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At Artrium, we are dedicated to three core goals: delivering accurate and effective appraisals and testimony, promoting integrity and transparency in the art market, and honoring the value of your fine property. 

As the owner of Artrium, I am proud to be an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers, a distinguished organization that includes some of the most highly trained appraisers in the field. My extensive experience spans a wide range of specialties, and I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of competency and transparency in the fine art industry. I stay current with USPAP courses, bringing over 20 years of combined education and experience in the fine art and appraisal industries.

Thank you for trusting us with your personal property needs.

With warm regards

– Elizabeth

Elizabeth R. Krambeer

Owner, Generalist Appraiser, Auctioneer, Consultant, and Expert Witness
Accredited Member, International Society of Appraisers
Areas of Specialty: American, European, and Russian fine and decorative arts: Prints, Paintings, and Sculpture, estate jewelry, large collection management

Relevant Experience:

Owner/Appraiser | Artrium Appraisal and Advisory | Nov 2019 To Present
• Research, write, and format USPAP-compliant personal property appraisal reports
• Advise clients on personal property matters, including asset management, authentication, value, acquisition, and sale
• Provide expert witness services for litigation related to personal property
• Website development
• Create educational video and print content related to fine art and appraisal theory, methodology, ethics, and guidelines

Founder | Artrium Network | January 2022 To Present
• Developing an app that allows artists and collectors to display collections and network with potential buyers at no commission
• Develop business plan, target market, and in-depth competitor analysis of digital and brick-and-mortar art sale outlets, pitch to investors
• Collaborate with business advisors, attorneys, and software developers to identify key functionality, build prototype, and prepare for MVP build and launch
• Market research (customer discovery) including: artists, gallerists, curators, collectors, educators

Cataloging, Appraisal, Auctioneer, Operations Consultant | Jackson’s International Auctioneers | Mar 2024 To Present
• Write in-depth catalog descriptions and condition reports for fine art, jewelry, and other items
• Organize and appraise client inventories, from individual items to large corporate collections
• Auctioneer high-end personal property
• Guide various departments through auction-related processes

Director of Client Services, Appraisals, Enquiries | Jackson’s International Auctioneers | Mar 2018 To March 2024
• First point of contact for every item submitted for consignment (tens of thousands of items per year)
• Write in-depth catalog descriptions and condition reports for fine art, jewelry, and collectibles
• Large collection management and appraisal (for Fortune 500 businesses and various institutions)
• First point of contact for appraisal clients, set terms, prepare contracts, write appraisal reports, prepare invoices, and collect payment
• Auctioneer of high-end personal property
• Direct auction process interdepartmentally to ensure success in our sales department leading to significant consignments, proper inventory management of complex one-of-a-kind items, oversee all aspects client services, negotiating and de-escalation with international client base, hiring, training, performance management

Education

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Studio Art (B.A.) 2012
• Classically trained oil painter, extensive art history courses, applied drawing, printmaking, and graphics

Appraisal Related Education:
• Estate Planning Council of St. Louis: What do Comparable Sales, Value Determination, and Tax Court Have in Common? December, 2024

• USPAP 7-Hour Personal Property Course, 2024
• It’s Not Personal, it’s Business – a Panel Discussion on Artist-Dealer Relationships, 2024
• Securing your Legacy – The Advantages of Trusts in Estate Planning, 2024
• Making Your Mark: Converting Art, Jewelry, and Collectibles into Charitable Impact, 2024
• USPAP 7-hour Personal Property Course, 2022
• International Society of Appraisers Annual Conference, 2022
• International Society of Appraisers Annual Conference, 2021
• International Society of Appraisers NFT Webinar, June 2021
• Universal Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice National Certification 15-Hour Personal Property Course, June 2020
• International Society of Appraisers Course: Appraisal of Fine Art 2020
• International Society of Appraisers Core Course in Appraisal Studies, 2019

Auctioneer
• April Collector’s Choice Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2024
• November 28 and 29 Winter World Treasures Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2023
• July 25 and 26 Summer Collector’s Choice Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2023
• April 25 and 26 Spring World Treasures Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2023
• December 13 and 14 Modern and Vintage Treasures Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2022
• October 25 Fall Collector’s Choice Auction, Jackson’s International Auctioneers, Cedar Falls, IA 2024

 

History of Litigation Support/Expert Witness Experience

• Available upon request

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal property appraisals, when conducted by qualified appraisers, result in comprehensive reports that delve into tangible commodity markets. These professionals engage in thorough market research, crafting analyses and projections grounded in extensive study. The conclusions drawn are defended in meticulously prepared reports that adhere to U.S. Government and other regulatory guidelines. In scenarios involving high-value personal property assets—such as estate planning, insurance coverage, charitable donations, equitable distribution, potential purchases, or deaccessions—seeking guidance from a non-biased third-party professional appraiser is imperative.

