Course Description

Two-Dimensional Fine Art Claims

The "Two-Dimensional Fine Art Claims" course is designed to familiarize adjusters with the important aspects of identifying claims issues that involve two-dimensional fine arts such as paintings, murals, photography and works of art on paper (as opposed to three-dimensional fine arts which include sculpture, furniture, etc.). It also examines the fundamentals of fine art conservation. The module is presented by Heather Becker, the CEO of the Chicago Conservation Center.

Fine arts are commonly involved with large and small-sized claims in private, corporate and institutional settings. In the event of property loss, art conservation opportunities are often overlooked if adjusters are unsure of how to handle these items. Awareness and education of art conservation basics will be helpful to an adjuster in terms of both mitigating the loss as well as increasing customer satisfaction. This course provides an in-depth look at the nuances of fine art losses and explores the challenges faced in fine art restoration, whether in response to fire, water, mold, or accidental damage. It assists adjusters in determining if conservation is an option and how to best respond to a claim when fine arts are involved.

After completing the course, the attendee will be able to express how best to work with insureds and restoration specialists when responding to fine arts claims; state the differences between a painting and a mural; describe the elements of paintings; outline the layers of paintings; discuss how best to respond to typical fine art claims involving fire, soot, water and accidental breakage; identify works of art on paper; list the different types of prints and printmaking methods; acknowledge the importance of non-acidic or archival paper and framing materials; define the four components of framing; identify the different forms of hanging hardware; categorize the types of damage and their relative reparability; outline various conservation treatments and techniques for repair, restoration, and recovery of fine arts; explain the appropriate disaster response and strategies to assist with conservation efforts; and determine the pre- and post-loss steps in fine art conservation.

The course is designed for insurance claims professionals adjusting claims involving fine arts.