Profile: influential
An appraising eye NaNcy beebe StuDieD FiNe artS iN coLLeGe, but DiDN’t DiScover her caLLiNG aS a FiNe artS aPPraiSer uNtiL a FrieND aSkeD For her heLP. by aleXandra Fluegel
H
er official title is a bit lengthy: Accredited Personal Property Appraiser with Specialty Credentialing in Fine Art. “But don’t worry,” Nancy Beebe said. “There’s an acronym.” The Holland resident is the only
Internal Revenue Service-qualified and USPAP- (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) compliant fine art appraiser in West Michigan, a credential that Beebe explained has become more important than ever. “The reports that most auction houses
and dealers used to do for people do not meet the standard anymore,” she said, referring to changes made following the 2006 Pension Protection Act that require appraisers to meet specific qualifications. Beebe operates her own appraisal practice, assisting clients in a range of matters including estate settlement and taxation, equitable distribution, insurance coverage, damage claims and charitable donations. She also provides fine art consulting and research services, and represents clients buying and selling at auctions or in private dealings. “Every situation is different. It’s fascinating,” she said. “Often people inherit things and they don’t even realize what they’ve inherited.” One instance sticks out in Beebe’s mind. She received a call from a local auctioneer to assist in a personal property appraisal in Zeeland. When she arrived at the client’s residence, she spotted a vignette from a master artist sitting in a box marked for Goodwill. She notified the client and the work later sold at auction for $60,000. “I have an obligation to inform people if I see something of value, even if it isn’t what they originally called about,” she said. While she acknowledged she’s been involved in some juicy situations, she also made clear that confidentiality is another obligation she takes very seriously. When discussing a forgery case she was
Profession: Owner, Beebe & associates fine art appraisal services email: nlbeebe@sbcglobal.net residence: Holland Community involvement: Paws for a cause
PhotoGraPhy by JohNNy QuiriN
nancy l. Beebe
20 Grand rapids November 2011
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