Bid, Gavel, La Croix, Repeat.
During this day and age, it is intimidating to pursue Art History as a degree if you are more business-oriented than research focused. Just as all art-oriented majors, I was constantly prodded by parents and peers for my career plan. How could I support myself? How could I translate my passions into a profession? The truth is I have been worried; however, my mind has been slowly put at ease given how much I enjoy my courses with the Loyola University Chicago Art History community. When you are lucky enough to be able to study what you love, never doubt it.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Hindman Auctions at their headquarters based in Chicago, Illinois. I began as an eager, yet nervous Art History student simply thrilled to have my first hands-on-experience with the Chicago art scene. Little did I know, I would learn more than I could have ever imagined and discover a community unlike no other.
Alongside four other undergraduate interns, we rotated through departments of the company, attended information sessions, and did preliminary research on the Auction industry as a whole. Working with each department expanded my knowledge on property management, bidding platforms, data-combing, and more. During my time this summer, I worked with the Business Development, Bid/Finance, Operations, and Jewelry departments.
During my time spent with Business Development, I observed client relations and learned the importance of data-combing. My main project was cross-checking prospective contacts in the attorney and wealth management communities located in Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. After my first two weeks, I then worked with the Bid/Finance Department. Learning how to manage the back-end of bidding platforms including LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, Bidsquare, and Hindman’s own LHLive was extremely insightful. Vetting prospective bidders for upcoming sales was my main task when aiding the Bid department. Once rotating to Operations, I learned the importance of property management and art handling techniques to ensure the utmost safety of the Auction house’s property. Most of my time with operations was spent working with Asian Works of Art comprised of fine China and porcelain. As an art connoisseur, it was incredible working with the property itself. I even learned how to man an industrial elevator which was pretty neat!
While working with the Jewelry department, I had the opportunity to get a closer look to the pieces that made up the Fine and Important Jewelry sale which took place on September 15, 2020. Hindman’s Jewelry specialists taught me a great deal and introduced me to the world of jewelry and design. I learned the ins-and-outs of handling luxury goods and the endless qualities stones have which make them so spectacular. Specific pieces which were extremely fun to learn about, in this recent sale, were designed by the fabulous Jean Schlumberger. As one who knew nothing about jewelry, I was unfamiliar with his legacy. Schlumberger’s designs were even worn by Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy. Does it get much cooler than that? I don’t think so. Check out the department’s fabulous article highlighting the Schlumberger pieces here.
Both my daily La Croix and the thrilling, effervescent atmosphere left me refreshed and motivated each and everyday. The Auction industry is filled with endless stories. It encompasses the beauty in renewal and rebirth while also keeping a strong admiration for the past. It was remarkable observing specialists apply their expertises to their work each and everyday. There is an energy at Hindman Auctions which I have never felt in a work environment before. No one ever hesitated to answer my multitude of questions and give me tokens of their knowledge regarding their specialties.
I am beyond inspired by the knowledgeable individuals I was surrounded by and I hope all college students, whatever their field may be, are lucky enough to have an internship experience as fulfilling as mine. I encourage fellow students, whether pursuing the arts or not, to educate themselves on the endless opportunities the auction world has to offer. Our generation craves more sustainable options in this fast-paced world. Not only is buying through auctions a sustainable choice, but there is more character with an auction piece than anything you could buy on a retail sales floor. Auction houses worldwide are helping art admiration stay alive while also helping facilitate the passing down of collections to the next generation.
Fortunately, I am lucky to continue my time with Hindman as a Bid Department intern this fall. Thank you to all who have and continue to mentor me! It is so much fun to work at a place that is a great translation for the Art History and Advertising/Public Relations degrees I am seeking.
If you are interested in learning more about Hindman Auctions check out their website at www.hindmanauctions.com!