Meet Christine Whaling | Art Advisor & Appraiser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Whaling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to entrepreneurship began during a pivotal moment in my career within the auction industry. I had spent over a decade building my expertise, and when the auction house I was working for went through a merger, it felt like a crossroads. Though I had thought about starting my own practice before, the timing now seemed perfect. Having worked in London, New York, and finally Denver, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse, global client base and honed an elevated level of service. I wanted to bring that same approach to my home community in Colorado.

There were three key drivers that really motivated me to take the leap into starting my own practice. First, I wanted to serve a broader spectrum of clients, across all market channels and value thresholds. I’ve always believed that the value I offer shouldn’t be limited to just one segment – it’s about understanding the unique needs of every client, whether they’re seasoned collectors or first-time buyers.

Second, my knowledge of fine art and the auction world naturally drew me toward expanding into appraisals. Appraisals became a second line of business where I could support my clients in a new way and continue to add value.

Finally, the autonomy over my own brand and processes was incredibly exciting. Running my own business meant I could bring a fresh perspective to the industry – one that focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with clients while maintaining integrity and trust.

Ultimately, it was about creating something that reflected my values and experiences, while serving the community I care about.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As an art advisor and appraiser, my business revolves around two primary services: guiding clients through the buying, selling, and managing of their collections as an art advisor, and providing impartial, USPAP-compliant appraisal reports as a personal property appraiser.

What sets me apart is my ability to work independently across all market channels. As an independent advisor, I represent my clients solely – there’s no conflict of interest, no sales agenda. I am their agent in the marketplace, offering tailored strategies for buying, selling, or managing their art and collectibles. I find this model uniquely empowering for both my clients and myself, as it allows me to create custom solutions based on their needs rather than fitting them into a predetermined mold.

In addition to my advisory services, as an appraiser, I focus on providing accurate, objective, and defensible valuations for insurance purposes, financial planning, estate tax, charitable donations, and equitable distribution. This aspect of my work is about upholding the highest ethical standards and offering unbiased, comprehensive value conclusions for appraisal reports.

What I’m most proud of is having built my own practice from the ground up, establishing a brand that reflects my values and voice. Being able to operate with complete autonomy while supporting clients in a highly specialized field is incredibly fulfilling. It’s been a long journey to get here, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. The art and collectibles market is niche, and opportunities to break into the industry are limited. I had to work my way up, starting from an entry-level position and gradually gaining the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the market. One of the biggest challenges was gaining the credentials to become a qualified appraiser. It was a rigorous process, requiring multiple tests, applications, and report submissions to meet the high standards of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). It was a long road, but it taught me the importance of persistence, constant learning, and adaptability.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the power of patience. It takes time to build a network of industry professionals, to gain trust, and to establish a reputation in such a specialized field. But that same patience is what allowed me to carefully build a solid foundation for my business.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on trust, transparency, and a passion for fine art and the collectibles market. Every item has a story, and my goal is to be a trusted partner in helping clients navigate the art world, whether they’re seasoned collectors or first-time buyers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver is such a vibrant and eclectic city, and there are so many places that capture all that the city has to offer. As an art advisor and appraiser, my top pick has to be the Denver Art Museum, which recently merged with The Kirkland Museum of Decorative Art. It’s an iconic spot with a diverse collection ranging from Western Art, Design, through to Modern and Contemporary Art. After a wander around the museum, I’d recommend heading over to Levan Bakery just down the street for lunch. Their pastries and sandwiches are a must – perfect for a relaxed lunch with great food and a laid-back atmosphere.

I would also recommend the Clifford Still Museum – it’s a bit of a hidden gem. A lot of out-of-state visitors aren’t aware of it, but it has a fascinating origin story and houses one of the most stunning collections of abstract expressionist art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly fortunate to have had support, guidance, and encouragement from many people along each step in my journey. First, I’d like to recognize my husband, who is also an entrepreneur. He believed in me and my vision, even at times when I wasn’t sure if I believed in myself. I’m immensely grateful for his unwavering encouragement and steadfast support.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Andie Ohde at LIV Sotheby’s in Vail, who I recently had the pleasure of visiting. She shared with me a book called The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The principles in the book resonated with me deeply, as they align with the values I hold for my own practice. It’s all about generosity and building lasting relationships, which is central to how I approach my business and the people that I work with. The rule after reading the book is to pass it on!

Website: https://www.christinewhalingartadvisory.com/

Instagram: @christinewhalingartadvisory

Image Credits
Liz Fendell Photography