Helaine Fendelman is a nationally recognized authority in the arts, antiques, and collectibles field. A certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, AAA, and former board member for over 20 years, she is a leading specialist in American Folk Art, American Decorative Arts and Furniture and generalist household appraisals. She is known for her highly praised monthly column in Hearst’s Country Living magazine entitled, “What Is It? What Is It Worth?” and for the weekly syndicated column, “Treasures In Your Attic” which she co-authors for Scripps Howard newspapers. She  has extensive experience in archival inventory and valuation for estates, insurance, museum and other not-for-profit acquisitions.

Ms. Fendelman received her BA from Washington University in St. Louis and completed her Master’s Degree from C.W. Post College in Brookville, NY. Prior to launching her career as an antiques consultant and writer, Helaine and her husband researched, purchased, and lived with an iconic collection of American paint decorated furniture and Folk Art that sold at Sotheby’s in 1993. She also ran a successful antiques business in Scarsdale, NY and was a guest curator at the American Folk Art Museum prior to moving to New York City. Helaine is a former President of the AAA; she has also served on the Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation in Washington, DC as a member of the Personal Property Criteria Task Force. She is a former adjunct professor at New York University, and a former Art Consultant for Auctionata. She currently serves on the boards of the National Arts Club and the Salvador Dali Research Center. Helaine Fendelman is also Vice President of the CENTER FOR PAINTED WALL PRESERVATION, and an advisor to the Center for Art Law, Brooklyn, NY.

Author and co-author of more than fourteen books, her publications include: All About Appraising: the Definitive Appraisal Handbook; Price it Yourself, Treasures in Your Attic; Tramp Art A Folk Art Phenomenon; Silent Companions: Dummy Board Figures of the 17th through 19th Centuries; and The Official Identification and Price Guides to American Folk Art and Holiday Collectibles.