The role of these appraisers extends beyond determining the monetary value of artworks; it encompasses the broader spectrum of asset management. By leveraging their expertise, clients gain insight into the intricacies of the art market, ensuring informed decision-making in various contexts. Whether it’s safeguarding assets, planning for the future, or facilitating transactions, the involvement of qualified appraisers provides a level of precision and credibility essential for navigating the complexities of the art world, meeting compliance standards, and protecting your best interests.

Initiating the art appraisal process is straightforward. You can begin by filling out our online request form, sending an email to connect@artrium.site, or reaching out to a specialist at 563-203-0298. Share details about your situation and the subject property, and we’ll assist you in navigating the subsequent steps. Depending on the specifics, our guidance may lead to a recommendation for a comprehensive appraisal report; however, in certain cases, a full appraisal may not be necessary. We prioritize providing tailored solutions to meet your unique needs, ensuring a streamlined and efficient appraisal experience.

Our accomplished appraisal expert, Elizabeth, brings a wealth of experience as an accredited generalist appraiser. Her expertise spans a diverse range of subjects, covering fine art from Old Masters to 19th and 20th-century works, and extending to ultra-contemporary artists. Elizabeth’s proficiency encompasses American and European paintings, prints, photography, and sculpture. Additionally, she is well versed in estate jewelry, and various categories of decorative art, such as antique silver, porcelain, and glass, among others. With hands-on experience across this broad spectrum, Elizabeth ensures a comprehensive and well-informed approach to appraising valuable assets. Clients can trust in her depth of knowledge and discernment, making her a reliable guide in the valuation and assessment of a diverse array of art and collectibles.

The timeframe for our appraisal process is contingent on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, for standard-level appraisals, completion and return fall within 60 days, with the possibility of expediting the process to as short as 30 days upon request. However, for more complex cases involving challenging artworks or extensive collections, additional time may be necessary. In such instances, we may engage in consultations with galleries, artists, and niche specialists to ensure a meticulous consideration of all pertinent factors and deliver a comprehensive assessment. Despite the varying complexities, we prioritize efficiency in our work, assuring clients of a timely and thorough evaluation, tailored to their unique circumstances. Our commitment to delivering accurate and reliable results remains unwavering, reflecting our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our clientele.

Absolutely. Our appraisals are conducted by an accredited expert with a wealth of experience in the art market, having evaluated over 50,000 individual items over the course of her career. This experience brings a deep understanding of the intricacies of valuation. Our appraisal reports are meticulously researched and prepared, adhering to the highest standards set forth by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), ISA (International Society of Appraisers), and USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) guidelines and regulations. This commitment to compliance ensures the accuracy and reliability of our assessments, providing clients with confidence in the quality and integrity of our appraisal services. Whether for insurance purposes, estate planning, or any other valuation need, our accredited expert delivers comprehensive and trustworthy appraisals that meet the rigorous standards of industry best practices.

Certainly. In addition to providing appraisals, our dedicated team offers expert advisory services tailored to guide you through the intricate process of buying or selling fine art. This guidance is particularly crucial for higher-valued items, emphasizing the importance of enlisting an unbiased third party. Unlike parties with a vested interest, such as gallery owners, brokers, dealers, or even auction house associates, our team provides impartial advice to ensure informed decision-making. Trusting valuation advice from those with potential financial stakes in your decisions can introduce unintentional biases, impacting the accuracy and objectivity of the information provided. Even in cases where biases are not deliberate, the influence on value feedback can be significant. By turning to our team for expert advisory services, you gain the advantage of objective insights, empowering you to navigate the art market with clarity and confidence.

