fine art appraisals
Karren Art Advisory provides professional fine art appraisals for a wide range of purposes, including insurance coverage, charitable donations, estate planning, equitable distribution, estate tax, sale consultation, and damage or loss claims.
Haley Karren is an Associate at the Appraisers Association of America—the oldest and most respected international appraisal organization that focuses on fine and decorative art.
Every appraisal is prepared in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and credibility.
What Is a Fine Art Appraisal?
A fine art appraisal is a detailed report that documents your artwork and provides a professional opinion of value based on its purpose—whether for insurance, estate planning, or other needs. Our team researches the market thoroughly and delivers valuations that are both reliable and easy to understand.
We work with a wide range of personal property, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs. All appraisals are completely confidential and handled with the utmost care.
Why Appraisals Matter
Art appraisals are an essential part of protecting and managing your collection. Because market conditions can influence the value of artwork, we encourage collectors to update appraisals every three to five years to ensure their records remain current.
What Kind of Appraisal Do You Need?
At Karren Art Advisory, we provide different types of appraisals depending on your needs:
Insurance Coverage
Protect your collection with an appraisal that establishes the retail replacement value of each artwork. Most insurance companies require this documentation before issuing coverage, and it ensures you’re prepared in the event of loss, theft, or damage.
Estate Planning
Our estate appraisals support attorneys, financial planners, and families in clarifying property values, distribution, or deaccessioning. Reports include on-site examinations, IRS-compliant photographs, detailed cataloguing, and fair market value assessments based on comparable sales.
Equitable Distribution
When dividing assets—whether between heirs, during divorce, or in the dissolution of a partnership—our appraisals provide an objective basis for fair and conflict-free distribution. Preparing these appraisals in advance helps prevent disputes later.
Damage or Loss
In cases of damage or loss, we provide appraisals that establish value for claim settlements and disputes. With detailed photographic documentation, unbiased valuations, and access to trusted conservation specialists, we also advise on restoration options and potential changes in value after treatment.
Charitable Donations
For donations over $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal to establish fair market value. We prepare these reports to meet all federal requirements so you can make charitable contributions with confidence.