Why 7 Days in Illinois is Totally Worth It

Appraising can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to fine art or antiques, but it doesn't have to be.

ISA’s specialty survey courses on Fine Art and Antiques and Residential Contents, both coming up this October, are the best way to learn the terminology and research practices for these types of appraisals. After seven days of hands-on, interactive instruction from ISA's most experienced instructors and respected certified appraisers, you will leave equipped with the skills you need to expand your appraisal practice.

Don’t miss ISA’s two upcoming specialty courses next month. Registration deadlines are quickly approaching!

ISA’s Appraisal of Fine Art Course
October 19 – 25, 2015
Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus
Naperville, Illinois
$1,300 ISA members / $1,585 nonmembers
Course instructors: Richard Casagrande, ISA CAPP; Cathy Peters, ISA CAPP; and Meredith Meuwly, ISA CAPP
Registration closes October 9

Description: The Appraisal of Fine Arts course emphasizes the primary categories of fine art frequently encountered by appraisers and dealers: paintings, sculpture, works on paper, frames, and photography. Course participants will learn how to identify, research, and evaluate various forms of art work; distinguish various print processes, properly describe art works using the correct vocabulary; and will also receive an overview of art history and art conservation. A field trip to local museums provides students with close exposure to the property categories being studied. For those seeking accreditation, a post-course appraisal assignment is required, and an exam will be held on the final day. Breakfast and lunch each day is included in the course fee.

ISA’s Antiques and Residential Contents Course
October 26 - November 1, 2015
Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus
Naperville, Illinois
$1,300 ISA members / $1,585 nonmembers
Course Instructors: Valerie Hale, ISA CAPP; Michael Logan, ISA CAPP; and Intern Instructor, Libby Holloway, ISA CAPP
Registration closes October 16

Description: The Antiques and Residential Contents Course provides information necessary to properly identify and value items within the broad category of antiques and residential contents. Focus is on skill building around analysis of construction and manufacturing; as well as identification of quality, age, and design characteristics of periods and styles. Concepts discussed in class will be reinforced with hands on exercises.  Research, identification, inspection and report writing tips for the appraiser are also discussed. Course sections include furniture (English/American focus), ceramics, glass, silver, toys and dolls, prints, books, textiles, vintage fashions and general household contents among others. The course includes an off-site field trip. For those seeking accreditation, a post-course appraisal assignment is required, and an exam will be held on the final day. Breakfast and lunch each day is included in the course fee.

And remember, successful completion of the Fine Art or Antiques and Residential Contents courses can be used as credit toward fulfilling the required classroom hour requirements for ISA accreditation.

It’s Not Too Late to Be a Presenter

Libby Holloway, ISA CAPP

By Libby Holloway, ISA CAPP

It has been fun reviewing presenter applications for the Chubb Webinar project. Our organization has some interesting people with unique skills, but we certainly have room for more participants. Do you have a passion for luxury watches? How about vintage motorcycles or bikes? I know there are members out there who could wax poetic about art glass. One of the greatest benefits I’ve found in being an ISA member is the diversity of the knowledge that my colleagues possess. 

Don’t be shy about applying. Current ISA Board member Steve Roach, JD, ISA CAPP, was among the first who applied. "Applying was easy and took 15 minutes," he said. "It's exciting to have an opportunity to introduce people to a subject they might not know much about - in my case, rare coins - and breaking down a complex topic in a presentation within this webinar model." When asked what advice he would give to someone who is considering applying, Steve said, "It's a good opportunity to do some outreach, both for my appraisal practice and for ISA." 

The webinars will be viewed by Chubb brokers, so this is our chance to tell them a little about the things we appraise and their clients collect. Suggestions for your presentation would be value identification tips, an overview of what a collector should understand about the subject, exciting market trends...you get the picture. 

If you fear having to create the webinar, don't worry any longer. Experts in our home office are happy to help. Catherine Toupin, Account Coordinator for Meetings & Education, will be on hand to help you get your talk polished and ready to roll. We even have a branded template for your slides, one that will help you create the professional look you want. I am also happy to talk with you if you need someone to run your ideas by.

I am so excited to be a part of the process of creating this outreach to potential clients and fellow professionals that helping you shine is my priority. And remember, the sample you send along with your application doesn’t have to be perfect, or even about your presentation topic. Your goal is to communicate your ability to share your expertise with enthusiasm and authority. The webinars will be presented live throughout the fall and early winter, so if time is an issue, rest assured: Your final webinar may not have to be ready right away.  

Show me your creative side and apply today! Call me, Libby Holloway, at 843-379-0130 or email at libby@LibbyHollowayAppraisals.com if you have any questions or want to run ideas by me. 

Where are YOU on the ISA Credentialing Pathway?

As we come to the end of our first day of ISA's premier educational event of the year, Assets 2015, it’s important to ask yourself: Where am I on the ISA Credential Pathway?

Open to members and nonmembers, ISA's professional development and certification courses come in an array of course formats that make it easy to advance your industry-related learning. On-site courses afford you the opportunity to receive instruction while collaborating with peers in group activities. The Online Learning Center provides members unable to travel with real-time online presentations and a self-paced Core Course option, while Distance Education allows you to complete coursework via email. And last but certainly not least, our incredibly convenient webinars give users access to a rich archive of recorded sessions (some of which are free!).

So whether you're starting the credentialing process (Stage 1) with the Core Course in Appraisal Studies and the 15-Hour USPAP Course; building your credentials (Stage 2) with more specific areas of expertise; maintaining your status (Stage 3) through requalification courses; or advancing your knowledge (Stage 4) in your area of focus, ISA education allows you to take part in courses led by some of the most accomplished, knowledgeable professionals in the appraisal industry.

Here are our upcoming courses in June. View the full 2015 course offering on the ISA website.

June 1–7
Core Course in Appraisal Studies
Instructors: Leon Castner, ISA CAPP & Kathryn Minard, ISA CAPP
Arts and Letters Club of Toronto

June 9–10
15 Hour Personal Property USPAP Course
Instructor: Leon Castner, ISA CAPP
Arts and Letters Club of Toronto

June 15–17
Asian Art I: Appraisal of Japanese Prints
Instructor: Daphne Rosenzweig, PhD, ISA CAPP
NIU – Naperville Campus in Naperville, IL

June 18–20
Asian Art III: Foundation Course in Asian Ceramics for Appraisers
Instructor: Susan Lahey, ISA
NIU – Naperville Campus in Naperville, IL

As we head into Assets 2015, we encourage you to seek out educational opportunities, share information and resources with your industry peers and fellow Assets attendees, and continue down that ever-rewarding Credentialing Pathway.