Mid-Century Modern Appraisal

Sarah Reeder, AAA, ISA CAPP

Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America

Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers, Private Client Services

Graduate of New York University's Program in Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts

Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine

Sarah Reeder, AAA, ISA CAPP is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America, a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers with the Private Client Services designation, and a graduate of New York University's Program in Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts. She received her master's and undergraduate degrees from the College of William & Mary, where she also completed the Program in Museum Studies, Material Culture, and Early American History from the National Institute of American History and Democracy.  

Prior to founding Artifactual History® Appraisal, Sarah’s professional experience included positions at the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, as well as positions as a Subject Specialist at auction houses.  

She is a generalist appraiser with years of experience working with fine art, silver, furniture, ceramics, antiques and decorative arts.  Sarah is part of the International Society of Appraisers Private Client Services Program with specialized training for working with high-net-worth clients. She is Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant through February 23, 2026.

Sarah is a specialist and scholar in Mid-Century Modern and 20th Century Design and the author of the book Ray Eames in 1930s New York. She is also a member of the TOAD Atelier team. TOAD Atelier is a privately curated digital archive that explores historical textiles, objects, and documents from the midcentury period.


She is the creator of the self-paced online course SILVER 101: Quickly Learn How to Identify Your Sterling Silver and Silverplate to Find the Valuable Pieces and Sort with Empowered Confidence. On-demand registration is available to a global audience here.

 
 

Sarah is also Co-Host of The Art Elevator Podcast together with art expert and gallerist Larissa Wild. The podcast is available for free on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. 

In addition to her professional appraisal practice, Sarah is Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine, a free online magazine featuring educational content about collecting, appraising, and art and antique connoisseurship. 

Click to watch my panel appearance in "Evenings with Artifcts Dives into the Why and What of Collections"

Click to watch my interview about SILVER 101 with Jason Roske on “Behind the Gavel with Jason”

Click to watch my appearance on "Evenings with Artifcts" talking about silver

Click to read the Martha Stewart Living article that included my thoughts about antiques

Featured Expert Quoted in Martha Stewart Living

Click to read the Martha Stewart Living article that included my thoughts about collecting

Click to watch my presentation for the Northwest Neighbors Village Virtual Speaker Series

Click to listen to my interview about midcentury modern designers and their art collections with host Larissa Wild on “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click to listen to my interview about midcentury modern designers and their art collections with host Larissa Wild on “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click to listen to my appearance with host Larissa Wild for the Shop Talk with Appraisers series on “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click to listen to my appearance with host Larissa Wild for the Shop Talk with Appraisers series on “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click to listen to my appearance with host Larissa Wild for the Shop Talk with Appraisers series on Episode 16 of “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click to listen to my appearance with host Larissa Wild for the Shop Talk with Appraisers series on Episode 16 of “The Art Elevator” podcast

Click here to watch my television segment with attorney Richard Ruddy about appraising tangible personal property

EDUCATION:

Certificate in Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts, New York University
Courses Taken:
“Appraising Silver”
“Appraising Fine and Rare Wine”
“Appraisal of American Folk Art”
“The Appraisal of Old Master European and Early American Prints”
“18th and 19th-Century Furniture:  Materials, Construction, and Use”
“American Furniture Styles 1700-2000”
“IRS Legal Guidelines in Valuation of Fine and Decorative Arts”
“Research Methods for Appraisers”
“The Heart of the Matter:  Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising”
“Essentials of Appraising”
“Appraisal Writing Workshop”
“Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)”
“Internship in Appraisal Studies”


Master of Arts, The College of William & Mary
Master's Thesis: "Reevaluating the Carnegie Survey:  New Uses for Frances Benjamin Johnston's Pictorial Archive," a collection of documentary architectural photography

Bachelor of Arts, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa cum laude, Monroe Scholar, The College of William & Mary
Honor's Thesis: "Ray Kaiser Eames in 1930s New York: The Education of an Artist," analyzing Ray Eames' training and paintings prior to co-founding the Eames Office

Certificate in Museum Studies, Material Culture, and Early American History from the National Institute of American History and Democracy (NIAHD) 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

“Contemporary Design,” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“The Comparable Void:  Appraising Unique and Singular Objects Employing Innovative Formula, Parallels, and Expert Opinion,” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Don’t Gloss Over Your Glossary,” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Collection Protection Series: Disaster! Are Your Clients Prepared?” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Brutalism: Overview and Current Market,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Alexander Girard: Celebrating Life Through Design,” MillerKnoll, 2024.

