Jennifer L. Stoots, AAA
- Certified by the Appraisers Association of America (Photography)
- IRS and IVS compliant appraisals (USPAP credential valid thru October 7, 2024)
- 20 years experience appraising Contemporary art, Northwest art & Photography
- 29 years working professionally in the arts, including gallery and museum experience
- Master of Science, History of Art & Design from Pratt Institute (with honors)
- Photography historian and lecturer
I have been working professionally in the art world for 29 years and appraising photography, photographic archives, and contemporary art for over 20 years. I continue to relish appraisal work for reason that I’m often learning about artists who never made it into the annals of history, see concurrent patterns among creators from diverse areas, and meet the nicest people —collectors, curators, colleagues and artists— who enjoy imagery as much as I do.
Connoisseurship is also exceedingly important to me and my experience gives me advantages beyond mere research and methodology: Originally trained as a photographer and painter, the skills and materials of an artist help me understand the nature of the mediums I’m looking at and how they were made and age; my education as an art historian has provided me with the history and cultural context of photographers and artists as well as a vocabulary for discussing the artwork; working at galleries and art fairs has given me a keen sense of what’s happening in the marketplace, artistic trends, and what collectors are sensitive to and interested in. In short, my skills as a researcher, artist, historian, and saleswoman all enhance my proficiency as an appraiser.
Click here to view her CV.
ART FOCUS: Jennifer Stoots interviewed by Eva Lake on KBOO public radio (December 2010). Listen to or download the audio
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.”