Meet Dina Brown | Art Appraiser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to pursue a career as an art appraiser initially stemmed from the desire to enhance the range of in-house services I offered to my clients within Gallery Brown, a contemporary art gallery I founded in 2004. I enrolled in an online appraisal course with the International Society of Appraisers in 2013 and completed the course a short few months later. Over the next five years, my appraisal assignments grew to such a degree that I felt more at home as an appraiser than as an art dealer. At the end of 2018, I closed my gallery and directed my energies and efforts toward continuing to expand my reputation as a dedicated art appraiser. I’ve now been a professional art appraiser for over ten years and have provided valuations for over 600M in personal property to private individuals, institutions, attorneys, corporations and insurance providers.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In the United States, there are three prominent appraisal organizations: The International Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America and the American Society of Appraisers. Personal property appraisers operate under a “qualified” status rather than being subject to licensing requirements. To maintain this qualified status, adherence to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is mandatory. USPAP serves as a comprehensive framework that outlines the standards and protocols governing the preparation of appraisal reports. Within the appraisal organizations themselves, personal property appraisers have the opportunity to attain certification or accreditation. For instance, I hold the designation of Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAPP) within the International Society of Appraisers and am recognized as an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America.

Personal property appraisers specialize in a diverse range of areas. While the majority concentrate their expertise in either fine arts or decorative arts and antiques, there exists a wide array of specialized fields, including, but not limited to, gems and jewelry, African art, Asian art, wine, arms and ammunition, silver, livestock, and various other categories. Typically, appraisers refrain from engaging in the direct sale of the items they appraise. Nevertheless, we are often well-positioned to offer recommendations regarding potential avenues for selling valuable assets.

My specialization centers on 20th-century art, encompassing modern, contemporary, and ultra-contemporary art. Artists I’ve appraised encompass works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, and numerous others.

Personal property appraisers prepare appraisal reports tailored to specific uses. These reports serve various functions, including aiding clients in securing adequate insurance coverage, ascertaining fair market values for purposes such as equitable distribution, estate tax assessment, estate planning, donations, or asset planning. Additionally, appraisers play a crucial role in assisting individuals with damage and loss claims resolution.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a resident of Los Angeles, I have a deep love and appreciation for our art scene, world-class museums, and the diverse array of attractions this city has to offer. When hosting an out-of-town guest, I would typically include a visit to the Griffith Observatory to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of LA. I would introduce them to our museums, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art or The Broad. To round out the experience, a visit to our historic Original Farmer’s Market or Grand Central Market, providing an array of culinary vendors unique to Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my friend Joan McNamara, the proprietor of Joan’s on 3rd in mid-city, with a second establishment located in Studio City. Joan assumes an active and pivotal roll in the overseeing and continuing development of this beloved venue, which features a restaurant, deli, takeout services and catering. She is known for her delicious creations, delectable desserts and array of distinctive gift items. Joan is a literal tastemaker and visionary in her culinary aesthetic! She’s been a long-time inspiration to me as a female business owner.

Website: www.dinabrownartappraisals.com

Instagram: @dinabrownartappraisals

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-brown-isa-capp-4b929180/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DinaBrownArtAppraisals

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dina-brown-art-appraisals-beverly-hills

Image Credits:

1. Andy Warhol, Marilyn, 1967, screenprint, 36 x 36 inches, edition of 250

2. Ed Ruscha, Cheese Mold Standard with Olive, 1969, screenprint, 19 1/2 x 36 13/16 inches, edition of 150

3. Keith Haring, Untitled (Angel) from Icons, 1990, 20 9/10 x 25 1/5, edition of 250

4. Banksy, Choose Your Weapon – Pink, 2010, screenprint, 23 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches, edition of 25