February Virtual Chapter Meeting

Monday, February 22, 2021
6:15 - 8:30 PM PST

Sponsored by:

Gardeners, Gifts and Garbage:
Cautionary Tales About Tangible
Personal Property

Presented By

Morgana Blackwelder
John Moran Auctioneers

Noelle Valentino
John Moran Auctioneers

This presentation highlights rediscovered artwork and decorative objects found in rather unlikely places. The underlying message: when professional organizers, owners, or estate settlement professionals fall prey to bias or fail to recognize the merit of an object, it could end up discarded, abandoned, or misidentified. This talk focuses on several notable pieces sold at auction that were almost lost to time: a half-burnt masterwork found in an unpaid storage unit, a seemingly nondescript vase used as an umbrella holder, and a remarkable silver bowl placed in a donation pile.

Participants will delight in the excitement of these finds and gain a deeper understanding of the surprising range of household objects that can potentially possess value. Best practices for safekeeping, appraising or selling a collection will also be addressed.

Morgana Blackwelder - John Moran Auctioneers 

As the Senior Vice President of John Moran Auctioneers and Appraisers, Morgana's seventeen years of experience have made her uniquely suited to review large collections and estate property. In addition to working with trusts and estates clients, she is responsible for strategic planning, research, valuations, and appraisals.

Morgana also has an expertise in fine art, and as the director of that department, she oversees more than 3,000 lots sold at auction per year. Over the course of her career she has been privy to, and instrumental in, astonishing discoveries in the most unlikely of residences. Her keen eye, vast knowledge of her subject and easy rapport with clients have made her an invaluable resource to professionals.

Noelle Valentino - John Moran Auctioneers 

Noelle Valentino’s career in the art world has spanned institutions including the Smithsonian, Christie’s auction house, The Getty Museum and UCLA. She is now the Department Manager for Trusts and Estates at John Moran Auctioneers, a role that combines business development and appraisal services. With a broad specialization in household contents, Noelle frequently reviews art, decorative objects, jewelry and more for auction consignments and appraisals. 

Tanisha Lyons-Porter

• Visitors are invited for $20. Registration is required.

• Visitors, click black button above to register.

• The Zoom link will be sent via email 24 hours prior and an hour before the meeting.