Virtual | ArtTable’s Professional Development Series: Demystifying Appraisal Review with Susan McDonough

This professional development program will explore the critical role of appraisal review in the fine art market, providing collectors, advisors, and legal professionals with essential insights into how this specialized process ensures the accuracy and credibility of fine art appraisals. Drawing upon her extensive experience as a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and her role as an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor, Susan will cover:

Defining Appraisal Review: Understanding the act of developing an opinion about the quality of another appraiser’s work—distinct from simple fact-checking or administrative QC.

The Role of the Reviewer: Navigating the objective analysis of methodology, logic, and compliance with USPAP.

Strategic Benefits for Users: How appraisal reviews serve as a vital “check and balance” for fiduciaries, attorneys, accountants, managers, and executors managing collections and estates.

Risk Mitigation: Identifying common pitfalls in appraisal reports and how a second opinion can protect the integrity of financial and legal transactions.

Attendees will gain actionable knowledge to better manage their collections and navigate the complexities of art valuation with confidence. The session will include time for Q&A to address specific challenges related to audit, assurance, and litigation support.

The zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Susan McDonough, AAA, is a partner at the bicoastal appraisal firm Czudej McDonough. She has deep and extensive experience appraising artwork at the highest levels of the art market for insurance, donation, and tax & estate planning purposes. She specializes in complex valuation assignments and is a recognized authority on appraisal methodology; she was the Managing Editor for the Appraisers Association’s 2024 publication Appraising Art: The Definitive Guide and co-authored the article on “Appraisal Review.”
An active educator, Susan is an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor and teaches Appraisal Writing for the Appraisers Association of America. She previously served on the Association’s Board of Directors (2014–2021) and was an adjunct professor at New York University’s Appraisal Studies Program. Her career began at New York’s CDS Gallery and includes tenures at major art publishers and galleries in both New York and San Francisco, where she now practices. She holds a B.A. in Art History and Latin American Studies from Columbia University.

Program Admission:

• ArtTable Members – $10
• General Admission – $15

Not a member? Join today!

All program registration fees go toward event expenses and administrative costs for the organization.