ichelle J. Angerman and Associates, Inc. is a Fine & Decorative Arts Appraisal and Advisory Firm located in Los Angeles, specializing in Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Fine Art. Michelle J. Angerman and Associates, Inc. prides itself in upholding the highest standard of client relations and recognizes the value of maintaining our clients’ privacy.

Our firm specializes in providing two essential services for our clients:

1. Preparing Certified Appraisals
2. Advising Clients on the Purchasing and Selling of Fine Art

Michelle J. Angerman is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and a Member of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA). She is a qualified personal property appraiser experienced in writing certified appraisal reports for Insurance and IRS purposes. As an Art Appraiser, Michelle Angerman is always engaged in market research, knowledge that is a powerful tool in assisting clients with the acquisition of art.

There are several questions one should consider when purchasing a work of art:
	• What is the reputation of the artist and where has the artist exhibited?
	• Is the artist emerging / mid-career / or well recognized?
	• What is the “appropriate” price for a work of this kind?
	• Is this work of art a good investment or is it purely for decorative appeal?
	• What is the condition of the piece, and if the work is of considerable age, what is the standard for acceptable versus pristine condition?
	• Is there a secondary market for the artist?
	• Has the artwork been restored and of what impact does that have on the piece?
	• If the piece is contemporary, is it made of archival materials?
	• How negotiable is the price?
	• Do you know and trust the dealer / gallery / or auction house from which you are buying?
	• What is the provenance?

Michelle J. Angerman and Associates, Inc. has advised clients on fine art ranging from 17th century Rembrandt prints to contemporary works by Andy Warhol, Vik Muniz and Elizabeth Murray. Our firm provides clients with services including: bidding for clients at auction, traveling cross country to examine and finalize the purchase of works, as well as negotiating for our clients. Michelle Angerman worked for several years in New York and has strong dealer and gallery contacts there as well as in Los Angeles. Purchasing mistakes can often be avoided when clients seek advisory services from a qualified professional. Michelle Angerman has uncovered fakes in clients’ collections that could have been prevented had an art advisor been involved in the transaction.

Currently the art market is booming, setting record prices with each passing sale. The market has not experienced this kind of explosive state since the late 1980s, when prices for fine art peaked. Insurance companies recognize the current condition of the market and are increasingly demanding formal appraisals for fine art more than 5 years past its purchase price. In some cases, a certified appraisal is required even for initial coverage, particularly when the fine art to be insured is of high value.

In choosing an appraiser it is important to look for the following:
An Appraiser….
	• With good standing in a federally recognized Appraiser’s Association such as: International Society of Appraisers (ISA) Appraisers Association of America (AAA) American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
	• Who is qualified and educated in understanding the various types of values,
	assigned uses and market levels
	• Who is familiar with the genre of property you wish to be appraised
	• Who is actively involved in continuing education and testing, and has forma
	schooling in appraisal theory, methodology, ethics, the law, and procedure