ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM | RAM TALKS ART | APPRAISAL DAY AT RAM MARCH 7, TICKETS ON SALE NOW

RAM Talks Art: Appraisal Day at RAM March 7, tickets on sale now
Sarah Bursley McNamara, Community Relations Coordinator, Rockford Art Museum

Ever wondered how much the stuff in your attic is really worth? (Or basement, or closet—or overtaking your living space, for that matter?)

Like many people, I've managed to collect a lot of things without really trying. With spring cleaning around the corner—and with the economy the way it is—I've thought about having some of these items appraised, either for insurance purposes or just out of curiosity. (i.e., I'm curious to know if the stuff I'm saving could pay for its own storage unit.)

Somehow, the whole appraisal process feels a little intimidating. Where do I start? Who does the appraisal? How do I find an appraiser? How far in advance do I need to make an appointment? Will I have to cough up hundreds of dollars? Per item? Do I have to take a day off work, just to have someone look at my stuff? How come it seems so complicated?

Apparently, there are a lot of us in the same boat. In four years of working at Rockford Art Museum (RAM), I'd say I've taken thousands of calls and e-mails about appraisals. Easily. By far, it's the question that's asked the most—even more than “What are your hours?” (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. Just for the record.)

Well, RAM has listened to you. As a direct response to its most frequently asked question, the museum created a brand-new event, Appraisal Day, where you'll be able to have paintings, decorative arts, jewelry, and books and manuscripts appraised. Right here, at Rockford Art Museum.

Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can bring up to two items to RAM and have experts from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers—a top-notch auction house in Chicago—take a look at them and give estimates on what they're worth. Tickets at the door are $10 per item, limit two items.

Here's a great incentive to get your tickets now: this is a first-come, first-served event. Advance tickets are $20, and you can bring up to three items. Plus, you get early admission, at 10 a.m.

The response to hearing about Appraisal Day has been incredibly positive. The RAM Board of Trustees and staff are excited to offer a service to our community that meets a need and takes the guesswork out of a process that can seem overwhelming.

You can purchase your advance tickets for Appraisal Day in person at Rockford Art Museum, or by phone at (815) 968-2787. And if you have any questions, please keep asking. After all, that's how this event came to be! See you March 7.

Contact RAM Community Relations Coordinator Sarah Bursley McNamara at smcnamara@rockfordartmuseum.org.

From the Feb. 18-24, 2009 issue
Copyright 2002-2009 The Rock River Times

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