Local art experts have been participating in monthly Art Talks for Art Lovers with the Frank Bette Center for the Arts. This months talk features Jane Alexiadis, a personal property appraiser.

While works by master or rising celebrity artists bring hundreds of millions of dollars at auctions, fine works of art can be purchased from artists, galleries, group shows and even eBay and thrift shops for a fraction of that cost. 

Personal property appraiser Alexiadis will present an informal talk about collecting and living with art Wednesday, July 9, at 7 p.m. She will address what to look for in a work of art, how to value it and how to protect it. She will also give some insights and advice on sales, donations to museum and other charitable contributions. 

Alexiadis is a professional personal property appraiser credentialed by the International Society of Appraisers. She has worked in the antiques and auction business since 1997 as an appraiser, cataloger and auctioneer.

Alexiadis is a longtime board member of the American Decorative Arts Forum, a support affiliate of the deYoung and Legion of Honor.  She also serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Network.

As a volunteer charity auctioneer she has raised hundreds of thousand of dollars for the Alameda County Community Food Bank, Mental Health Association of Alameda County, Girls, Inc. the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles and dozens of school and other non-profit organizations.  

All Art Talks take place at the Frank Bette Center for the Arts at 1601 Paru St. at Lincoln Avenue. Doors open at 6 p.m. for seating and gallery browsing and will close at 7 p.m. when the program begins.

Cost to attend is $10 for non members, $5 for members. Due to the limited space,  reservations and waitlist are available by phone at 523-6957 or email at yvonne@frank bettecenter.org.

Find out more about the center at www.frankbettecenter.org.