Our next Summer Spotlight features Annette Benda Fox, a longtime member of AWAD’s New York/Tri-State chapter, and the founder of Deaccession NY. Read on to learn more about Annette, as she tells us about her business and art world journey, how she helps collectors and estates raise funds through their collections, and why she loves Old Master drawings.
What is the name of your business, where are you located and when did you start?
Deaccession NY, 2017
What is your professional background?
7 years at Sotheby’s NY: VP Dept Head Tribal Arts, then Head of Consignment Services, Head of Tribal Arts at Phillips Auction House, and Fox Gallery NYC for 7 years. I was a member and member of the board of Appraisers Association of America. Founder of Deaccession NY since 2017.
What inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?
Experiencing the change in the art market and business, and wanting to help people who need or want sell the art they own, and now, folks whose children do not want to accept their parents’ art, furniture, collectibles, etc.
What does your business offer, in terms of goods and services?
Consultation, then inventory of treasured personal possessions with current market values and advice as to how to manage them: sell, donate, pass down to heirs or discard. Acting as the agent for clients who want Deaccession NY to handle the sales.
What is your favorite part about being a Member of the Association of Women Art Dealers?
The friendliness, professionalism and collaboration of our members.
What was a recent highlight for you in your work?
Assessing an estate of an architect and finding real value for the heirs.
If you could own any work of art, what would it be?
Old Master drawings because the genius of the artist is immediate, translated from the creative impulse through the drawing tool to the paper.
What would you recommend to any art-lovers visiting your city this summer?
Any of the major museums, plus the High Line, Little Island, and an architectural boat tour.
Any fun summer plans, art-related or otherwise?
Looking forward to non-city environs end of the summer!
Image courtesy of Annette Benda Fox
