this need for wanting something in return. We exist to fill your desire for education, branding, credibility, professionalism, and numerous other reasons. It is a symbiotic relationship.

Our motivations to volunteer include a need to be involved, share a skill, network with our peers, recognition, and the satisfaction of helping ISA and its members by continually improving the organization. We want you to pose questions, give feedback and get involved.

ISA is composed of the Board of Directors, 14 committees, and 12 chapters. We also have the ISA Foundation for Appraisal Education. It is a not-for-profit volunteer organization formed to promote the advancement of education related to personal property appraising by providing scholarships to our members. This means there are numerous opportunities for you to contribute to your association. Everyone has a talent to share. Don’t feel you need to be asked to participate or that you are too new to ISA.

Also, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for being involved even in the smallest way. I want to thank you for being a walker and not a talker. I want to thank you for giving time, which in our business, is often a precious commodity. I want to thank you for your continued membership and promoting our common goals within your business.

As a member for over 25 years I have been through many cycles in ISA. I must say I have never been more proud to be part of this association than I am today. ISA could not have the status it has acquired in the appraisal industry without you and your commitment to make ISA the appraisal organization of choice.

By: Karen Rabe, ISA CAPP

ISA LAUNCHES THE AFFINITY BUSINESS PARTNER MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

The ISA Board of Directors is excited to announce a new category of non-designated ISA membership, available to businesses that provide related services to the appraisal community.

The "Affinity Business Partner" (ABP) membership category was developed to formalize, expand and build ISA's existing relationships with allied businesses and organizations and to form new business relationships and opportunities for ISA members and our clients.

ABP members will enjoy targeted access to approximately 800 ISA members and share the common goal of providing the highest level of professional and ethical service to consumers of appraisal services. 

Examples of categories of businesses ISA hopes to include are those offering financial services to antique and art collectors and dealers, auction companies, storage companies, restoration services, moving companies specializing in antiques and art, conservators, estate law firms, insurance companies and industry publications.

Benefits of the Affinity Business Partner Membership include*:

·         A Designated ABP Webpage on the ISA Website, including hot-linked company logo and up to 50 words of business description.  Please click here for a listing of our current Partners.

·         Single use of the ISA mailing list, or two web-blasts to our membership per year. (Communications to be sent through ISA Headquarters)

·         Use of ISA Affinity Business Partner member logo Access to Affinity Business Partner member profile through ISA website to update contact information

·         Collateral Table exposure for promotional material at conference.

·         A listing of our Affinity Business Partners will be included in the Final National Conference Program.

·         A 20% discount on advertising in the ISA Annual Conference Program.

·         A 10% discount on ISA website advertising.

All revenues raised by the Affinity Business Partner Category will be specifically earmarked to advance ISA’s mission: “To advance the professionalism and effectiveness of personal property appraisers” by supporting professional educational programs and continuing education to members.

We need ISA member support to help build this exciting new program. Please invite your business contacts to join with ISA!   The potential benefit to ISA members and to our Affinity Business Partners is significant, including the development of new, invested sources of referrals to members. 

Information about the ABP program, including an online application form may be found by visiting the ABP page of the ISA website.  Membership is open to companies who employ appraisers.  However, the category is not open to businesses whose primary focus is appraising. 

If you have questions about the program or know of a business who may be interested in a formal relationship with ISA, please email contact information to: Fred Winer at fred@pwpusa.com or Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg at info@artappraisalfirm.com.

*Benefits package is subject to change. 

By: Cindy Charleston-Rosenberg, ISA CAPP

Books, Books and more Books

A few months ago I was sitting in my office looking at the amount of books I had in the bookcases. I knew that they were only the books that were out on the shelves, and there were more in the drawers and under cabinets.   It seemed so overwhelming for some reason and I got to thinking about the need for books in my world today.  I was actually considering selling some, giving some away or even tossing some of the price guides I seem to have the need to hold on to forever.  I could clean my office, it would look like a human being worked here and that being (me) had a head on their shoulders.   But as things seem to go, I didn’t get around to cleaning off the bookshelves that particular day or week and there they stayed.

Thank Goodness.

 In the past two months I have had to do valuations that involved many pieces of property.  One project had over 500 pieces which had to be identified, evaluated and valued.  That is quite a few pieces of property to cover.   The problem with this project was that many of these pieces were Victorian and early 20th Century glass.  Now, you see where my books came into play.  Luckily I have loads of good books on glass and I needed almost everyone on the subject of this type of glass.  I needed to identify the glass if it was Hobbs, Fenton, McKay, Westmoreland, Wavecrest, and on and on.

