Art Resource Group - Fine art advisory and appraisal services in Newport Beach, California

Nora Desruisseaux graduated with high honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her B.A. in the History of Art. While at Berkeley, Nora wrote her undergraduate thesis on the historical and artistic significance of the neo-impressionist, or pointillist, movement in turn-of-the-century Europe. She also wrote a guide to the research of artworks, which was published by the Library, University of California, Berkeley and may be accessed online:http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/ARTH/researchartwork.html.

Nora worked for four years at Clars Auction Gallery, a Bay Area regional auction house, where she started as an intern and was eventually promoted to head of the fine art department. Her time at Clars, preparing for monthly estate sales and weekly public appraisal clinics, provided her with significant experience handling, researching and appraising a wide variety of artworks.

Currently, Nora is pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science through San Jose State University’s distance learning program. At Art Resource Group, Nora works closely with Ms. Smith as an art advisor and art appraiser.

Melissa Tominac is a graduate of Columbia University in New York City, NY where she received her B.A. in Art History. During the ten years that Melissa was living in New York, she worked for well respected galleries that are leaders in the field of contemporary art. Melissa's background has a specific emphasis on the secondary market for modern and contemporary art, and included producing appraisals of important art collections. Melissa also had the opportunity to work for Sotheby's, New York in their online auction department as a summer associate during her undergraduate education. Melissa's travels for work included regular trips to Art Basel in Switzerland, Art Basel in Miami Beach and London to keep current on the art market and the auctions.

At Art Resource Group, Melissa works closely with Ms. Smith in all aspects of management and on consulting projects and sales. She is also responsible for research and appraisals of artworks.

Art Advisor James Lodge brings many years of experience as an advisor in 20th century American modern and contemporary art, specifically the halcyon period from the 1930s through the Post-War period. Several notable artists from this era became his personal friends.

A graduate of Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Lodge eschewed a successful medical practice of many years in order to devote himself to his life-long passion for the visual arts. His knowledge of art history and his role as Art Advisor with the Art Resource Group allow us to offer an expanded range of art styles and periods. He has worked with many clients in forming important and enjoyable collections nationally, and his personal relationships with galleries, dealers and art professionals on both coasts are an important asset to the Art Resource Group.

Presently Dr. Lodge enjoys researching lesser-known artists who are now worthy of the attention of the art buyer.