The Art Elevator

🎙 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why "value" is about more than price—it's about history, impact, and meaning. How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections. The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value. Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate. How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects. The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it. Steps you can take today to document your own collection. 🛠 Practical Takeaways: Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally. Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective. Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants. Don't wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity. 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Alvah Beander's Website Stay informed and inspired: Join the Art Elevator Email List Follow Larissa Wild Fine Art on Instagram Follow Artifactual History on Instagram 📢 Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike.

Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi.  In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I Topics discussed: - How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in - Their tips on how to start a collection - How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients - The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you - The joy of living surrounded by art You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting

Podcast Show Notes Makeba Boateng is a cultural strategist and the founder of Fashion Forum Africa, dedicated to preserving and promoting Ghana's rich textile heritage and fostering sustainable fashion practices. With over three decades of experience in public relations, appraisal, and curation, she has worked on globally recognized projects, including the Victoria & Albert Museum's Africa Fashion exhibition, now touring internationally. Makeba is reshaping the narrative around African heritage and creativity for a global audience.  Makeba is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, a USPAP-Compliant Personal Property Appraiser leading her company Boaten Appraisal Service, and a passionate advocate for indigenous African design. Her work bridges Ghana's textile traditions with global innovation, inspiring a sustainable future for African fashion and design.  Her work celebrates the intersection of history and modernity, blending storytelling with advocacy to elevate indigenous African textiles and design. A champion for sustainability and cultural preservation, she collaborates with artisans, designers, and institutions to create meaningful projects that honor tradition while inspiring innovation. By promoting indigenous techniques and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, she aims to inspire the next generation of creators to embrace their roots while shaping a global impact.  Makeba's work is a testament to the power of tradition in driving contemporary relevance, making her a trailblazer in the world of fashion and cultural advocacy.  Links: Fashion Forum Africa: https://fashionforumafrica.com/  Makeba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeba-boateng/  Boaten Appraisal Services on LinkedIn Makeba's ISA Profile Fashion Forum Africa Instagram  Fashion Forum Africa Facebook Makeba's main garment worn during the interview: Hand-Batiked Silk Long Kimono by: Studio 189 Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don't forget to subscribe to The Art Elevator on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes stories from the art world. Sponsor Shoutout: This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Appraisal Scribe, where you can optimize your appraisal process with their all-in-one platform. Learn more here! To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN!

Podcast Show Notes: In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, we are joined by Lucy Walter, Head of Small Business Partnerships at Artsy, the world's largest online marketplace for discovering, buying, and selling fine art. Lucy shares her journey from finance to her current role at Artsy and discusses how the platform is revolutionizing the art market for small and emerging galleries.  From strategies for increasing visibility to the importance of diversifying sales channels, Lucy provides invaluable insights into how galleries can thrive in the digital art world. She also introduces Artsy's exciting new partnership with ArtCloud, which simplifies gallery operations and empowers them to focus on what they do best: connecting collectors with incredible art. Whether you're a gallery owner, an art collector, or simply fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What is Artsy? An introduction to the platform and its mission to expand the global art market. Challenges for Small Galleries: How Artsy helps galleries grow visibility, reach global collectors, and manage operations efficiently. Online Art Sales Trends: Why 80% of collectors are buying art online and how Artsy is leveraging this shift. The Power of an Online Presence: Tips for galleries to integrate in-person events with online platforms for maximum impact. Artsy x ArtCloud Partnership: How this integration is transforming inventory management and sales for galleries. Why Artsy is a Game-Changer for Collectors: A seamless journey from discovery to purchase and beyond. Key Highlights:  Artsy has seen a 40% increase in sales this year despite a broader market downturn. Galleries on Artsy gain global visibility, which is essential for emerging artists with regional demand. Artsy's tools and analytics help galleries save time, optimize their operations, and grow their businesses. The ArtCloud partnership streamlines inventory and sales management, saving galleries up to 80% of time on administrative tasks. Collectors can explore curated collections, discover emerging artists, and purchase works from galleries worldwide with ease. Resources and Links: Register interest in Artsy: https://partners.artsy.net/gallery-partnerships/   Explore the ArtCloud Partnership: https://partners.artsy.net/artcloud/ 2024 report on collector behavior: https://partners.artsy.net/resource/art-collector-insights-2024/ Artsy Viewing Rooms: https://www.artsy.net/viewing-rooms Sponsor Shoutout: This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world.   CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN! - https://larissawild.com/podcast-signup

