It is impossible not to hear something in the news daily about the economy and its negative connotations. Whether it is the European banks and concerns about the stability of the Euro, occupy Wall Street, or if Congress will come to a decision regarding taxes for the wealthy; it all points to a negative economy.

Likewise, there has been much in the news lately about the arts especially with one of the largest art fairs in the world-Art Basel Miami Beach-just wrapping up. Overall the reports are positive. Along with that comes the continued discussion of acquiring art for aesthetic purposes or as an investment.

While serious collectors still contend that they spend their millions on art for aesthetic purposes, investors do see the benefit and are increasingly looking to art as an asset in comparison to investing in other options such as real estate and the stock market.

While it is true that art reflects stocks because its value can go up and down; the top end of the art market continues to remain strong and even posts increases. High end art sales of blue chip artist for the first half of 2011 are up more than 30% from the previous year.

Art as a strong and more resilient option for investing certainly is of note. The Sunday (November 27th) front page of the NY Times read: “A Family’s Billions, Artfully Sheltered: Estée Lauder Heir’s Tax Strategies Typify Advantages for the Wealthy.”

All the hype aside, the bottom line still remains; you should acquire art because you like it not because it matches your sofa or that you expect it to garner you a return on your investment. If you are not going to enjoy what hang on your wall, don't buy it.

Last month I got a great shot in the arm of museums and hob-knobbing with my art and museum friends and colleagues. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Florida Association of Museums’ (FAM) annual meetings. So I took this opportunity to contact a variety of colleagues in the Tampa Bay Area.

I began my trip with a visit with Dr. Gabrielle Vail, a Mayan specialist in hieroglyphics. We met in the mid-90s when I was a curatorial intern at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology; I also assisted her on the NAGPRA project. Since then we remained in touch and have become good friends and colleagues, supporting one another personally and professionally and visit when our schedules allow.

The next day was mine to squeeze in as much as possible while in the Tampa Bay area. I began the morning with an appointment at the new Dali Museum. Dirk Armstrong, Assistant Curator at the Dali Museum gave me the behind the scenes tour of the nine month old museum. The building itself is an amazing creation of space and light. Dirk explained that the walls are 18 inch thick concrete and that there are over 1000 panels of glass and over 600 of which are unique in size. I am glad I do not have to wash or replace those windows!

Crossing the Bay, I headed to my afternoon appointment at the Tampa Museum of Art. The Museum is about 1 ½ years new, and is an intriguing, minimalist structure. While I had visited previously, I've never had the opportunity to see the back house yet; but today was my day.

Seth Pevnick, Ph.D., Richard E. Perry Curator of Greek and Roman Art at the Tampa Museum toured me in their back our house. In the process, I of course had the pleasure to visit previous colleagues that I worked with during my 2 1/2 year tenure at the Tampa Museum of Art as their registrar.

In contrast to the cramped quarters in which I worked, they now have the luxury of space and room to grow. Following, I sat on the terrace of the Tampa Museum overlooking the Hillsborough River and across the river to the Henry B Plant Museum and the University of Tampa. It's a familiar and beautiful setting. I enjoyed this view with my friend and colleague Robin Nigh, Manager of Art Programs for the city of Tampa.

The next day was spent at the Wyndham Hotel on Harbor Island attending the FAM meetings. Many sessions addressed the challenges museums in the rapidly changing 21st century, but one of the most important parts of these meetings are reconnecting with colleagues and catching up on the latest news.

I wrapped up my Tampa Bay area visit with a stop at the Larson and Larson home and studio.Reviewing Becky and Matt’s latest creations in alternative photographic processes always provides an opportunity to learn something new.

During the return drive I contemplated the past few days and while I am still itching to get back in THE City (NYC), this was not a bad substitute and I had the bonus of beautiful weather and waterways.

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Leslie Hammond, Ph.D., ASA
352-598-9113
artisticeyefas@gmail.com.
http://www.artisticeye-fas.com/


HAMMOND ACQUIRES OUTLIER STATUS

Ocala, FL
September 28, 2011


Leslie Hammond, Ph.D., ASA, President of Artistic Eye Fine Art Services and former Chief Curator of the Appleton Museum of Art, has recently acquired national accreditation as a fine arts appraiser; a designation titled “Accredited Senior Appraiser” or “ASA.”

According to the New York Times bestseller “Outliers: The Story of Success,” Malcolm Gladwell suggests that one of the factors to predict future success is the ability to practice a skill for at least 10,000 hours. The Personal Property division of the American Society of Appraisers agrees. Under their revised 2011 guidelines for advancing to their highest level of designation, “Accredited Senior Appraiser,” requires a minimum of 10,000 weighted hours of experience. In addition to these hours, a candidate must complete course work, exams, a specialty area exam, and submission of appraisal reports to be advanced by the International Board of Examiners.