“USPAP 7-Hour Update,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“USPAP Roundtable,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Fantasy, Fake, or Faux: The Fabulous & Concise History of Costume Jewelry,” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Collection Protection: Damage and Loss-Wine,” Appraisers Association of America, 2024.

“Georg Jensen: Defined by Design,” Appraisers Association of America, 2023.

“Of Value: 2023 National Conference,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2023.

“Florence Knoll: Defining Modern,” MillerKnoll, 2023.

“ArtTactic Market Update,” Appraisers Association of America, 2023.

“Working with Family Offices,” Appraisers Association of America, 2023.

“State of the Fake: Luxury Edition,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2023.

“Hallmarks: Decoding England’s Secret Language of Silver,”
New York Adventure Club, 2023.

“Uncovering New York Historical Society’s Tiffany Lamp Collection,” New York Adventure Club, 2023.

“Ukrainian Cultural Heritage: What’s Damaged; Destroyed; Documented; and Being Done,” International Foundation for Art Research, 2022.

“Marketplace and Emerging Trends for Two Dimensional Art,”
International Society of Appraisers, 2022.

“Inside Look: Man Ray’s Le Violon d’Ingres 1924,” Christie’s Education, 2022.

“Louis Vuitton Mini-Course,” Authentication Institute of America, 2022.

“ArtDiscovery: Using Scientific Analysis for Authentication,” Appraisers Association of America, 2022.

“Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 7-Hour Update,” International Society of Appraisers, 2022.

“Contemporary Art + The Design Object,”
International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Midcentury Modern Design,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2021.

“Mid-Mod in the Middle,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“The History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ Art Museums,” Appraisers Association of America, 2021.

“M.C. Escher: Prints, Drawings, Watercolors and Textiles,” curator Dr. David Steel speaking at the Bruce Silverstein Gallery, 2021.

“A Defensible Appraisal Report,” Appraisers Association of America, 2021.

“Blanket or Rug: A Primer for Navajo Textiles,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Luxury Handbags,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Strategies for Appraising Chinese Art,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Jewelry Through the Ages,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Jewelry Settings from the 18th to 21st Centuries: A Visual Analysis,” International Society of Appraisers, 2021.

“Working with Insurance Companies,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2020.

“British Furniture and Decorative Arts,” Appraisers Association of America, 2020.

“Introduction to Appraising Rugs,”
International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

“Book Appraisal Methodology,” International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

“Jewelry Essentials,” Gemological Institute of America, 2020.

“Colored Stone Essentials,” Gemological Institute of America, 2020.

“Diamond Essentials,” Gemological Institute of America, 2020.

“Appraising Stamps and Coins,” International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

“Appraising Oriental Rugs and Carpets,”
Appraisers Association of America, 2020.

“Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 7-Hour Update Course,” International Society of Appraisers, 2020.

“Foundation for Appraisal Education Annual Seminar,”
Foundation for Appraisal Education, 2018.

"Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice 7-Hour Update," Appraisers Association of America, 2018.

"Appraising in the World of High-Net-Worth Individuals," International Society of Appraisers, 2018.

"Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 7-Hour Update Course," The Appraisal Foundation, 2017.

"Appraisal of Modern and Contemporary Prints," New York University, 2016.

"Elements of a Correctly Prepared Appraisal," Appraisers Association of America, 2016.

"Theory & Methodology," Appraisers Association of America, 2016.

"Antiques, Furnishings, & Decorative Arts," International Society of Appraisers, 2016.

"Core Course in Appraisal Studies," International Society of Appraisers, 2015.


MEMBERSHIPS:

Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America

Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers, with Private Client Services designation, 2021 Recipient of the Lamp of Knowledge Award

Phi Beta Kappa

Ally Member of the National Association of Black Professional Organizers (NABPO)

Founding Member of the Fine Objects Society


PUBLICATIONS:

“Understanding Appraiser Neutrality: A Consumer’s Guide to the Importance of Working with USPAP-Compliant Appraisers,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2024.

“A Consumer’s Guide to the Appraisal Process for Art and Antique Appraisal Reports,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2024.

“Everything You Wanted to Know About Appraisals, But Were Afraid to Ask,” Interview with Artifcts CEO Heather Nickerson, Artifcts, 2023.

“How to Identify an Antique When You See One,” (contributor to article by Blythe Copeland and Lauren Thomann), Martha Stewart Living, 2023.

