The Mack Podcast Art and Collectibles: Risk, Value, and Responsibility
Jan 27, 2026
Donald, former investment banker and family office COO, shares operational governance insights. John Russo, family office operator and ex-gallery exec, discusses collecting strategy. Ann Priftis, gallery owner and appraiser, covers valuation and stewardship. Samantha Anderson, art lawyer, focuses on legal safeguards. Ron Fiamma, insurance specialist, explains risk and underwriting. They talk market shifts, provenance, insurance, stewardship, conflicts, and new collectible categories.
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Ask Why Before You Buy
- The art market is fragmented with falling high-end prices but rising transaction volume in smaller works.
- Donald advises first asking "why" you want art to determine whether you seek investment returns or social/cultural value.
Scarcity And Time Drive Value
- John and Ann see the market evolving: more online sales, more fractionalization, and gallery closures.
- Scarcity and time remain the core drivers of value across art and collectibles.
Monetize With Caution
- Treat art as an alternative asset and consider monetization strategies like collateralization or lending.
- Ron urges using art's value for financial strategies (loans, trusts) but with proper insurance and risk planning.