By Louise Irvine

Linda Saft is a familiar face to visitors as she has been based at WMODA for the last two years while she appraises Arthur Wiener’s vast collection of decorative arts. Linda is an independent expert appraiser and helps many clients evaluate their art property for various purposes including donations to 501c3 not-for-profit museums like WMODA.

Linda works closely with the WMODA team as she inspects all the ceramics and glass art on display in the galleries as well as in the reserve collection. Linda’s wide-ranging knowledge and experience of the antiques business have proved invaluable to WMODA, particularly at our popular Treasure or Trash events.

Linda is accredited by the International Society of Appraisers and has 20 years of experience in appraising personal property with a specialty in decorative arts and residential contents. Her first career was as a registered nurse, but she became involved in the antiques business in the 1990s. For many years, she owned White Orchid Antiques in Pennsylvania and exhibited at antique shows from Maine to Florida. Her particular interest is decorative arts from the 18th to the 20th centuries, particularly pottery, porcelain, and glass. As well as being a qualified appraiser, Linda is a licensed auctioneer in the state of Florida.

When she is not working hard for her appraisal business, Linda loves to have fun at the various WMODA events. She enters the spirit of each occasion with fabulous costumes, which she makes herself. She is also happy to share her expert knowledge of sales and merchandising at the museum shop from her years of experience in the antiques business.