Trio of Art Talks with Natalie Waechter

Prepare for our upcoming Recycled Art Sale by attending these educational and intriguing complimentary talks led by Art Advisor, Natalie Waechter. She’ll be your guide for all your fine art questions and curiosities from “What Am I Looking At?” to “What is it Worth?” Suggested Entry Donation: Please consider bringing an artwork donation for our Recycled Event. Talk One: Tuesday, September 8th. Discussion Topic: “WHY ART?” Before the program, we invite you to email a photograph of a favorite work of art – whether it’s from your own collection, a friend’s home, a gallery, or a museum to [email protected] with the subject line ART TALKS by September 1. Please submit images of paintings, drawings, sculptures, or prints only. If possible, include the following information: During the lecture, Natalie will use selected submissions to explore what draws us to certain works of art. Together, you’ll discover how to look more deeply, identify the emotions and ideas a work evokes, and better understand why particular pieces resonate with us. Through this conversation, you’ll also gain insight into the personal rewards and lasting significance of collecting art. Talk Two: Tuesday, September 15th. Discussion Topic: “WHAT IS IT WORTH?” Building on the artworks explored during the September 8 lecture, Natalie will guide you through the fascinating process of how works of art are valued. Using real-world examples, you’ll discover the many factors that influence an artwork’s worth and learn why the same work of art may have different values depending on its intended purpose. Whether the value is being determined for insurance, estate planning, charitable donation, sale, or purchase, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how and why those values can differ. Relating to these same works, Natalie will guide you through their worth in buying, selling, donating, insuring, etc. Learn how to understand the different values of fine art. Talk Three: Tuesday, September 22nd. Discussion Topic: “WHAT AM I LOOKING AT?” In the final lecture of the series, Natalie will use a curated selection of artworks from The Art Center’s Recycled Art donations to help you sharpen your eye and better understand what you’re looking at. Through hands-on examples, you’ll learn how to distinguish an original work from a reproduction, recognize the differences between oil and acrylic paintings, identify a lithograph versus other types of prints, and discover the clues that reveal how a work of art was made. Whether you’re beginning to collect, shopping at estate sales, or simply curious about art, you’ll leave with practical knowledge and greater confidence in evaluating what you see. With chosen examples pulled specifically from our Recycled donations, Natalie will guide you through what you are looking at with each piece. For example, learn the difference between an original and a reproduction, the techniques of oil painting vs. acrylic, a lithograph vs. a traditional print, etc. * More About Natalie: With over 30 years in the international Fine Art industry, Natalie built her career around guiding collectors, institutions, and industry professionals in understanding, managing, and preserving art collections of lasting value. Her experience spans Art Advisory, Appraisals, and Collection Management for the private high-net-worth client sector. Natalie began her career as a Fine Art Specialist at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Sotheby’s, later serving as Director at Russell Bowman Art Advisory, a contemporary gallery and advisory firm. In 2014, she founded her company, providing tailored Advisory and USPAP-compliant appraisal services to private collectors, fiduciaries, and institutions. From 2018 to 2025, she served as Director of the Midwest region for Bonhams, the London-based international auction house. Today Natalie works closely with collectors, fiduciaries, and fellow advisors to guide acquisitions, appraisals, collection management, and legacy planning — ensuring the thoughtful, long-term care of collections. Natalie is on the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. She lives in Chicago with her husband. “Collecting art is more than a passion—it is the accumulation of cultural, emotional, and financial value.” – Natalie Waechter