ART APPRAISER RETURNS TO COACHELLA VALLEY - Art, Movie Stars and Kids.In 1989 Michael Hinkle left the Coachella valley to work for movie stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. He spent the next decade traveling the world, studying art markets, collecting pieces and eventually becoming an art appraiser. Michael knew quite early on that his life would forever include a dedication to the art world, but he never thought he would be returning to the desert to pursue it. Building one of the largest private collections of contemporary figurative art not only satisfied a hunger for the arts, it gave him a future. In 1998 he launched his own company representing figurative artists. In 2000, on the advice from a friend he enrolled in New York University’s appraisal program and earned a certificate in the appraisals of fine and decorative art. Hinkle says, “My time at NYU changed everything. Creating a certified appraisal is a very challenging and analytical process…I love it!” The growth in the art communities of the valley can be seen from La Quinta to Palm Springs and the need for qualified appraisers continue to grow with it. Whether collectors are interested in the value of their art, the need to submit an appraisal for insurance purposes, or if they are donating a work of art, they all need a certified appraisal and someone who knows the proper elements of the document. Under the guidance of the Appraisers Association of America and the International Society of Appraisers, Michael continues to expand his knowledge and resume. “ My association with these organizations has assisted me with the tools needed in my field, I am always learning, I always will be.” In addition to appraisals, art and movie stars there is something even more important to Michael. Married for over 12 years, he has four young children. “ We didn’t want to raise our children in a big city, we wanted them to have space.” In 2002, the family relocated to a home in old town La Quinta. “The kids have space, we have space, now we can really start to enjoy life. Coming home has been very fulfilling. It’s the old story, you spend the first part of your life getting out of here and the rest trying to get back…now we’re back.” |
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