Appraisal Event Benefits Budding Artists

Collectors of antiques, artwork and family heirlooms came to the Millburn Free Public Library Saturday afternoon to learn the value of their wares. They were there to attend the 2nd Annual Art Appraisal Event, which was hosted by the Millburn-Short Hills Art Advisory Committee along with Gurr Johns of New York and the UK.

“Today’s event is to raise awareness among people who collect or want to collect art,” said Laraine Barach, Chairperson of the committee. “They get the chance to find out if what they’ve brought in has more meaning in a greater way.”

After spending $25, participants got the opportunity to have two items evaluated by professional appraisers. In addition to Gurr Johns, other appraisal professionals on hand included Millburn Art Advisory Independent Appraisers, BJL Appraisal and Heidi Massey.

Proceeds from the day’s events were earmarked to benefit the committee’s scholarship award for local graduating high school artists headed to four-year architecture or art colleges.

Former Millburn-Short Hills Board of Ed representative Josh Scharf wanted to learn the value of a painting and tea pot he purchased several years ago. “We had a few things that we’d picked up through our travels,” said Scharf. “We wanted to find out if their worth has increased.”

Scharf’s painting had little value but his silver Austrian tea pot, which he bought for $20, was estimated by Benjamin A. Farina of Gurr Johns to be from around 1910 and valued between $800 - $1,000. “I’d say that was a good investment,” Scharf added.

Committee supporter Cathy Scorsese brought several of her boyfriend’s swords. After talking to Mark Leonard of NYE & Company, she learned that one of the swords was from 1928 and came from the former Soviet Union.

“He said it was most likely a ceremonial sword,” said Scorsese. “He wasn’t able to give me an exact value but what I learned was exciting to find out. ”

In discussing her committee’s work, Barach explained that the idea for the scholarship grew out of attending events where the art of local students was featured.

“The students and their work was sometimes being recognized,” she said. “But we as a township weren’t supporting them as much as we could.” So to make a change, the committee started contacting local art stores about five years ago to ask for support and supplies. “The response was overwhelming.”

Some of the committee’s supporters include Wells Fargo Bank, David Gary Framers, Millburn Framers, Jalm gift store, La Strada, Cafe Monet, Cathy Scorsese and the Millburn-Short Hills chapter of the Rotary Club.

Last year, the committee gave arts supplies to nine seniors and juniors. “We review 100 portfolios over a 2-day period to decide which students will receive assistance,” explained Barach. “We’re doing our part to make local artists more visible.” Students will receive their awards at a ceremony on May 25 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.