Lindsey Owen

Lindsey Owen is a Certified Appraiser of Personal Property specializing in modern and contemporary fine art. She provides unbiased, meticulously researched valuations for private collectors, institutions, corporate collections, and legal professionals, offering tailored solutions that meet IRS, USPAP, and legal standards. As a recognized expert in the field, Lindsey has been consulted and quoted about navigating the industry in many publications including, The Associated PressForbesSouthern LivingHomes & GardensLivingetc, and Veranda. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago and brings over a decade of experience in the fine art sector.

In 2020, Lindsey founded Lindsey Owen Appraisals, leveraging her art market knowledge, valuation expertise, and collection management skills to provide impartial, professional appraisals for paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and antiques. 

Lindsey Owen Appraisals is a boutique, woman-owned appraisal firm providing USPAP-compliant valuations tailored to the specific needs of each client. Committed to individualized attention and personalized service, Lindsey works with a select number of private collectors, institutions, corporate collections, and insurance and legal professionals to ensure thorough, data-driven valuations for fine art.  Her boutique approach allows for deep engagement with each collection, offering clients the highest level of expertise and care.

Lindsey specializes in comprehensive estate appraisal services, leveraging her expertise in fine art, decorative arts, and antique furnishings to provide full-service valuations for estates of all sizes. With specialized training in period furniture, ceramics, silver, and other historical objects, she ensures that every item is accurately assessed for estate planning, probate, equitable distribution, and donation purposes. Her meticulous approach and deep knowledge of art history and material culture make her a trusted resource for families, fiduciaries, and legal professionals navigating the complexities of estate settlements.

With a background in managing large-volume collections and extensive experience working alongside conservators, Lindsey has developed a deep understanding of how artworks are affected by damage, restoration, and long-term preservation challenges. She has worked extensively with paintings, works on paper, textiles, furniture, objects, and custom framing and fabrication giving her a uniquely informed perspective on valuation. Having managed complex collection recovery efforts, she brings a level of expertise that ensures precise, well-supported appraisals for insurance, estate planning, and risk management.

After obtaining a Master of Arts from The University of Chicago, Lindsey began her career as the Assistant Director of Jackson Junge Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. She then served as the Operations Director at The Conservation Center, the largest private art conservation firm in the US. Lindsey gained considerable experience managing collection needs for large-scale insurance claims after having worked with the senior disaster response team during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Hurricane Irma in Miami, the Thomas Fire in Santa Barbara, and the Tubbs Fire in Napa and Sonoma.


Get to Know Me


What do you do in the art world?

I provide USPAP-compliant art appraisals for IRS reporting, high-value insurance coverage, estate planning, or legal proceedings.

How did you begin your career in the art world?

After obtaining a Master of Arts from The University of Chicago, I began my career as the Assistant Director of Jackson Junge Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. I then served as the Client Services and Operations Director at The Conservation Center, the largest private art conservation firm in the US.

What are the most interesting aspects of your work?

One of the most rewarding parts of being an appraiser is that I get invited into collections that are deeply personal. Every collection reflects its owner's unique experiences, tastes, and history, and it's fascinating to see how those stories are told through art and objects.