The Art Elevator

Want to know more about the art world but don’t have time, or don’t know where to start? Join Larissa Wild and Sarah Reeder on this podcast as we dig deep interviewing art historians, curators, appraisers, artists, and more to bring you lifetimes of knowledge in a digestible format to elevate your knowledge of art.

The Legacy of Value with Alvah Beander 07/14/2025

The Legacy of Value with Alvah Beander 🎙 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, internationally recognized appraiser and thought leader Alvah Beander returns to The Art Elevator to discuss how families can preserve cultural memory, personal property, and intergenerational wealth through art. Alvah is the founder of Legacy of Value: Art Across Generations, and the first African American fellow in arts and antiques of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With her deep knowledge and passion, she offers transformative insights into the often-overlooked emotional and cultural significance of collections—and how to plan responsibly for the future. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why "value" is about more than price—it’s about history, impact, and meaning. How to start involving the next generation in preserving family collections. The biggest misconceptions about legacy, inheritance, and what families truly value. Why personal property like art and quilts requires different estate planning approaches than stocks or real estate. How race, culture, and community histories shape legacy and the stewardship of objects. The critical role of qualified appraisers in legacy planning and estate management—and why DIY doesn't cut it. Steps you can take today to document your own collection. 🛠 Practical Takeaways: Start by photographing your collection and recording stories orally. Involve your children or grandchildren in the process—they bring tech-savvy and fresh perspective. Assemble a team of professionals: appraisers, estate attorneys, wealth advisors, and accountants. Don’t wait—legacy planning is an act of love and clarity. 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Legacy of Value: Visit Stay informed and inspired: 📢 Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art—bringing meaningful stories and artworks to collectors and communities alike. /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/37400865

Insights on Collecting with Dr. Smith & Dr. Imafidon 06/05/2025

Insights on Collecting with Dr. Smith & Dr. Imafidon Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I Topics discussed: - How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in - Their tips on how to start a collection - How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients - The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you - The joy of living surrounded by art You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/36872100

Appraising African Fashion with Makeba Boateng 01/27/2025

Appraising African Fashion with Makeba Boateng Podcast Show Notes Makeba Boateng is a cultural strategist and the founder of Fashion Forum Africa, dedicated to preserving and promoting Ghana’s rich textile heritage and fostering sustainable fashion practices. With over three decades of experience in public relations, appraisal, and curation, she has worked on globally recognized projects, including the Victoria & Albert Museum's Africa Fashion exhibition, now touring internationally. Makeba is reshaping the narrative around African heritage and creativity for a global audience. Makeba is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner, a USPAP-Compliant Personal Property Appraiser leading her company Boaten Appraisal Service, and a passionate advocate for indigenous African design. Her work bridges Ghana’s textile traditions with global innovation, inspiring a sustainable future for African fashion and design. Her work celebrates the intersection of history and modernity, blending storytelling with advocacy to elevate indigenous African textiles and design. A champion for sustainability and cultural preservation, she collaborates with artisans, designers, and institutions to create meaningful projects that honor tradition while inspiring innovation. By promoting indigenous techniques and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, she aims to inspire the next generation of creators to embrace their roots while shaping a global impact. Makeba's work is a testament to the power of tradition in driving contemporary relevance, making her a trailblazer in the world of fashion and cultural advocacy. Links: Fashion Forum Africa: Makeba on LinkedIn: Makeba's main garment worn during the interview: Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Don’t forget to subscribe to for more behind-the-scenes stories from the art world. Sponsor Shoutout: This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Appraisal Scribe, where you can optimize your appraisal process with their all-in-one platform. To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world. /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/35027305

