Study fine & decorative arts appraisals & connoisseurship at UC Irvine Extension

IRVINE, Calif. – November 14, 2002 – The only West Coast university-based program leading to the highly respected American Society of Appraisers professional certified designation has been launched at UC Irvine Extension. The program, Appraisal Studies in Fine and Decorative Arts, offers all the Society's required courses, presented by ASA senior instructors, recognized experts in legal and technical specialties, and includes exciting connoisseurship and travel opportunities.

"The popularity of television programs like Antiques Roadshow has sparked an enormous interest in knowing the value of heirlooms and collectibles," says Dr. Kirwan Rockefeller, director of Arts and Humanities programs at UC Irvine Extension. "But we need to remember that these shows are first and foremost entertainment. While containing some accuracy, they bear as much resemblance to the appraisal profession as medical and courtroom television dramas do to the health care and legal professions. Certainly any information is better than none, but to hold up with the IRS, with insurance companies, probate or divorce courts, an appraisal must come from a certified appraiser."

The response to the new Appraisal Studies in Fine and Decorative Arts Program has been "remarkable," says Rockefeller. "The program is attracting residents from Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties, as well as individuals from Northern California and most of the western states. I anticipate next year we'll have people from Western Canada and quite possibly Asia."

Courses are open to lay connoisseurs with special interests, and to those who want to change careers, desire an academic grounding in their long-held passion for fine and decorative arts, or need to be able to protect their own interests. "Just like you want to be educated about your own financial portfolio," says Rockefeller, "likewise, you want to be more knowledgeable about your antiques whether they've been passed down through family generations or you've recently acquired them for your personal collections."

Designed primarily for serious seekers of the ASA designation, four required core courses, which must be taken in sequence, provide the basics in the principles of valuation, including Introduction to Personal Property Valuation; Methodology Research and Analysis; Report Writing; and Appraisal Practices and Standards. Today's busy adults can complete a 30-hour core course in a weekend – Thursday through Sunday. .

Connoisseurship courses in different elements of the fine and decorative arts, including gems and jewelry, oriental rugs and furniture, are offered throughout the year. Beginning February 21-25, 2003, a two-day connoisseurship course, 19th and 20th Century Jewelry: The Fashion and the Flair, will examine jewelry styles that have emerged into recognizable periods, in the context of the historical, social and cultural fashions of the day.

The program also offers arts and antique aficionados additional opportunities to pursue their interests while traveling. As part of the American Folk Art: New York City course, offered January 16 through 18, participants will visit New York City with senior ASA members for special access to top shows and auctions as part of Americana Week. Included in the trip are museum excursions, trips to antique shows, and private lectures with gallery directors, appraisers, collectors, curators, and experts.

Another travel course, European Antiques, Fine and Decorative Arts: Brussels, The Netherlands, offers students a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit Brussels, known for its famous art nouveau and art deco architecture and furnishings, which is hosting the renowned 2003 Maastricht Art Fair. Participants will join senior ASA members for exclusive visits to various museums, arts dealers' shops, galleries, and special collections, going behind the scenes of the international art market, from March 17 through 21.

Fine and decorative arts enthusiasts may also be interested in the travel program in Cambridge, often described as one of the most beautiful cities in England, abounding with centuries-old buildings and English gardens. The travel program, England: The Country House, Great Architecture & History, is offered August 3-16, 2003. Participants select one of three courses, The English Country House, which includes visits to magnificent English country homes that became showplaces for fine and decorative arts for wealthy families and new captains of industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The other courses are Great English Cathedrals & Churches and British Espionage & World War II.

For more information on the certificate program, current connoisseurship classes and travel opportunities, contact Kirwan Rockefeller at (949) 824-5990 or krockefe@uci.edu. To enroll, go to Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts.

UC Irvine Extension is the nonprofit, continuing education branch of the University of California, Irvine. It is self-supporting and offers life- and career-enhancing programs in many areas, including over 50 professional learning pathways. To request a UC Irvine Extension catalog, call (949) 824-5414 or visit www.unex.uci.edu.