
Aarin Richard, ISA AM, is an accredited art appraiser in Santa Fe, New Mexico specializing in the areas of historic American Indian art and paintings from the late modern and contemporary periods. He has been immersed in these fields for the past 28 years as a dealer, consultant, broker, collector and artist. His company, Richard Associates Art Appraisals offers qualified appraisal services for the purposes of charitable contributions, estate planning, equitable distribution, capital gains and gift tax, insurance coverage and damage claims. A member of the International Society of Appraisers, all appraisals comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and meet IRS requirements for Federal reporting.
As a dealer, collector and former gallery owner, Aarin has handled and studied countless antique American Indian art objects and contemporary paintings. This accumulated knowledge of the material and marketplace, combined with in-depth research, is the cornerstone of his company. Identification, authentication, evaluation and market analysis are all part of the complex process used by Richard Associates to prepare accurate appraisals that are tailored to each individual client’s needs.

“Working with Richard Associates Art Appraisals on a project was a smooth and straightforward process – Aarin responded right away, was very professional, and was able to assist us with a fast-approaching deadline. His report was very detailed with an in-depth description of the item and succinct value reasoning. We would absolutely work with Aarin again.” – Catherine M., Detroit, MI

Aarin’s journey into Native American art and contemporary paintings started early-on, first as an artist and then an avid collector. He studied art in school and has been painting ever since. This knowledge of technique and artistic processes informs his appraisal work. In 2002, he launched Aarin Richard Tribal Art, exhibiting at the major trade shows in the West and Southwest. He worked extensively within the dealer network and collector base and authored articles such as Native Pigments Of The Plains Indians and The Color Red In Early Blankets . In 2009, Aarin joined three prominent dealers at The Spanish & Indian Trading Company, a well known American Indian art gallery in Santa Fe. This eventually led to the creation of the Aarin Richard Gallery, which featured 19th century antiquities and contemporary paintings. During this period he created the Historic American Indian Art Radio Show, which hosted in-studio guests of fellow dealers and scholars, discussing the Native art and history of 19th century America. The show was broadcast live over the internet.
Through all these activities, Aarin has developed an extensive network of qualified associates with expertise in the fields, available to assist on assignments when further authentication is required. Choosing an art appraiser based in Santa Fe offers the advantage of location – it is the knowledge center of American Indian art and home to fine art dealers, galleries, collectors, museums and research experts.
Prior to relocating in Santa Fe, Aarin lived in Los Angeles, California and worked as a Media Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering and Sony Development, leading media production efforts on projects worldwide.
Prior Annual Exhibition History:
- The Whitehawk Antique American Indian Art Show, Santa Fe NM
- The Marin Show, Art of the Americas, Marin CA
- The Great Southwestern Antique Show, Albuquerque NM
- The Los Angeles Tribal Art Show, Los Angeles CA
- The American Indian Art Show, Los Angeles CA
- The High Noon Show, Phoenix AZ
- The Historic American Indian & Ethnographic Show, Santa Fe NM
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