The cost of our appraisal services is contingent upon several factors, including the type of artwork and the complexity of the appraisal. The time investment varies as well; a comprehensive appraisal report for a single item might take only one or two hours, whereas evaluating a substantial corporate or institutional collection could span hundreds of hours. For a more precise understanding of the costs associated with your specific situation, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. During this initial discussion, we’ll gain insights into the details of your project, allowing us to provide a tailored proposal and quote. This personalized approach ensures transparency and accuracy in estimating the cost of our services, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your unique appraisal needs. Contact us today, and let us guide you through the process with clarity and expertise.

Yes, we prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. All information shared during the appraisal and advisory process is kept strictly confidential.

Yes, we are well-equipped to assist you in pursuing authentication and conducting thorough provenance research. Establishing the history and ownership of a piece is a meticulous process, and our experts bring extensive experience to guide you through this often complex and time-consuming journey. We recognize that the authentication process can be both expensive and unclear, so our team leverages an extensive network of contacts in the authentication world. This network enables us to navigate the intricacies of the process efficiently, ensuring that you receive reliable and accurate information about the authenticity and provenance of your artwork.

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

American and European Fine Art and Decorative Arts

This area encompasses a wide range of works from the Renaissance to contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and works on paper. It covers everything from Old Masters to ultra-contemporary, with experience and education across a vast array of artistic movements. This includes important impressionist works, American movements such as the Hudson River School,  Regionalism, realism, and Western art. Additionally, it features Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Expressionism, and a variety of decorative arts, art pottery, art glass, and period furniture. This comprehensive expertise allows for thorough assessments and connections with universally recognized leading authorities in key subject areas, as well as important sales outlets and conservators, enabling effective and accurate appraisals across various styles and periods from the 17th century to modern day.

Russian Fine and Decorative Arts

Russian fine and decorative arts span a rich timeline from the 18th century through the revolutionary era of 1917 and into the early Soviet period. This diverse area of specialty includes, exquisite silver and enamel works, including those made by iconic makers such as Faberge, Russian imperial porcelain and glass, important bronzes such as those by the noted sculptor Lanceray, and significant paintings such as landscapes by Shishkin or Marinescapes by Aivosovsky. This area also includes Russian icons. Often painted on a wood panel, or alternatively crafted from copper, brass, or silver, Russian Icons are a form of religious art that are an important part of Russian culture Our expertise ensures accurate identification and evaluation of historical significance, authenticity, and market value.

Authentication Support (Including Problematic Prints)

Authentication support is essential for collectors, galleries, and institutions seeking to verify the legitimacy of artworks, especially when dealing with problematic prints from renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. The art market has seen its share of forgeries and misattributions, making expert evaluation critical. I provide comprehensive authentication services that include provenance research, condition assessments, and collaboration with recognized authentication authorities. My approach ensures that clients have the necessary documentation to support their artworks’ authenticity, enhancing their value and credibility in the marketplace.

Regionalist and Iowa Artists

Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Iowa, just an hour from Grant Wood’s home and studio, we are deeply immersed in the heart of the regionalist movement. This genre captures the essence of early 20th century Midwestern culture, landscape, and identity. Our expertise encompasses a thorough understanding of key figures, characteristics, and works from this movement. We regularly assist collectors and institutions in appraising, acquiring, and selling works by notable Regionalist artists. Our extensive hands-on experience includes artworks by Grant Wood, Marvin Cone, Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, Andrew Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, John Bloom, Alma Held, Arnold Pyle, and Conger Metcalf. 

Full estates - including Antique Furniture, Silver, Crystal, Porcelain, and Lighting

Appraising antiques including furniture, silver, crystal, porcelain, and lighting requires significant hands-on experience and a solid understanding of quality and design history. Recognizing age, quality, and design details comes from practical hands-on knowledge and experience, not academic training. Recognizing subtle nuances, such as the quality of leading in a lamp, assessing patina on wood or bronze, and evaluating the authenticity of dirt and grime buildup, are skills that can only be acquired by experience. Having extensive real-world experience is key to avoiding excessive time and money spent researching items that lack significant value. My expertise allows me to identify items of superior quality that hold significant value, which is essential for generating accurate and cost effective assessments.