:sharpen(level=0):output(format=jpeg)/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Headshot_cropped-500x311-1-e1769715316488.jpg "Adam Veil")
Adam Veil serves as Vice President and Head of American Art at Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house. Adam joined Freeman’s in 2021 following years of experience in both the auction world and the academy. His area of specialization is pre-WWII American Art, although he has lectured and published on topics ranging from Mexican landscape painting and Old Master printmaking to art market economics. Adam holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in art history from Penn State University and pursued doctoral studies at Indiana University Bloomington. Prior to joining Freeman’s, Adam was Head of Fine Art at a Washington, D.C.-area auction house and Executive Director of the Santa Fe Art Auction, where he oversaw market-setting auctions of classical and contemporary Western, wildlife, and contemporary Native American art. He has also held positions in provenance research, art fair operations, and as editor and producer of The Conversation, a popular Los Angeles-based contemporary art podcast. Concurrent with his role at Freeman’s, Adam teaches courses in Latin American, African American, and American art history.
Get to Know Me
What do you do in the art world?
In my position as Head of American Art at Freeman's, I specialize in bridging the gap between exceptional objects and the people who value them. On a daily basis, I navigate the intersection of scholarship and the marketplace—researching and interpreting significant works, providing transparent, timely valuations to collectors, and offering advice on auction strategy. I oversee the entire lifecycle of a consignment, whether that's a single item or entire collection, ensuring that every piece is positioned for its best possible result in the global market.
Tell us about the most recent / last piece you acquired?
The last piece I acquired is a wonderful and large hand-carved frame by Bucks County, Pennsylvania frame maker, Frederick Harer. He produced frames for a number of artists associated with the New Hope School and did as much as anyone in the early-to-mid 20th century to elevate his craft to fine art!
What work of art do you wish you owned? What would you do to get it?
I've love to own one of Martin Johnson Heade's hummingbird paintings. I probably shouldn't say what I'd do to get it. ;)