Beth Szescila

Rugs & Textiles, Decorative Arts

Updated: 9.24.09

Beth Szescila is a double certified member of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), being certified in fine art, as well as in antiques and residential contents. She has been the lead instructor for the ISA's Antiques and Residential Contents Specialty Course 201, taught nationwide, and is currently teaching "Appraisal Tips for the Savvy Collector" at Rice University. Beth was a member of the ISA Board of Directors for five years, serving as both the corporate vice president and corporate secretary. She is the past national chair of the Antiques and Residential Contents Committee and received the Outstanding Member of the Year award at the national conference in 1998. Ms. Szescila is now a member of the board of directors of the Foundation for Appraisal Education, a not-for-profit organization formed to promote the advancement of education related to personal property appraising.

Ms. Szescila received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Mississippi and worked for years in the field of art, both as a commercial artist and teacher. She has been a serious collector of antiques and fine art for many years and was an antique dealer for 10 years before becoming a full-time appraiser. She was a contributing editor of the reference book "Antiques for Dummies" and has been a feature writer for "ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Insider." Ms. Szescila is the owner of Szescila Appraisal Service, located in Houston, Texas. She is a frequent speaker and lecturer around the country. Ms. Szescila has been an appraiser on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW since its first season, having worked in several areas including Rugs & Textiles, Decorative Arts, Collectibles, Folk Art, and Glass.