In this special Winter Solstice episode, recorded while basking in a welcome sunbeam, Sarah Reeder reflects on the transformative power of creativity and its role in shaping our lives. As 2024 comes to a close—a year full of challenges, growth, and connection—she shares insights on why creativity is essential, not as a luxury but as a daily source of light and inspiration. Sarah explores how the act of creating, regardless of outcome, opens new doors in our imagination and connects us to our kindred spirits, enriching our lives in profound ways. Join Sarah in reimagining creativity as an empowering force, a way to generate our own light, and a means to find joy and purpose. Click here to join the fun: https://click.artcld.com/podcast-signup?sub=d275c822-5184-46fa-afa0-5cf0cfd35367

Join us as we dive into the world of Kelsey Rose Williams, a design scholar, historian, photographer, and American living in France. With a passion for modern architecture, archival preservation, and cross-cultural exploration, Kelsey shares her journey through art history, her work with iconic institutions like the Eames House, and her inspirations behind her captivating Substack, Absolument. We explore her love of connecting seemingly unrelated artists, stories from her travels, and the joy of weaving together influences from art, architecture, and culture into a vibrant creative tapestry. Don't miss this intimate and inspiring conversation on The Art Elevator podcast! Links Mentioned: Substack: https://kelseyyrose.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyyrose/ Website: https://www.kelseyrosewilliams.com/ Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/kelseyyrose   This episode is brought to you by Sarah and Larissa of Artifactual History Appraisal and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To help support us in our efforts to bring you free educational and inspirational content about art, design, collecting, appraising and creativity, we invite you to consider purchasing one of our paid product offerings listed below: Larissa Wild   Larissa Wild Fine Art Gallery: https://www.larissawild.com/   Book an Art Consultation Session by emailing: art@larissawild.com   WILD & Wild Ceramics: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WILDandWildcurates?ref=seller-platform-mcnav   Understanding Prints - a mini course: https://www.larissawild.com/offers/u7jBzNCR   Sarah Reeder SILVER 101 course: https://artifactualhistory.teachable.com/p/silver-101 Ray Eames book: https://www.amazon.com/Ray-Eames-1930s-New-York/dp/B09PHBWT17/    

In this episode we speak with returning guest Tanzy Ward, who is a scholar, book author, educator, antique jewelry dealer, & historic preservationist. Her book publications include Hidden Legacies: African Presence in European Antiques and Unsung Portraits: Anonymous Images of Black Victorians and Early 20th Century Ancestors. Her second historical non-fiction book Unsung Portraits was selected as a 2022 Contingent Book List Award for Historian Authors.  Tanzy's passion for Black material culture and heirlooms has presented her with the opportunity to be featured in critically acclaimed exhibits, including Yale University's 2022 show Allegories, Renditions, & A Small Nation of Women.  Tanzy's connoisseurship training includes the Asheford Institute of Antiques and she is a proud member of the Asheford Associate Membership Program & The American Society of Jewelry Historians. Her expertise and scholarship have been featured in various decorative arts and jewelry publications, including National Jeweler.  In this episode we discuss: -       The inspiration and process of writing her second book -       Tanzy's scholarship, and how she actively engages with artifacts of self-representation in portraits, in fashion, and in jewelry to illuminate and give voice back to individuals who haven't always been included in historical scholarship -       Tanzy's philosophy about being a conduit to steward the perspectives of "unnamed ancestors" as she describes them in her book -       How she utilizes modern platforms like Instagram for positive educational impact, creating beautiful content that also shares hidden stories -       How Tanzy's work has expanded into new historical eras such as Mid Century Modern with her "Modern Black Glamour" themed posts Links mentioned in the interview: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanzyward_antiques/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanzyward/ Books:  https://zanathiajewelry.com/collections/tanzy-ward-books Zanathia Jewelry:  https://zanathiajewelry.com/   Tanzy's first episode on The Art Elevator Podcast: https://www.larissawild.com/podcasts/the-art-elevator/episodes/2147617546

