"Are Art Appraisers Benefiting from Social Media?"

Following up to last blog post, the following was submitted by Mike Wilcox from my LinkedIn Group:

LinkedIn Groups
Group: Professional Personal Property Appraisers
Subject: New comment on "Are Appraisers Benefiting from Social Media?"

Having had an online business entity since 1996 I can tell you that the vast majority of the internet population is looking for "Free". That means much of the social networking such as twitter and Facebook is going to bring reams of email and blog posts looking for free appraisals.Personally I've found the time resources necessary to maintain a Facebook pagedoes not give a good ROI, a blog or a well designed website makes more senseand will generate more qualified leads. In my humble opinion writing reference articles for authority sites is the way to go, it's advertising that lasts forever ( articles I wrote in 1996 regarding Antiques & Collectibles are still making the rounds) and the search engines love linking to good content. Posted by Mike Wilcox

Is There Any Benefit to Professional Social Media Networking?

I was automatically enrolled in the network LinkedIn through my professional affiliation with the Appraisers Association of America. I invested some time in building my profile including recommendations by colleagues and joining Groups.

My question is what is the benefit of professional social media networking if it doesn't create business revenue or find jobs? Or does it? Is Facebook more effective than LinkedIn?

Any comments, suggestions or words of advice can be sent to me directly at afp@nyc.rr.com

Thanks
Anita

After Repairs, a Picasso Returns!

To the untutored eye little is different about “The Actor,” the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s rare Rose Period Picasso, other than that it is now safely behind plexiglass. It’s virtually impossible to tell that on a January afternoon a woman taking an adult education class accidentally fell into the canvas, causing a six-inch vertical tear along the lower right-hand corner.

For the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/arts/design/21picasso.html?th&emc=th

I would be interested in hearing comments relating to any claim for loss in value from the Metropolitan Museum's point of view or from an insurance adjuster's point of view regarding this.

Selling Gold, Silver, Jewelry - Be Careful!

If you are in a bind and find yourself forced to part with your jewelry, silver, gold or coin collection - don't panic and don't take the first offer. Do be careful before you sell. Do your homework. I'm including a link to a website that posts the most up to date information on the value of bullion. Here is the link:

http://www.blanchardonline.com/blanchard_products/bullion_krugerrand.php#shop

I recently had the experience where a jeweler offered me $550 for a medal of 22 karat gold weighing over an ounce. I pictured and posted the medal on eBay. After deducting the costs of selling (eBay fees and Paypal fees), I still netted over $850. It takes time, education and patience.

The latest news is that young collectors are looking for Modernist art and furniture. Victoriana is out...Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Art Moderne, Architect-Inspired Industrial Manufactured Furniture and Decorative Arts from the mid 20th Century is "in" and fetching exceptional prices...even at local regional auctions. Keep on the look out for furniture by Dunbar! More to come.

The Intriguing World of An Art and Antiques Appraiser

Welcome to the journal and news of Anita Bartlett-Picarella, of Bartlett & Picarella Appraisers in Bronxville, New York. I will be sharing my experiences in the intriguing world of appraising, buying and selling a diverse array of works of art. I hope to inform, discuss and entertain you with exciting stories, give my opinions of the art market in general and the changes I've seen in the appraisal business and art market over the past 30 years. I will be posting all types of information, both useful and practical, as well as annecdotal stories of unusual "finds" -unusual job assignments and unusual clients and their requests.



I will not bore you with news that is available via the regular media, but will welcome your questions regarding my opinions on published news events. Hopefully together we can explore and discuss art related issues, such as the impact the crash of the financial markets will have on the art market. Will we see this market escalate in value as a haven for investors to place their money? Or will we see a deluge of art being thrown on the market to raise cash, thereby driving prices into a downward spiral? Buy, Sell or Hold? More will be revealed as time unfolds.



For the aspiring Fine Art and Antique appraiser, we can discuss topics, such as, "Is this still a viable business pursuit to earn a living?" If so, how do I start? This post is not appropriate for the aspiring artist, as I've never so much as drawn a picture.



Whether you are an advanced collector or dealer or a curious newcomer, I hope to hear from you with your comments or questions.

Anita Bartlett-Picarella, AAA
Certified Member
Appraisers Association of America
www.bartlettappraisers.com