“How to Have a Collecting Hobby If You’re a Minimalist,” (contributor to article by Blythe Copeland), Martha Stewart Living, 2023.

“A Conversation with Photographer Lance Wilson,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2023.

“What Is A Certified Appraiser of Art and Antiques?” Worthwhile Magazine, 2022.

“A Conversation with a Financial Advisor:  Tracy Shen of The Florin Group,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2022.

“A Conversation with Megan Dorsey of Everthine Antiques & Stationery,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2022.

“Identifying Mid-Century Modern Design,” RICS Journals, 2022.

“The Wonderful Work of Marilyn Neuhart,” TOAD archive, 2021.

“What Type of Appraisal Report Do You Need? An Overview of Common Appraisal Report Categories,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2021.

“A Conversation with Lebanese Artist Mirella Salamé,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2021.

“The Case Against the Current Energy Usage of NFTs: An Art World Environmentalist’s Opinion,” Artifactual History, 2021.

“A Conversation with Alexander Wendl: Creator and Curator of TOAD Archive,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2021.

“Not Like On TV: Appraising is a Professional Service Like Law and Accounting,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2021.

“Expert Answers to Common Questions From Art Collectors,” (contributor to article), Artwork Archive, 2020.

“A Conversation with An Auctioneer: Jason Roske of KC Auction Company and Host of ‘Behind the Gavel with Jason,’” Worthwhile Magazine, 2020.

“What I Would Tell My Collector Self 20 Years Ago,” written together with Courtney Ahlstrom Christy, Artwork Archive, 2020.

“Demystifying the Appraisal Process,” Artwork Archive, 2020.

“How to Obtain Quality Art and Antique Appraisals,” Home Transition Pros, 2020.

“New Uses for Old Things: Thoughts in Support of Mixing Antiques in Modern Interiors,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2020.

“Deepen Your Collecting & Collections Knowledge: An Interview With Spencer W. Stuart About His Lifecycles Webinar,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2020.

“Art Adventuring: A Conversation with Claudia Hess of Hess Art Advisory,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2020.

“A Conversation with Ally Zlatar: Artist, Curator, Activist & Everything In Between,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2020.

“Questions to Consider Asking Yourself While Contemplating a New Addition to Your Art Collection,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

“Understanding the Different Levels of Value: It’s Worth What Where and When?” Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

“A Consumer’s Guide to Insurance Appraisal Reports: Do You Need One and How to Get One?” Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

“A Conversation with Artist Mario Loprete,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2019.

"An Overview of the Many Ways That An Appraiser Can Assist the Private Client Services Community,” Digital Journal of Advanced Appraisal Practice, 2019, pages 7-16.

"The Right Stuff: The Surprising Compatibility of Collecting and Minimalism,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2018.

"A Conversation with An Art Restorer: Anabela Ferguson of Brush Strokes Fine Art LLC,” Worthwhile Magazine, 2018.

"The Catalogue Raisonné: An Art Collector’s Underutilized Friend," Worthwhile Magazine, 2018.

"What is USPAP and Why Is It Important to Hire A USPAP-Compliant Appraiser?"  ISA Now, International Society of Appraisers, 2017.

"An Introduction to Appraising Mid-Century Modern Furniture," The Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies, 2016.

"Rediscovering a Lost Treasure:  Frances Benjamin Johnston's Carnegie Survey."  Uncommon Sense, No. 124, 2007.


AS SEEN IN:

The Art Elevator podcast interview with host Larissa Wild: “Shop Talk with Appraisers: What Is In A Qualified Appraisal”

Evenings with Artifcts Speaker Series: Guest Speaker on Silver

Northwest Neighbors Village Virtual Speaker Series

The Probate Nation: “Tangible Personal Property Valuation.”




TEACHING:

“Ray Eames,” guest presentation for Professor Max Avi Kaplan’s class “Fashion as Art: Contemporary Collaborations” at New York University, 2022

“Appraising Midcentury Modern Design,” International Society of Appraisers webinar, 2021.

Presentations about Ray Eames and TOAD Archive for the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers, 2022

”Paths to Publishing” Presentation, International Society of Appraisers, 2023.

Joint presentation with Tanzy Ward, “Understanding the Historical Significance and Value of Antiques & Heirlooms,” National Association of Black Professional Organizers (NABPO), 2024.

PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Appraisers Association of America Membership Committee Member, May 2022 to present, Co-Chair October 2023 to present