About Us
The Appraisers Association of America, established in 1949, is the premier association of personal property appraisers who focus on fine and decorative arts. With a membership of over 900 independent appraisers and affiliated professionals in 100 different areas of specialization, the Appraisers Association's roster of well-established professionals has the widest range of experience and expertise in their respective fields. Many members are either former curators at major museums or heads of departments at auction houses; several are specialists on popular television programs like Antiques Roadshow and other shows devoted to antiques, and contributors to art and antiques publications. The Appraisers Association, which is associated with the highest level of professionalism, is a dynamic association that is simply unmatched in the field of personal property valuation. Appraiser Association appraisers work with private and corporate art collections as well as partner with collectors, attorneys, accountants, museums, educational institutions, trusts, brokers and insurance carriers to reflect the highest industry standards. All of our members are required to be certified according to the highest professional standards, known in the field as USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). Seasoned professionals, members serve public and private collectors alike to deliver independent, ethical, and objective valuations for insurance, estate tax, charitable donation, equitable distribution, and liquidation purposes.
Public Service
Appraisers serve the public by providing fair, objective and disinterested information based on the facts of valuation methodology. Many of our professionals serve on boards of not-for-profits, including museums, public art research programs, academic organizations and art collecting groups. They also volunteer for “what’s it worth” local events and lecture to professional and community organizations and college students. Furthermore, the Appraisers Association and its members actively promote high standards of the field by offering public programs, lectures at major institutions and corporations, and private education through partnerships with tax attorneys, insurance professionals, banks and others requiring specialized information. In addition, to better assist collectors and professionals, our website features educational information about appraisal standards. Each of our members is listed in our database, along with their respective fields of specialization and contact information. The Membership Directory may also be consulted on a complimentary basis.
Code of Ethics
All Members of the Appraisers Association are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics which ensures unparalleled standards of ethics, conduct and professionalism. The code requires the appraiser to serve the public interest as follows:
• provide independent valuation outside of third party influences
• retain no outside interest in the subject property other than an accurate and professional value
• contract for appraisal work only within the areas of their professional expertise
• reach objective value conclusions by considering all factors in appraisal standards
• use the highest standards of connoisseurship in examining and documenting property
• professional remuneration is independent of the value of the subject property
Educational Programming and Professional Development
The Appraisers Association of America offers a unique and wide range of professional development, educational and networking programs throughout the year, which are available to both appraiser members and colleagues in related fields. Most of our programs and conferences are open to the public. In addition to educating appraisers, they are of particular interest to collectors and members of the legal and insurance fields, museum and auction house professionals, dealers and art students seeking new opportunities. Lectures and related events feature international experts on varied topics from Contemporary Art, Folk Art, American Paintings, Jewelry, Silver, and Photography. Important issues affecting professionals such as recent international laws affecting repatriation may also be addressed. The lectures and programs provide an independent and open forum to explore issues germane to the fine and decorative arts. They also provide unprecedented networking opportunities. The Appraisers Association of America offers the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program (CASP) a certificate program that provides students with the tools to uphold the standards of professional appraisal practice. In addition, the organization published a revised edition of “All About Appraising: The Definitive Appraisal Handbook,” an invaluable tool for all appraisers at all levels, and a leading publication in the industry in September 2013.
Partnerships
The Appraisers Association of America is located in New York City, the epicenter of the international art market. The organization invites your inquiries with regard to creating custom-designed partnerships, including special local events or educational programs as well as sponsorship of our prestigious lecture series, publications and conferences.
The Appraisers Association of America is a partner of The Appraisal Foundation, (Foundation). Partners are nonprofit organizations that have committed to work with the Foundation to uphold public trust in the appraisal profession. The Foundation is the nation’s foremost authority on the valuation profession. The Foundation sets the Congressionally authorized standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers as well as qualifications for personal property appraisers, and provides voluntary guidance on recognized valuation methods and techniques for all valuation professionals. This work advances the profession by ensuring that appraisals are independent, consistent, and objective.
Structure
The Appraisers Association of America, Inc. was founded in 1949 and incorporated in 1950 in New York State as a non-profit 501c6 trade association; in 1983, the Appraisal Institute of America was established as a non-profit 501c3 educational foundation. The Appraisers Association of America, known as Appraisers Association, is located in New York City, with an office at 212 West 35th Street in Manhattan. The Board of Directors consists of eighteen Certified Members from around the country and four Past Presidents. Quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors are held at which standing and adhoc committees report on the business of the association. Standing committees oversee projects such as admissions and ethics; adhoc committees oversee projects such as lectures, seminars, national conferences and long range planning. Programs are offered throughout the year and are open to members, friends, colleagues and the general public. Membership applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and members are admitted throughout the year. A staff of four including Executive Director, Programs Manager, Membership Manager, and Communication Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of the organization and provides services to members. The organization’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.
