ARTnews has unveiled its comprehensive list of the top 145 art world professionals operating across the United States, highlighting the diverse ecosystem of experts who drive the nation's position as the world's largest single national art market. The alphabetical, non-ranked compilation spans 12 essential categories within the art industry, showcasing the broad spectrum of specialized services that support collectors, artists, and institutions nationwide.
The list encompasses a wide range of advisory firms and individual advisers who maintain extensive networks providing access to highly coveted artworks. These professionals offer comprehensive services including collection building and management, estate planning, appraisal, and ongoing oversight. Notable names include Gagosian Art Advisory in New York, Sandy Heller in New York, and Art Intelligence Global with offices in New York and Hong Kong. Geographic diversity is evident with firms spanning from Agopian Art Advisory in New York to Adam Green Art Advisory in Dallas, and LSS Art Advisory in San Francisco.
Logistical services form another crucial pillar of the art ecosystem, with all-in-one companies serving as single points of contact for shipping, storage, and handling needs. Major players include Crozier, UOVO, and Mana Fine Arts, alongside specialized firms like Atelier 4 and SRI Fine Art Services. These companies handle the complex requirements of moving, storing, and maintaining valuable artworks for museums, galleries, and private collectors.
Financial services tailored to the art world represent a sophisticated segment, with traditional banks offering specialized lending based on art holdings' value. Major institutions like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citi provide these services, alongside specialized firms such as Athena Art Finance and Emigrant Bank Fine Art. These financial partners help collectors leverage their art assets while building and managing their collections.
Conservation professionals play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, with their responsibilities extending far beyond simple repairs to include understanding artworks' creation methods, constituent materials, and preservation requirements. Leading conservators include ACdR Art Conservation de Rigueur in San Francisco, The Conservation Center in Chicago, and multiple New York-based firms like ArtCare Conservation and Modern Art Conservation.
Fabrication services support both artists in executing their visions and collectors in commissioning or restoring works. Prominent fabricators include Lippincotts in Connecticut, Modern Art Foundry in New York, and UAP with locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Hudson Valley. These companies work across various mediums, from traditional sculpture to cutting-edge neon installations, with specialists like Let There Be Neon and Lite Brite Neon serving unique market segments.
Framing, while potentially overlooked, significantly impacts artwork presentation, with specialists like Lowy in New York, APF-Munn Master Frame Makers, and regional experts such as 24 FPS in Dallas providing crucial services. Storage solutions address the reality that top museums and collectors display only fractions of their holdings, with companies like Artemis, The Box Company, and Icon Fine Arts Services offering secure, climate-controlled facilities.
Legal expertise proves essential in navigating the art world's complex landscape, with specialized attorneys helping minimize risks and resolve disputes. Notable practitioners include Jo Backer Laird at Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler, Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, and John Cahill of ARTxLAW, among others representing major law firms' dedicated art law divisions.
Insurance services have become increasingly critical as collectors face diverse risks from weather-related disasters exacerbated by climate change to theft and damage. Major carriers and brokerages include AXA XL, Chubb, Huntington T. Block, and Lloyds, providing specialized coverage for valuable collections.
Photography and videography services prove indispensable for galleries and institutions, with professionals like Thomas R. DuBrock, Tom Powel Imaging, and Joshua White providing essential documentation services. Shipping specialists including Masterpiece International, Cookes Crating and Fine Art Transportation, and U.S.Art manage complex international movements involving taxes, security, customs, and import-export regulations.
Freeport locations offer collectors discrete storage options away from regulatory oversight, with facilities like Delaware Freeport and Bayshore in Delaware providing specialized services. This comprehensive ecosystem reflects the sophistication and scale of the American art market, demonstrating how diverse professional services support the cultural and economic significance of art collecting and preservation nationwide.
