JS&A - Key Persons


AMANDA McCONAHA

Job Titles:
  • Senior Appraiser
Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in Art History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since 2006, Amanda has been an active professional in the art world, as a curator, director of acquisitions, liaison for a variety of contemporary artists, and art appraiser. Amanda joined the JS&A team in 2018. She is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America, specializing in Post-War & Contemporary Art as well as California & Western Art.

ELENA BRUSH

Job Titles:
  • Senior Appraiser
Elena joined the JS&A team in 2015 upon graduating Kenyon College with a bachelor's degree in Art History and Studio Art. Having previously worked at a major gallery, an art advisory firm, and a university museum, her professional involvement in the fine art field spans back to 2013. Since joining JS&A, Elena has acquired significant fine art appraisal experience with an emphasis in Impressionist & Modern and Post-War & Contemporary Art. She is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America, specializing in Post-War & Contemporary Art.

JACQUELINE SILVERMAN - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
Jackie founded her eponymous appraisal firm nearly forty years ago. In the fall of 2017, she retired and passed the torch to her trusted colleague Karen McManus. Jackie continues to serve as a consultant on special appraisal projects.

KAREN McMANUS - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Karen has over fifteen years of fine art appraisal experience and a background in museum registration and academia. She is an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor and previously held teaching appointments at Claremont Graduate University and the School of Continuing & Professional Studies at NYU. Karen holds two master's degrees from Syracuse University and a bachelor's degree from UCLA. Prior to joining JS&A in 2006, Karen was the permanent collection registrar at The Museum of Contemporary, Los Angles, one of the nation's most prestigious contemporary art museums. Karen is a Certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America as well as a past board member. Based in Los Angeles and New York, Karen and her staff are available to assist clients across the country.

OONA NICHOLAS

Job Titles:
  • Associate Appraiser
Oona graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in Art History. After graduating, she completed the Appraisers Association of America's Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program and has since gained experience appraising fine art and working with large collections. Oona joined JS&A in 2021 and is an Accredited Member of the Appraisers Association of America, specializing in Post-War and Contemporary Art.

ROSIE MORALES

Job Titles:
  • Appraisal Assistant
Rosie earned a bachelor's degree in Art History from California State University, Fullerton with an emphasis in Contemporary and Latin American Art. Prior to joining JS&A in 2022, she worked in the gallery sector for 10 years and most recently served as the director of a prominent Los Angeles art gallery.

TRACY BARTLEY

Job Titles:
  • Associate Appraiser
Tracy arrived at JS&A in 2022 with a background in artist's studio management and legacy planning. She holds an undergraduate degree in Studio Art and Art History, and a master's degree in Art Conservation from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as a Project Manager at the Getty Conservation Institute, then moved on to manage an active artist studio for a decade, followed by managing the artist's estate upon his death. She has served as a consultant to various artists and estates in the Los Angeles area. She is an Associate Member of the Appraiser's Association of America, specializing in Post-War and Contemporary Art.