Courtney Ahlstrom Christy, ISA CAPP, Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts

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Courtney Ahlstrom Christy
ISA member since Jul 22, 2013

(404) 219-9705 (Office)

Courtney Ahlstrom Christy
Atlanta, GA 30327 map

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About

Courtney believes that every object has a story to tell. Her passion for material culture combined with a trained eye greatly contributes to her investigation of value. She has worked with museums, galleries, and auction houses - all of which have provided unique opportunities to examine works ranging from the antique to the contemporary closely. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in art history from University College Cork in Ireland, Courtney studied 20th century design at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She then obtained a master’s degree in the history of decorative arts at Smithsonian Associates / Corcoran College of Art & Design in Washington, D.C. Courtney also held a fellowship at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History while completing graduate school.

Prior to Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC, Courtney served as Senior Appraiser at Heritage Auctions, America’s largest auction house. In addition, she has worked with the prestigious Bonhams & Butterfields headquartered in London and The Potomack Company based in Alexandria, Virginia. Courtney's interest in providing valuation services tailored to each client’s needs led to establishing her own firm that is independent of any auction house or retailer affiliation.

She is also Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine™, an online repository of personal property appraisal knowledge accessible to the general public and professionals alike. She contributes to the magazine as a way to offer readers insight into the world of collecting and appraising.

As a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers, an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America, and in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Courtney is involved in a professional community that seeks higher standards and ongoing inquiry into how to best value personal property.

Email: courtney@ahlstromappraisals.com

Phone: 404.219.9705 

Website: ahlstromappraisals.com 

Areas of Specialization: Fine Art, Rare Books, Archives, Manuscripts, Special Collections

SELECT EDUCATION 

Master's degree in History of Decorative Arts at Smithsonian Associates / Corcoran College of Art, Washington D.C.

Bachelor's degree with Art History major and Spanish minor at University College Cork, Ireland  

Concentration in 20th Century Design at Sotheby's Institute of Art, London

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising at NYU Continuing Education, Distance Education

Intensive Study of American Decorative Arts at Winterthur Museum-Institute, Delaware

Appraisal Theory and Methodology at Appraisers Association of America, New York

SELECT WORK EXPERIENCE

Personal Property Appraiser at Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC, Atlanta based with clients nationwide

Senior Appraiser at Heritage Auctions, Dallas

Assistant to Southeast Regional Director at Bonhams & Butterfields, Atlanta

Junior Specialist for Decorative Arts and Catalogue Photographer at The Potomack Company, Washington D.C. Area

Fellowship at National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.

Classical Institute of the South Fellowship at The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans LA

Aide to Curator at Florida Governor's Mansion, Tallahassee FL

SELECT PUBLISHED WRITINGS

“What to Look for When Seeking a Qualified Personal Property Appraiser” first published in The Family Law Review. Read here.

"A Guide to Obtaining an Art Donation Appraisal” on Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC website. Read here.

“Art Market Transformed by Shifting Boundaries” in Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors MODUS Property Journal. Read here.

Quoted fellow in “Pieces of History: Ten Years of Decorative Arts Fieldwork” exhibition at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Learn more here.

“Unconventional Provenance: Documenting Art Ownership in the 21st Century” in Artwork Archive. Read here.

“What I Would Tell My Collector Self 20 Years Ago” in Artwork Archive. Read here.

“Less is More: How Appraisers Can Assist You in Your Downsizing or Minimalism Journey” in ISA Now. Read here.

“In the Studio: Julia Woodman” in Metalsmith Magazine. Learn more here.

Quoted expert in “Nile Style” in Nile Magazine. Learn more here.

“Objectifying China, Imagining America By Caroline Frank” in Material Culture. Read an excerpt here.

SELECT WORTHWHILE MAGAZINE ARTICLES

“What’s it Worth? – Why It Matters Who You Ask” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“Provenance Now: Documenting Your Contemporary Art” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“An Evolving Market of Light and Color: A Beginner’s Guide to Collecting American Studio and Contemporary Glass Art” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“What’s New in USPAP 2020-2021: From A Personal Property Perspective” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“Is Midcentury Modern the New Chippendale of Furniture?” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“A Maximalist at Heart: Confessions of a Millennial” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“The Gulf South Decorative & Fine Arts Database: A Wealth of Historical Knowledge at Your Fingertips” in Worthwhile Magazine (March 2020). Read here.

“A Conversation with Loupe Art Streaming Team: Dot Bustelo and Nicole Kutz” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“Art Adventuring: A Conversation with Claudia Hess of Hess Art Advisory” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“A Conversation with Ally Zlatar: Artist, Curator, Activist & Everything in Between” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

“A Conversation with Artist Mario Loprete” in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.

"Product Disparagement and Its Impact on Connoisseurship" in Worthwhile Magazine. Read here.