In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Vanessa and Alexander Wendl of Toad Atelier on their exhibition at Larissa Wild Fine Art: Selections from the Toad Atelier Collection. This show will feature 35 rare artifacts from their collection of over 3,000 objects that highlight the history and impact of mid-century modern design. Through this discussion, Vanessa and Alexander delve into their collecting journey, share their collecting philosophy which centers on three core principles: preservation, sharing, and enjoyment, and highlight how sharing their collection brings joy and fosters connections with like-minded individuals. The episode is rich with anecdotes about specific pieces in the collection, such as the large-scale photograph of a New York scene and the Herman Miller Collections prototype catalogue. Alexander shares his profound connection to Irving Harper's work, explaining that Harper's creative process and the calming nature of his paper sculptures serve as a source of inspiration for Alexander's own artistic pursuits. The Wendls emphasize the therapeutic nature of creation and the importance of engaging with art for personal fulfillment and relaxation. Alexander and Vanessa's story serves as an inspiring example of how passion, preservation, and creativity can come together to create a rich and fulfilling journey in the world of art and design.

In this episode, Aubrey Catrone explains the importance of provenance, defining it as the history of ownership of an art object from its creation to the present day. She highlights the necessity of distinguishing between stated and verified provenance, emphasizing the need for supporting documentation. Aubrey discusses challenges such as the rapid pace of art transactions and the importance of trusting sources in the art market. She advises collectors to proactively ask for documentation, conduct risk assessments, and digitize their records. New technologies like blockchain and AI are explored, with Aubrey noting their potential and limitations. She outlines the three-pronged process of verifying authenticity through scientific testing, provenance, and connoisseurship. And the part we love most: Aubrey highlights the emotional and historical connection that provenance provides, enriching the collector's experience and deepening their connection to the artwork. Aubrey Catrone is an international art historian, appraiser, and provenance researcher. Aubrey earned an MA in the History of Art from University College London, specializing in the documented histories of art objects. With an art gallery and academic research background, Catrone founded Proper Provenance, LLC to provide her clients with the tools, not only to historically contextualize art, but also to shed light on attribution and legal title within the international art market. She is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America with a specialization in Impressionist & Modern Art. Catrone has researched artworks including paintings, artefacts, works on paper, prints, and sculptures spanning the fourth century B.C.E. to the twenty-first century C.E. She has appeared as a guest expert on the History Channel and published her scholarship in a variety of publications including RICS Journals and the Journal of Art Crime. Learn More About Aubrey Catrone: Aubrey's company Proper Provenance LLC: https://www.properprovenance.com   Connect with Aubrey on Instagram @properprovenancellc Articles written by Aubrey: "Risky Business: How Provenance Can Influence Collecting" in Worthwhile Magazine   "The Role of Punctuation in Assessing History:  Provenance Formatting Explained" in Worthwhile Magazine   "Due Diligence in the Digital Era:  A Case Study of Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot's Les Petits Dénicheurs," in Worthwhile Magazine   "Why Provenance Is Critical for Assigning Opinions of Value," in RICS Journals  

In this episode, Brooke Kuhnhusen shares her evolving understanding of creativity, initially seeing herself as a psychologist engaging in art, but now embracing her identity as a creative person. She discusses the therapeutic connection of creativity, highlighting its role in connecting with the deepest self through compassion, curiosity, connectedness, and creativity. Brooke emphasizes the importance of joy in the creative process, describing it as a vital, fun energy that has the ability to transform those who engage. She recounts her personal experience with land art, overcoming self-doubt, and finding satisfaction in the creative process itself.  Brooke also explores cultural perspectives on creativity, particularly in ceremony and ritual, and the significance of giving oneself permission to be creative. She highlights the power of co-creation and community in amplifying joy and connection, viewing creativity as a collaborative and exponential force. Lastly, she underscores the natural world's role in inspiring and holding our joy and courage in creative endeavors. About the speaker: Dr. Brooke Kuhnhausen is a deeply creative soul who embraces explorations of connection and healing across varied landscapes ranging from academic classrooms to treeside in a forest.  Dr. Kuhnhausen values creativity and collaboration as portals of transformation and imagination so vitally needed for new ways of being together and caring for the Earth in our time of climate change. She is a psychologist who practices depth and relational therapy in her private practice and also trains and consults with other therapists, teaching in various graduate programs and therapy institutes. Dr. Kuhnhausen's climate justice advocacy includes her participation in ecofeminist art exhibitions, including her absolutely stunning land art installation last summer at the Verdancy Project in Oregon.  Her passionate centering of beauty and connection as north stars for inspiring positive change has personally shifted co-host Sarah Reeder's thinking away from climate despair many times.  It is such an honor to be able to share her unique gift of perspective on the podcast as we talk about creativity as a force for healing. Dr. Kuhnhausen can be reached at B.kuhnhausen@gmail.com for inquiries regarding workshops, speaking engagements, creative collaborations, and other opportunities. Spring Creek Luminaries Podcast   Terra Incognita Altar of Belonging   The Verdancy Project Terra Incognita Exhibition

