Kirsten Smolensky

Kirsten Smolensky, ISA CAPP, JD is the owner of Minerva Appraisal, LLC.  Minerva Appraisal is a general personal property appraisal firm offering a full range of professional appraisal services in the Nashville, TN area. She appraises antiques, fine art, silver, furniture, ceramics, etc., and considers herself a "general contractor" of appraisal services.  If she doesn't appraise it, she can either refer you to the appropriate person or work in conjunction with a specialist to get all of your items appraised. Our team regularly handles large estates with mulitple locations and property types.

Prior to beginning her full-time appraisal practice in 2009, Kirsten practiced law in Chicago, IL, and served as an Associate Law Professor at the University of Arizona.  Her legal background gives her a unique perspective on complex valuation problems. She is an experienced expert witness in both state and federal court.

Since 2020, Kirsten has been a AQB Certified USPAP Instructor.   Between 2013 and 2022, Kirsten was one of ISA's Core Course instructors, teaching appraisal methodology to ISA's incoming members.  She has also taught ISA's Requalification Course and ISA's Advanced Appraisal Methodology Course.

Kirsten also has significant product knowledge, having grown up "in the business".  She's collected, bought and sold antiques and collectibles since the age of twelve.  To expand her knowledge base, Kirsten has attended numerous ISA courses and conferences. She's also attended Winterthur Institute, a two-week course focusing on furnishings and decorative arts made or used in America between 1640 and 1860 and Sotheby's Institute of Art "Arts of China" Course, a two-week course in London focusing on Chinese paintings, porcelain, jades, bronzes and culture.

Kirsten offers appraisal services for IRS taxable estates, equitable distribution, divorce, charitable donations, insurance coverage, damage claims, etc.  Experience as an expert witness. Appraisal review and brokering services available.

DEGREES: University of Chicago Law School, Chicago, IL; J.D. 2002 and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia., PA; B.A. 1999.

SELECTED SERVICE: ISA Ethics Committee (Chair, 2018-2021); Foundation for Appraisal Education, Board Member (2011-12), Treasurer (2012-13), President (2013-14).