For over 20 years, MKG has provided appraisal reports tailored to client needs, appraisal intended use, time frame, and budget. We perform appraisals for insurance purposes, estate taxes, and charitable contributions. Affiliations include membership with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and the Appraiser’s Association of America (AAA). All of MKG’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Tabitha caldwell doby, m.f.a. isa
Partner, Director of Appraisals
Tabitha Caldwell Doby, M.F.A., I.S.A.
Partner, Director of Appraisals
tcd@mkgart.com
Tabitha Caldwell Doby received her Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Museum Studies/Museum Exhibition Planning and Design from the Philadelphia College of Art and Design at The University of the Arts. Before joining MKG in 2004, Mrs. Doby worked with such venues as the Library of Congress, The Barnes Foundation of Merrion, Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Arts Alliance, and The Academy of Natural Sciences. Her experience includes conceptualization, research, organization, design, and production of exhibits and educational presentations, utilizing a variety of techniques and media.
After joining MKG, Mrs. Doby obtained her appraisers accreditation through the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and the University of Maryland. Mrs. Doby possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the fine art market and has completed formal education in appraisal theory, principles of valuation, procedures, ethics and law. Continuing education in appraisal practice and report writing, as well as ongoing peer review of reports and practices, helps assure that MKG Art Management maintains the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
In addition to major private collections consisting of works of art from 14th century to Modern/Contemporary works, Mrs. Doby has managed and completed large scale appraisal projects for National Oilwell Varco, Spark Energy, Torch Energy Advisors, the Holocaust Museum Houston, and The University of Texas System in Austin. She is currently managing ongoing appraisal projects for many private art collections in Houston, Austin, Santa Fe, Los Angeles and New York City. Mrs. Doby is also a member of ArTTable.
liana schwaitzberg, m.a. isa
Partner, Appraiser
Liana Schwaitzberg, M.A., I.S.A.
Partner
lds@mkgart.com
Born in Cambridge, England and raised in several cities across the United States, Liana Schwaitzberg has resided in Houston, TX since 2014. Liana holds a Master of Arts degree in History of Art from The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, one of the world’s most prestigious programs for the study of art history, where she focused on 17th and 18th century art and architecture. Liana also earned a Master of Arts Degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from The George Washington University. She has 20 years experience in the international art market. Liana’s approach to art advising combines both a practical and academic perspective.
Liana joined MKG Art Management in 2016, and became Partner in 2023. At MKG, Liana is engaged in projects for both corporate and private clients. This includes curatorial work, advising on acquisitions, performing market research, and sustaining relationships with top galleries around the world. Prior to MKG, Liana held positions at prominent contemporary art galleries including Paul Kasmin Gallery and Barbara Gladstone Gallery in New York City, and White Cube in London.
Liana is an Accredited Member (ISA AM) of the International Society of Appraisers.
Josephine Hill, M.A. AAA
Senior Associate, Appraiser
Josephine Hill, M.A., A.A.A.
Senior Associate
jah@mkgart.com
Josephine Hill comes to MKG with strong art collection management and event planning skills. Born and reared in San Antonio, TX, Josephine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and her Master of Arts Degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York. She also completed her Certificate of Appraisal Studies at NYU School of Professional Studies and her Certificate of Interior Design from New York School of Interior Design.
During her time in New York, Josephine worked in several positions at Livet Reichard Company, an event planning and arts management company for non-profits and benefit auctions. Her duties included auction production through cataloguing and creating visual materials, including installation, preparation and shipping of art for silent, live and Paddle8 auctions. She produced benefit auctions for The National Academy, Brooklyn Academy of Music, BOMB Magazine, and the International Print Center of New York. In addition, she researched target honorees, liaised with artists, galleries and collectors, and worked with committees to increase fundraising potential. Josephine also coordinated mailing and solicitation campaigns, event staffing, and project archives.
Before joining MKG, Josephine managed several private collections of fine and decorative arts in Houston. She analyzed records and catalogued art to create master digital inventories of collections over multiple properties. She maintained the currency of these inventories with market research, as well as coordinated museum loans including shipping, framing and installation.