Welcome back to the Art Elevator podcast! Today, we delve into the world of Artifcts with co-founders Heather Nickerson and Ellen Goodwin. Heather, CEO, shares her heartfelt journey of inheriting memories after her mother's passing, igniting the creation of Artifcts. Ellen, CSO, emphasizes the platform's simplicity in capturing, preserving, and sharing stories behind cherished items. Their new initiative, Artifcts for Professionals, aims to revolutionize collection management. Join us as we explore the human-centric approach to cataloging legacies with Artifcts.

Sarah Reeder riffs today about how we forget that there is an inner transformation that happens within us when we express ourselves creatively, that can be very, very positive. It's totally independent from the outcome of whether anyone else likes what we've made. We have changed ourselves.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join Sarah Reeder and I in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join us in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

Creativity belongs to humanity - it's innate in all of us. Activating that creativity is a gift not only to yourself, but an inspiration to others around you. Join us in this week by week game of finding your creativity. We make it simple, accessible and non-intimidating.

We hear over and over in the news about issues surrounding the estates of artists and how family members or caretakers are having control over the artwork and sales. There are lawsuits, family discord, issues with heirs mismanaging the remaining collection of artworks and stories of others involved in the artist's careers or at the end of their lives taking advantage of the artist's success. Joining me today is Kelly Juhasz, principal of Fine Art Appraisal and Services, to talk about how artists can better plan for their own legacy to ensure that their reputations and remaining artworks are handled properly and reduce the opportunity for mismanagement. In this episode Kelly will answer questions such as: What is artist legacy planning? Why should artist's care about what happens to their work after they pass? What are some of the biggest issues that Kelly has seen in working with artist's estates What can living artists do to start to prepare for their own legacy?

Many family members of artists find themselves with a new full-time job if not a full second career when the artist in the family passes away and no concrete plans were made to deal with not only the artwork left behind but also the artist's reputation and market. Joining me today is Kelly Juhasz, principal of Fine Art Appraisal and Services, who will talk to us about dealing with the estates of artists and the services her company provides around legacy planning for artists. In this episode Kelly will answer questions such as: What do family members need to know about working with the legacy of a family member artist? What are these specific tasks that need to be done in order to build and protect the legacy and artwork of an artist? What practical tasks can the families of artists do to get ready or start building the artist's legacy? Learn more about Kelly Juhasz and her services here: www.fineartappraisalandservices.com 

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this third episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss: - What is restitution? - What are some scenarios and how does the process work for restitution? - What is it like to go undercover, posing as a middleman? Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners. Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients. Learn more about Doug Bort: Odyssey Consulting  

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this first episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss: - What is the difference between a fake and a forgery? - What is the process for figuring out if a painting is fake? - Some case studies with the different motives behind each of them. Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners. Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients. Learn more about Doug Bort: Odyssey Consulting                

In this episode of the Art Elevator Podcast, Larissa interviews Doug Bort on Art and Money Laundering. In this first episode of a three part series on art crime, they discuss: - What money laundering is - How art is used in money laundering - Some case studies and surprising statistics on art and money laundering Founder and Managing Partner of Odyssey Global Consulting, LLC, Doug Bort spent twenty-one years as a Special Agent with the United States Customs Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Doug is a Subject Matter Expert in the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. During his tenure with Homeland Security Investigations, Doug represented the United States in international investigations around the world and was heavily involved in United States national policy decisions and international diplomacy. With a proven record of successfully leading complex international investigations, his work has resulted in the recovery and return of over $3 million worth of cultural property to its rightful owners. Notably, Doug developed and operated an extremely effective undercover platform which targeted the illegal sales of cultural property, art and antiquities, including sales that funded international terrorist organizations. He was also instrumental in cultivating, developing, and conducting training for other Special Agents and law enforcement agencies, both in the United States and abroad, pertaining to the investigation of art and cultural property crimes. Now in the private sector, Doug uses his vast knowledge and extensive experience to provide expert services to museums, private collectors, insurance companies and other individual clients.