Art Appraisals

How can a single artwork have multiple values?

Photo of the front of the New York Public Library. Bronze lion in foreground.

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Jennifer L. Stoots, AAA

Stoots is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA). She specializes in the appraisal of:

*Photographs and photographic archives

*Northwest Art

*and Contemporary Art

Stoots also works with a network of credentialed colleagues who can help with the appraisal of:
Fine Craft and ceramics, Early American painting, Master Prints, and traditional Native American arts & crafts, among other specialty areas.

Project quotes are based on the type of appraisal, the number of artworks to be appraised (& by how many artists), and documentation available (e.g., past invoices).

Appraisals are considered proprietary, such that your information, the information you provide and the appraisal results are confidential.

Damage or Loss appraisals are essential when:

  • artwork is damaged and the insurance provider needs an objective loss in value in order to properly compensate the policy holder (collector or creator)
  • artwork has been lost or destroyed (e.g., fire or theft) and there is no current appraisal on file

 

Divorce & Dissolution appraisals are needed when:

  • a couple decides to divorce and needs to know the value of mutually owned property, to ensure that each person is compensated equitably
  • a business closes and has to sell off artwork bought for the office

    Donation & Estate appraisals for the IRS* are required when:

    • you have donated artwork(s) worth more than a total value of $5,000 to a museum or institution and need an appraisal in order to claim the tax credit for the charitable gift
    • a family member or friend has died and a full accounting of assets has to be reported to the IRS as part of the Estate’s filing

    *Appraisals are IRS compliant and my USPAP credential is currently valid through October 7, 2024.

    Insurance appraisals are important to have if:

    •  you need to schedule artwork on your homeowners, renters, or marine policy
    •  you are going to be moving, shipping artwork, or loaning pieces for an exhibition
    •  you’re in the process of estate planning

    Testimonials

    “Once in a while we encounter someone who goes above and beyond. Jennifer Stoots is one of those people. I emailed her with a simple question she could have replied to with a few words and a link. For that I would have been grateful. Instead she called to discuss the issue making sure she provided the best referral. Jennifer is a consummate professional who delivered more than I hoped for.
    (David asked me to recommend an attorney that could help with his particular situation.)”

    David Paul Bayles, Photographer

    “I would recommend Jennifer in a heartbeat.  You don’t know you need her until you enter her world of buying, selling and appraising art.  Stoots is insightful and thorough and practical, personable and funny.”

    Ellen Van Fleet, Artist & seller of a rare painting by a significant 20th century artist

    “I highly recommend Jennifer for appraisal and consulting services.  I would describe Jennifer as conscientious, detailed and efficient; she is highly regarded by museum curators and has a well respected reputation.”

    Mark Schlesinger, Senior Property Manager, Schlesinger Companies

    “Of all the appraisers I’ve worked with in documenting charitable gifts of artwork, your work product was the most complete and professional, providing all  of the information required for a valid deduction.”

    Richard Solomon, CPA

    “I was extremely pleased with the work that Jennifer Stoots did in appraising several photographs that I recently gave to a museum. The research that she did was thorough and prompt and written up in a excellent and professional manner for IRS review.”

    Sherwin Simmons, Professor Emeritus Art History