Josephine is also an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America.
Types of Appraisals
Insurance
MKG Insurance appraisals establish the replacement value of artwork in the event of damage, loss, or theft. Insurance companies generally require this type of documentation before insurance coverage can be obtained.
Estate Tax
MKG Estate Tax appraisals assist financial planners, attorneys, and related professionals in establishing a client’s net worth as a basis for estate planning. Our estate appraisals include on-site examinations, color photographs that meet IRS requirements, and full cataloging. Fair market values are established utilizing careful research and documented comparable sales. Each appraisal document is meticulously produced to meet not only our standards of excellence but those of the ISA and AAA.
Damage/Loss
MKG Damage/Loss appraisals identify the value of damaged or lost property to facilitate claim settlements and disputes. MKG Damage/Loss appraisals include photo documentation and examination, well-informed and unbiased assignments of value, as well as expert recommendations regarding restoration methods and outcomes. MKG’s Damage/Loss appraisals are highly sought after by insurance companies, claims resolution specialists, law firms, private collectors, and public adjusters.
Equitable Distribution
MKG Equitable Distribution appraisals enable fair asset allocation for estate purposes, including during the dissolution of a partnership or marriage. These appraisals may be prepared in advance to avoid conflict and confusion, should distribution become necessary.
Donation/Charitable Contribution
MKG Donation/Charitable Contribution appraisals satisfy all Internal Revenue Service requirements regarding non-cash contributions of art and other tangible personal property worth more than $5,000. As part of estate planning, private collectors as well as museums and foundations entrust MKG with the production of all IRS-required appraisals and reports to accompany the donation.
Appraisal FAQ’s
What is a fine art appraisal?
The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) defines an appraisal in two ways: An opinion of value, cost, or present worth of a work of art. A written report documenting the same. An appraisal is a complex document or statement that gives an educated opinion of value of a particular item, at a specific time with a defined purpose and function.
What are the different types of art appraisals?
When seeking insurance coverage, insurance companies generally require documentation of the replacement value of the client’s collection. Appraisals are also often performed for Estate Tax purposes, to ensure equitable distribution of assets and for damage/loss estimates.
Should you go to an auction house for a free appraisal?
“Free appraisals” from auction houses are quick approximations of what the auction house estimates your art will sell for in their auction. This “appraisal” does not reflect how the art might sell at someone else’s auction or what the fair market value might be. This “appraisal” is not useful for insurance purposes, is not a method to understand what your item is worth, and it is not an unbiased opinion of value. An auction house appraisal is not accepted by the IRS for tax purposes.
How often do you need an appraisal?
Appraisal reports should be reviewed every 3 years to keep up with changes in valuation as a result of the fluctuating art market.
What should you expect from an appraisal report?
All MKG appraisal reports are prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and Advisory Opinions (USPAP). We follow the ethical guidelines established by the Appraisal Foundation in Washington, D.C. (a board appointed by Congress as the source for appraisal and appraiser qualifications). MKG appraisals include color photographs, fully researched and fact based values, itemized cataloguing, as well as a statement of our methodology and basis for valuations.
Are MKG Appraisers qualified to perform a valuation of your work of art?
MKG Fine Art Appraisers possess extensive knowledge and experience in the fine art market and have completed formal education in appraisal theory, principles of valuation, procedures, ethics and law. MKG Appraisers are affiliated with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and the Appraiser’s Association of America (AAA). Continuing education in appraisal practice and report writing, as well as ongoing peer review of reports and practices, helps assure that MKG Appraisers maintain the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. MKG Appraisers are qualified in expert witness testimony, and can meet your specific legal requirements.
Why do you need an appraisal?
There are many reasons why an art appraisal may be necessary. Typical requirements are for insurance scheduling, estate tax, donation/charitable contribution, equitable distribution, damage/loss, asset management, estate planning, potential sale, and acquisition.