Sure you can go to the internet and do your identifications by clicking and clicking, saving, printing and reading.  But you know sometimes that takes more time than sitting with your stack of books, opening to the pages you need and doing some actual reading.   Good books have great information and they can answer a mountain of questions before you start to make mistakes that you don’t even realize you made until it is too late.  For example,  how to tell if the milk glass is an original 19th Century or a reproduction.  Or, is that unmarked painted butter dish by Northwood? Is that Tiffany candlestick complete or is something missing?

I know it might not appear that most glass items from the 19th Century are very important in today’s marketplace.  But, you know they are to those who collect and cherish these items.  If they are some ones parent’s collection and you have to help them divide the property you better be on target as to what you are looking at before you start to value.  It can be overwhelming at first but when you find your rhythm you start to move along pretty quickly.  Once I found the type of glass I was valuing, finding the values was rather easy and quick.

It is not just glass that causes this kind of problem, it can be lamps, figurines, vases,  pottery and all sorts of decorative items that somehow are stored in the estates I work with.  After all these years of looking at things my brain can only hold so much at the ready and sometimes it needs a reboot.  Thank goodness for my books . When I go to them, they trigger that particular file in my brain database and automatically refreshes my knowledge that I know I had somewhere in that flash drive otherwise known as my mind.  

So my word of caution is this – be careful when you clean out your library, the one you give away or sell might just be the next one you need for your project.

Judith Martin, ISA CAPP

How We Stand in 2011

The annual business meeting of ISA Members was held in Nashville on February 21, 2011. President Judith Martin reported we are currently self-credentialed but have been accepted as an organizational member by ICE (Institute for Credentialing Excellence). This isn’t a fast or easy process but the outcome will add to our professional reputation and will put us ahead of the trend for stricter credentialing standards in our profession.


Ms. Martin and Treasurer Todd Sigety also reported that we are in sound financial status for the first time in years. The last of our old debt will be retired in the first half of this year. In order to keep our membership and education costs low in relation to other appraisal organizations the staff and board will take our obligation to be good stewards of your dues seriously. Speaking of education, the final editing of the core course manuals is under way. Watch the web site for new manuals to become available for purchase. The publication system we are currently using allows for more frequent updates of small sections of the manual. This will help us keep current as changes to USPAP occur. Updates to the Fine Art and ARC courses are also being completed thanks to the hard work of volunteers from both divisions.

The board had identified the condition of our web site as the priority for this year at our fall meeting where it was chosen as a major budget expense for 2011. The web site was also the primary topic for questions and comments at the business meeting. Bids for revamping the site are currently being accepted at Sentergroup, our management firm. Craig Sondalle said that the goal is an aesthetically pleasing and easy to use site ready before this fall. One point that was brought up was the difficulty we currently experience in the Find An Appraiser search function. Mr. Sigety said that we wouldn’t be able to make large changes in that application due to the limits of our database software. He also pointed out that the ease of internet searches we are accustomed to are usually a virtue of the Google Software that has very expensive licensing costs. Simplification of the instructions for use will be addressed with the web updates.

A major change all of us will start seeing is the shift to a calendar year dues cycle. Right now budgeting is complicated by spurts of money coming in at different times in the year. Your next renewal notice will include instructions for making your payments depending on the time of year you renew. The majority of us will renew in the fall and will be asked to renew for 15 months. I plan to start saving early this year to make my own life easy but for those of you who find that amount hard to pay in September options will be offered. Remember, your listing on Find An Appraiser is tied to your dues expiration date – if your dues aren’t paid on time, the database software automatically removes you from this feature. This is not an action by staff, it is a function of the technology we use.

The second most asked questions involved USPAP classes and qualifications. There are major changes in the requirements that are still under review by TAF. ISA will be offering a 7 hour course as an update for those who have had the 15 hour course. Updates are now required every 2 years because of the speed changes are being made in our industry. Though taking USPAP every 2 years is not considered fun by most of us it is to our advantage to make sure we are following proper procedures. The good news is that the 7 hour update does not include a test. More on the changes on this and other requalification information will be addressed by Leon Castner in his education newsletters.

Here’s to a prosperous 2011 for each of us!

Sincerely,
Libby Holloway

Secretary to the Board of Directors