Steven Clay

Steven Clay is an art advisor, curator, and collector with over three decades of experience in African art, both traditional and contemporary; African American art; and Postwar, Contemporary, and Emerging art. Steven brings deep cultural insight and a long-standing commitment to historically underrepresented artists. He is the principal of Steven Clay Art LLC, a professional appraisal and advisory firm based in Washington, DC and New York.

He is an Accredited Member of both the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and is USPAP compliant. Steven’s educational background is rooted in the study of art and artifacts of antiquity. He holds a B.A. in Classics and an M.A. in African Studies from Howard University and pursued doctoral studies in Egyptology at the University of Chicago.

In his work as an appraiser, this rigorous academic training informs his nuanced understanding of material histories and cultural legacies, and grounds his work with African material in the scholarship of the continent rather than in the trade alone. In addition to his appraisal practice, Steven advises private collectors, estates, and institutions on acquisitions, sales, curatorial strategies, and long-term value preservation.

Nancy Hirshbein

Nancy Hirshbein has been a docent at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for 12 years. In addition to her exhibition tours, Nancy has developed and presented an array of deeply researched special programming such as Contested Histories (an examination of competing historical interpretations as expressed through art), Art and the Holocaust, Listening to Art (visual art and its relationship to music), Architecture + Art, Art and Democracy, Art and Social Change, and Art and Fragrance. She will offer an Odyssey-themed tour on September 18th at noon.

Nancy also volunteers at the National Gallery of Art and was the founder of Dial-a-Docent, an independent group of docents that has offered hundreds of online conversations about modern and contemporary art. In her latest venture, Nancy is now also leading art study tours for Smithsonian Associates and arts-focused tour companies traveling to Washington.

Nancy is a passionate advocate for Washington, DC area arts and artists. She serves on the boards of directors of Hamiltonian Artists, the Washington Print Club, and the Printmaking Legacy Project. Nancy also serves on two committees of the Greater Washington Community Foundation.

Nancy has an undergraduate degree in history from Rutgers University, a law degree from George Washington University, and a certificate in art history from the Smithsonian Institution.

George Hemphill, Hemphill Artworks

George Hemphill established Hemphill Artworks, LLC in 1993. The gallery mounted over 300 exhibitions, showing the work of contemporary and historic artists. He has worked as an art advisor to many corporate and private collectors. His expertise extends beyond contemporary art to include mid-20th-century African American work, 19th- and 20th-century photography, and the Washington Color School. He has served as a board member of several art organizations, including the Association of International Photography Art Dealers. He also actively championed Washington artists. Hemphill Artworks recently closed its exhibition space and evolved into a private art dealership and collection management services, while determining the next business model for representing and exhibiting the work of living and historic artists. George has taught his dog Ruby 25 different commands. Happy Dog, happy man.