The Art of Stewardship: Collecting, Protecting, and Giving Back

Building an art collection is only the beginning. This conversation explores the responsibilities of art ownership beyond acquisition, bringing together perspectives from fine art insurance, private collection management, and art advisory to examine how collectors and their advisors navigate risk, valuation, conservation, and acquisition strategy while safeguarding artworks for future generations.

The discussion will also consider how thoughtful stewardship can extend beyond individual collections to support artists, strengthen relationships with museums, and contribute to philanthropic legacies. With a focus on the broader art ecosystem, the conversation highlights the essential role galleries play in nurturing artists, connecting them with cultural institutions, and sustaining a vibrant cultural landscape.

Public programs will be held at the Park Avenue Armory and are included with ADAA Fair admission at no additional cost. You can buy your tickets here. Advance registration is required, and seating is limited.

About

Rebecca Farah Al-Lahiq

Rebecca Farah Al-Lahiq is a Fine Art insurance specialist with more than 20 years of experience serving some of the world's leading public institutions, commercial galleries, dealers, collectors, and art fairs across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Throughout her career, she has developed deep expertise in underwriting, broking, and risk management solutions tailored to the unique needs of the global art market. Her previous roles include Fine Art Broker at Lloyd's of London, Sr Fine Art Underwriter at AXA Art; and National Practice Leader at Great American Insurance Company. Most recently, Rebecca was appointed Vice President, Director of Fine Art Underwriting, North America at Intact Insurance. In this role, she will lead the development and expansion of the company's North American Fine Art practice, focusing on delivering innovative insurance solutions to collectors, institutions, dealers, and other participants in the art ecosystem. In addition, Rebecca will help drive Intact’s commitment to supporting and advancing the fine art community in North America. Rebecca is a member of the Professional Advisors to the International Art Market (PAIAM) and ArtTable. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on art insurance and trends shaping the global art market.

Melissa Burgos

Melissa Burgos is a curator, collection manager, and creative director with over 12 years of experience in the art industry. Currently, she is the Managing Curator of the Julie and Edward J. Minskoff collection, where she oversees exhibitions, acquisitions, large scale installations across private and commercial spaces, as well as monitoring the art market. Melissa’s previous experiences include art handling, publishing, gallery and museum work, artist collaborations, and curating. She helped develop the retail program at Gagosian Gallery, led special projects at the Brooklyn Museum, and managed artist editions and publications for Parkett. With experience in both the back-end logistics and front-facing curation, she brings a unique mix of technical expertise and creative vision. Beyond her work, Melissa is dedicated to mentoring emerging arts professionals and supporting fresh and often underrepresented voices in the field. When she is not at an art opening, you can find her bike riding or enjoying dumplings in Chinatown.

Kimberly Pirtle

Kimberly Pirtle is a New York City based art advisor, auctioneer, and the Founder and Principal of Gabriel Advisory Group. She was previously part of Sotheby's Global Fine Art division, where she advised clients across all collecting categories including Contemporary, Modern, and Impressionist art, while also serving as an auctioneer. Her work spanned both the commercial and philanthropic sides of the art market, an experience that continues to inform her advisory today, where she works with private collectors, family offices, and corporations. Over the course of her career, Kimberly has raised more than $50 million for leading cultural and nonprofit institutions, working closely with collectors, patrons, and organizations on acquisitions and fundraising strategy. Her work and perspective have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Vogue and The Observer, among other publications. Her approach is shaped through close dialogue with clients, guiding the development of collections that reflect both individual perspective and broader cultural context. She maintains close relationships across galleries, auction houses, museums, and the broader art community, offering clients informed perspective at every stage of collecting. Kimberly is a board member of the Governors Island Foundation, where she supports the development and presentation of public art initiatives. She is also a board member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, contributing to the organization's support of contemporary dance performance and artistic practice. Originally from Detroit, Kimberly holds a BA from Spelman College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.