Getting Artsy with Lucy Wolter from Artsy.net 12/30/2024

Getting Artsy with Lucy Wolter from Artsy.net Podcast Show Notes: In this episode of The Art Elevator Podcast, we are joined by Lucy Walter, Head of Small Business Partnerships at Artsy, the world’s largest online marketplace for discovering, buying, and selling fine art. Lucy shares her journey from finance to her current role at Artsy and discusses how the platform is revolutionizing the art market for small and emerging galleries. From strategies for increasing visibility to the importance of diversifying sales channels, Lucy provides invaluable insights into how galleries can thrive in the digital art world. She also introduces Artsy’s exciting new partnership with ArtCloud, which simplifies gallery operations and empowers them to focus on what they do best: connecting collectors with incredible art. Whether you’re a gallery owner, an art collector, or simply fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What is Artsy? An introduction to the platform and its mission to expand the global art market. Challenges for Small Galleries: How Artsy helps galleries grow visibility, reach global collectors, and manage operations efficiently. Online Art Sales Trends: Why 80% of collectors are buying art online and how Artsy is leveraging this shift. The Power of an Online Presence: Tips for galleries to integrate in-person events with online platforms for maximum impact. Artsy x ArtCloud Partnership: How this integration is transforming inventory management and sales for galleries. Why Artsy is a Game-Changer for Collectors: A seamless journey from discovery to purchase and beyond. Key Highlights: Artsy has seen a 40% increase in sales this year despite a broader market downturn. Galleries on Artsy gain global visibility, which is essential for emerging artists with regional demand. Artsy’s tools and analytics help galleries save time, optimize their operations, and grow their businesses. The ArtCloud partnership streamlines inventory and sales management, saving galleries up to 80% of time on administrative tasks. Collectors can explore curated collections, discover emerging artists, and purchase works from galleries worldwide with ease. Resources and Links: Register interest in Artsy: Explore the ArtCloud Partnership: 2024 report on collector behavior: Artsy Viewing Rooms: Sponsor Shoutout: This episode of The Art Elevator is brought to you by Artifactual History and Larissa Wild Fine Art. To stay inspired and informed, join our email list today! You'll receive updates about our latest creations, valuable tips, and a deeper look into the art world. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FUN! - /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/34582995

Accessing Your Creativity 5 12/24/2024

Absolutely Inspired with Kelsey Rose 11/06/2024

Tanzy Ward on Preserving Black Material Culture 08/08/2024

Toad Atelier on Midcentury Modern Collecting 07/17/2024

Planning for Provenance with Aubrey Catrone 07/05/2024

Planning for Provenance with Aubrey Catrone In this episode, Aubrey Catrone explains the importance of provenance, defining it as the history of ownership of an art object from its creation to the present day. She highlights the necessity of distinguishing between stated and verified provenance, emphasizing the need for supporting documentation. Aubrey discusses challenges such as the rapid pace of art transactions and the importance of trusting sources in the art market. She advises collectors to proactively ask for documentation, conduct risk assessments, and digitize their records. New technologies like blockchain and AI are explored, with Aubrey noting their potential and limitations. She outlines the three-pronged process of verifying authenticity through scientific testing, provenance, and connoisseurship. And the part we love most: Aubrey highlights the emotional and historical connection that provenance provides, enriching the collector's experience and deepening their connection to the artwork. is an international art historian, appraiser, and provenance researcher. Aubrey earned an MA in the History of Art from University College London, specializing in the documented histories of art objects. With an art gallery and academic research background, Catrone founded to provide her clients with the tools, not only to historically contextualize art, but also to shed light on attribution and legal title within the international art market. She is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America with a specialization in Impressionist & Modern Art. Catrone has researched artworks including paintings, artefacts, works on paper, prints, and sculptures spanning the fourth century B.C.E. to the twenty-first century C.E. She has appeared as a guest expert on the History Channel and published her scholarship in a variety of publications including RICS Journals and the Journal of Art Crime. Learn More About Aubrey Catrone: Aubrey's company Proper Provenance LLC: Connect with Aubrey on Instagram Articles written by Aubrey: /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/31237067

