In 2013, my husband and I made a trip to NYC, to specifically experience several antique shows taking place in mid-January. Following for many years the ads that appear in various art and antique magazines, this trip was really a bucket-list item for Will, an American Folk Art collector. His greatest hope? Meeting the legendary Folk Art Dealer and popular Antiques Roadshow Appraiser, Allan Katz.
The Best Kind of Folk: My Friend, Allan Katz
Barely able to take the time to drop off our bags at the Crosby Street Hotel and eat a bite, we jumped in a cab and made our way to what was then called the TAAS Show, originated by the American Folk Art Museum. One goal: meet Allan Katz.
Will practically galloped his way into the show. For the next several hours, we both circulated in and out of Allan’s booth, visiting with him, admiring each and every piece of American Folk Art he had for sale, and also meeting his BEYOND darling wife, Penny.
The four of us really hit it off, and I’ll forever be grateful to Al and Penny for not regarding us as stalkers! We probably blew their hair back with our brash Texas-ness and ten-zillion questions. Rather, they embraced us as potential clients, and quickly became very close friends.
When I decided to write a Travel Blog, and include Fascinating Personalities I’ve met via travel, there was no more perfect inaugural person to feature than my dear friend, Allan Katz. But, we’ve had many adventures since the original interview, and I have updated this piece with more juicy info!
The Curious Cowgirl and Allan Katz at Sotheby’s in NYC
Captain Jinks, an important piece of American Folk Art, sold by Allan Katz
An Interview:
Q: Allan, you are widely considered one of the premiere American Folk Art Dealers and Experts. Did you grow up in a family of collectors?
A: In a way…my mother collected Meissen porcelain, but when I was growing up in Brooklyn and also in Queens, many young boys collected stamps and coins. Also, during that time, the area around us was totally undeveloped, and I spent a great deal of time collecting fascinating natural objects, such as bird’s eggs and butterflies. The American Museum of Natural History’s Monarch Tree was particularly fascinating to me. I was inspired me to build my very own “Natural History Museum” in my basement, charging a five cent admission to see my collection.
As an economics student in college, I was primarily interested in a successful business career. I served as the CFO of Parametrics Industrial Electronics Company from 1969 to 1983. I began collecting early American advertising, and eventually became a collector and dealer of American Folk Art and Americana.
My career has taken many paths, and it has been my honor and pleasure to participate in many antique shows through the years including the Winter Antiques Shows in New York City, The Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show, the San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show and many many others.
Allan Katz’s Booth at The Winter Antiques Show
One of the Antiques Roadshow Appraisers
Q: I am sure many people will recognize you as one of the PBS Antiques Roadshow Appraisers. Will and I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes view you gave us when Antiques Roadshow filmed in San Antonio in 2019. In that capacity, you and Penny have travelled all over the United States. What city has surprised you the most?
A: The small cities are the most fascinating. Big cities have the natural draw of known museums and cultural opportunities, but seeing America through the lens of the smaller places has been amazing. For example, visiting Rapid City, South Dakota gave me and Penny the opportunity to see Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands, which we enjoyed immensely.
True story: When we sold Parametrics, I then reported to the President of the Company that purchased us. My boss shared with me that he was fired from his first job by Gutzon Borglum, the American sculptor, who was best known for designing Mt. Rushmore. His crime? Fooling around with dynamite one night on top of Lincolns’ head! It brought a tear to my eye to see my former’s boss, Mr. Erwin “Pete” Pietz, listed with those who made Mt. Rushmore. His name appears on the plaque of the 401 people who helped build that incredible work of art.
Milwaukee was another great place to visit, often eclipsed by its bigger neighbor, Chicago.
The American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum in NYC
Q: You have served on the Board of Trustees at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, which is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting New York! Not to mention the Self-Taught Genius Gallery in Long Island City.
A: You would be hard-pressed to find a more important collection of American Folk Art anywhere in America than the American Folk Art Museum in NYC. With two locations, one in Manhattan and a second gallery in Long Island City, the American Folk Art Museum is doing an amazing job showcasing wonderful art! Two locations, always free!
Q: Where else can we see fabulous American Folk Art?
A: Another wonderful spot? Penny and I absolutely love the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. It’s so beautiful there in the Spring, when you can truly enjoy the outside spaces.
Q: You are one of the busiest people I know! What are you currently reading?
A: The Dylan Chronicles. Growing up in New York at the same time that Bob Dylan arrived in New York, makes it a fascinating read for me.
Penny and Allan Katz, my darling and dear friends!
Antique Collectors make the Best Friends!
Allan has been such a great friend and mentor to my husband Will, whose passion for collecting Folk Art has absolutely been shepherded by the enthusiasm of Allan Katz and his willingness to freely share knowledge!
And I have learned a great deal from Allan as well!!! Allan is a rare breed of expert. His knowledge is incredibly vast, and he is also a very patient teacher. I think many people find antiques, particularly very valuable antiques intimidating. Allan is truly gifted at teaching and explaining in a way that is kind, but also informative. Thorough, but never boring.
It’s a special treat to attend any event with Allan! I learned to really love Art Auction Previews, because Allan has taught me what to look for, what kinds of questions to ask, and how to experience an auction itself, even if I’m not buying anything.
Plus, I think he and Penny are about the most adorable people I know!!! Will and I are Blessed to be able to call them friends, and look forward to many more adventures with Penny and Al!
Oh….by the way….as a Native New Yorker, Allan has shown me and Will some amazing places, neighborhoods, and introduced us to a fantastic group of collectors who are now friends. And, Allan has the BEST restaurant recommendations, especially fabulous Italian Food!!!! You can grab your own copy of my NYC Restaurant Guide, with recommendations from Allan Katz himself, by clicking here!
‘Cause, you know….antiquing makes everyone hungry!
XO,
Mary, The Curious Cowgirl
Tags: Allan Katz | American Folk Art Museum | Antique Dealer | Antique Furniture | Antiques | Antiques Road Show | Antiques Road Show Appraisers | Folk Art | Penny Katz | Self-Taught Genius Gallery
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