Each of the three national appraisal organizations – American Society of Appraisers, American Association of Appraisers, International Society of Appraisers – that include appraisers in personal property have website sources to “find an appraiser” at a variety of membership levels. According to these sources, Dr. Hammond is the only Fine Arts appraiser in the state of Florida and north of Orlando that has obtained the highest level of designation of any of these three organizations (each organization has a different title for their highest appraisal designation level – ASA, AAA, ISA CAPP). Additionally, she is one of only two fine arts appraisers in the entire state of Florida that has obtained this level of accreditation or certification as well as a Ph.D. in Art History. 

For more information about appraisals or to find an appraiser near you, visit the ASA Website at www.appraisers.org.

About ASA
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international valuation association that teaches, tests, accredits and refers professional appraisers. ASA is the oldest and only major organization in the United States representing all disciplines of appraisal specialists, originating in 1936 and incorporated in 1952. ASA’s headquarters is located in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. To locate an accredited ASA appraiser, go online to www.appraisers.org (and click on Find an Appraiser) or call (800) 272-8258.

I have safely returned from this summer’s adventures in Greece which was like no other I have experienced even after almost two dozen visits. The political and economic climate met me upon arrival and forced me to face the usual strikes, but this time protests as well and a lack of public transportation.

 

This summer was slightly different since this was the first study season for the Mt. Lykaion project. We resided in the village of Ano Kadaras and drove about 25 minutes each way, six days a week to Tripolis, the capitol of the region of Arkadia. Our storage facility is located in the heart of Tripolis.

We met a number of challenges this summer. Despite very nice accommodations, politics and protests insisted that we go periodically without phone, water or electricity which of course meant no internet in the lab, interrupting productivity and creating a lot of frustration. All that being said, along with other challenges that will remain unspoken, it was another bloody hot summer in Arkadia.

However, I was able to checked some things off the list, including an inventory of 722 miniature vase fragments – some of which preserved their complete profile! Next summer will involve cataloguing these with less interference I hope; publication to follow.

Little more than a week home and I found myself on the road again. This time – Tally-Ho! Ok, Tallahassee was included, but the primary spot was Quincy to take in the opening of another solo show of Dean Mitchell’s work. Dean Mitchell: Rich in Spirit is on display through October 29th at the Gadsden Arts Center in Quincy, just west of Tallahassee. It is worth the trip and the Gadsden Art Center is a lovely venue.

Some may remember that I had the honor to curate a retrospective of Dean’s work which was on display at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs during early 2010. It was great to reconnect and take in his recent work.

Back in the swing of things here, I have been catching up with clients that kindly and patiently waited for my return to assist them. Next month I will attend the Florida Association of Museum’s annual meeting and take advantage of the networking opportunities to raise awareness about my recent traveling exhibition program.

Enjoy what remains of summer!

Yes, it has been some time since I last wrote, but it is not because there has not been anything to write about. Sometimes we just don’t schedule it among the mired of other required tasks and deadlines.  Meanwhile, perhaps you have been following my monthly arts articles in Lake & Sumter Style Magazine to know that I have been writing and this does not even count the appraisal reports written as well.

This spring has taken me to Chicago for a personal property appraisal conference during which I reconnected with the windy city. The weather was pretty civilized even if I did have to pull out a few sweaters after already packed up for the central Florida winter season.

You may have noticed some changes to my website; such as additions to our on-line gallery of art for sale, a new “eye” among those revolving on the home page – Man Ray’s Glass Tears, and new services. Most recently we launched a traveling exhibition service which comes with a special logo – thank you Zed+Zed+Eye Creative Communications!

Our first exhibit – with more in the planning stages - The Underwater World of Bruce Mozert, highlights the zany, retro photographs of beautiful ladies underwater during the mid-century, hey-day of the Silver Springs. I am very excited about this exhibit’s collaboration with Dr. Robert Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute. Through their support and the power these images possess, we hope to raise public awareness about the environmental changes that have negatively impacted the springs throughout our beautiful state.

As many of you know, it is that time of year again when I get the to-do list together as the countdown begins for the shift in my professional responsibilities. Only a few days remain before I make the annual trek across the pond to that wonderful country I call my second home, Greece. This summer will be different from the previous five years of excavation in that we will be studying what we have uncovered in preparation for publication. I will also be residing in a different village. Unfortunately, that means I will not be visiting daily with my adopted animal friends but hope new ones will be made.

So, I will sign out for now, but will certainly send updates from the “field.” Have a great and safe summer!