At Trinity University, Richelle Simon ’13 double majored in art history and Chinese language. She felt the classes were informative, the professors engaging, but what Trinity really gave her was opportunity.
Her junior year at Trinity, Richelle requested a meeting with a professor in the Chinese program who specialized in arts and literature.
“Trinity creates the perfect environment for students to build positive and professional relationships with professors, where other schools don’t really allow for that sort of targeted experience,” Richelle notes.
The professor she met with was more than happy to help. They put her in touch with a contemporary art gallery in Shanghai, and the following summer, Richelle was their intern.
“That connection was the foundation for connections that have led my career path,” Richelle says.
Through the art gallery in China, Richelle got to know a local arts journalist, and that connection led her to New York City, where she was hired by the journalist's publication after graduating. It was in that position that she learned about the art market, which led her to her next job with a small New York City auction house.
“From there, my auction career took off,” says Richelle, leading her to Washington, D.C., and now back to Texas.
Richelle currently works with Lark Mason Associates/iGavel Auctions based in New Braunfels, Texas. Lark Mason Associates is an international online auction house with clients in the United States, Europe, and Asia. A full-service auction house, they specialize in fine and decorative works of art with an emphasis on Asian art. iGavel Auctions is an online Auction site dedicated solely to the sale of fine arts, antiques, and collectibles offered by a network of independently owned auction houses, dealers, appraisers, and other arts professionals. iGavel’s audience of high-end international arts and antiques buyers and reputation in the marketplace allows them to achieve top dollar results. Lark Mason also provides services in formal appraisal reports, art advisory, lectures, and events—both in-person and virtual.
Thanks to Trinity and her seven years of art market experience, Richelle is well-prepared for her position overseeing incoming and outgoing consignments to the Texas office, overseeing and managing appraisals, coordinating events and special projects, and even has time for her professional development as an appraiser and member of the International Society of Appraisers.
“It’s an exciting and fast paced job, and it’s all possible because of my foundational years at Trinity.”
You might be interested in