Creative Belonging 06/13/2024

Creative Belonging In this episode, Brooke Kuhnhusen shares her evolving understanding of creativity, initially seeing herself as a psychologist engaging in art, but now embracing her identity as a creative person. She discusses the therapeutic connection of creativity, highlighting its role in connecting with the deepest self through compassion, curiosity, connectedness, and creativity. Brooke emphasizes the importance of joy in the creative process, describing it as a vital, fun energy that has the ability to transform those who engage. She recounts her personal experience with land art, overcoming self-doubt, and finding satisfaction in the creative process itself. Brooke also explores cultural perspectives on creativity, particularly in ceremony and ritual, and the significance of giving oneself permission to be creative. She highlights the power of co-creation and community in amplifying joy and connection, viewing creativity as a collaborative and exponential force. Lastly, she underscores the natural world's role in inspiring and holding our joy and courage in creative endeavors. About the speaker: Dr. Brooke Kuhnhausen is a deeply creative soul who embraces explorations of connection and healing across varied landscapes ranging from academic classrooms to treeside in a forest. Dr. Kuhnhausen values creativity and collaboration as portals of transformation and imagination so vitally needed for new ways of being together and caring for the Earth in our time of climate change. She is a psychologist who practices depth and relational therapy in her private practice and also trains and consults with other therapists, teaching in various graduate programs and therapy institutes. Dr. Kuhnhausen's climate justice advocacy includes her participation in ecofeminist art exhibitions, including her absolutely stunning land art installation last summer at the Verdancy Project in Oregon. Her passionate centering of beauty and connection as north stars for inspiring positive change has personally shifted co-host Sarah Reeder's thinking away from climate despair many times. It is such an honor to be able to share her unique gift of perspective on the podcast as we talk about creativity as a force for healing. Dr. Kuhnhausen can be reached at for inquiries regarding workshops, speaking engagements, creative collaborations, and other opportunities. /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/31739692

Curating Legacies: How Artifcts Chronicles Your Collections 05/06/2024

Accessing Your Creativity - Week 4 03/16/2024

Accessing Your Creativity - Week 3 02/22/2024

Accessing Your Creativity - Week 2 02/14/2024

Accessing Your Creativity - Week 1 02/06/2024

Managing Artist's Estates - Part 2 06/05/2023

Managing Artist's Estates - Part 1 05/22/2023

Stolen Art & Restitution 04/06/2023

Fakes & Forgeries 03/01/2023

Art & Money Laundering 02/01/2023

Solving For: The Starving Artist 08/04/2022

Solving For: The Starving Artist Heather Bhandari (she/her) is the Co-Founder of Art World Learning (AWL): a subscription-based, online education platform to help those in the creative sector thrive by making intelligent business and financial decisions. It grew from a business and financial health conference for visual artists, named Art World Conference (AWC), which debuted in NYC in April of 2019, Los Angeles in February of 2020, and online in October of 2020. She and her AWL co-founder, Dexter Wimberly, were listed in the Observer's "Arts Power 50: Changemakers Shaping the Art World in 2019." Heather is also an independent curator; a co-founder of the project-based curatorial team and podcast, The Remix; a trustee of Art Omi (an international artist residency in Ghent, NY); and an adjunct lecturer at Brown University where she teaches professional practice to visual arts majors. The second edition of her book, ART/WORK, was published by Simon and Schuster in October of 2017. From 2000 to 2016 Heather was a director of Mixed Greens, a commercial gallery in Chelsea where she curated well over one hundred exhibitions while managing a roster of nearly two-dozen emerging to mid-career artists. Most recently, she was the Director of Exhibitions at Smack Mellon, a nonprofit in Brooklyn. Heather received a BA from Brown University and an MFA from Pennsylvania State University where she recently received their College of Arts and Architecture Distinguished Alumni Award. Her career began at contemporary galleries Sonnabend and Lehmann Maupin, both in New York City. - The reality for most artists is they need to run a business as well as create masterpieces, and often incredible artists aren’t wired for the former skillset. Heather covers some of the fundamentals an artist needs to have a viable career from a business standpoint - Learn the benefit to society at large from providing this education for artists - While we can question the root problems that have plagued “starving” artists in making a living to survive and thrive, hear what Heather Bhandari and Dexter Wimberly are doing to turn this around and empower artists through Art World Learning /episode/index/show/artofseeing/id/23843768