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

Contact
Courtney Ahlstrom Christy
ISA member since Jul 22, 2013
(404) 219-9705 (Office)
Courtney Ahlstrom Christy
Atlanta, GA 30327
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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 auction houses, museums, and galleries - all of which have provided unique opportunities to examine works ranging from the antique to the contemporary closely. Her background in the field of decorative arts includes silver, ceramics, glass, and furniture. Courtney also has extensive experience in fine art with a special interest in late 19th/early 20th century American and European works.
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 provides appraisal and consultation services throughout the American Southeast.
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 regularly 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
SELECT EDUCATION
Masters degree in History of Decorative Arts at Smithsonian Associates / Corcoran College of Art, Washington D.C.
Bachelors 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 & American Southeast
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.
“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.
Specialties
- Ceramics
- Decorative Arts & Accessories
- Furniture
- Glass
- Silver
Services
- Consultant
- Donations
- Equitable Distribution
- Estate Evaluations
- Estate Probate
- Estate Tax
- Non-Cash Charitable Donations
Performs Appraisals Of
- Art
- Ceramics
- Drawings
- Furniture
- Glass
- Paintings
- Prints
- Sculpture
- Silver