Step into a world where safeguarding masterpieces isn’t just a duty, it’s an art form. At Distinguished, we can help you provide your clients with peace of mind and the highest level of protection for their cherished possessions. Our Fine Art and Collectibles insurance team are experts in the industry and here to help you every step of the way. In this video series, we’re excited to introduce you to the amazing individuals who make up our underwriting team, including Alison Sweeney.
Alison, a luminary in our Fine Art & Collectibles insurance division, brings unparalleled expertise and passion to her role as Vice President, Fine Art Expert. Get to know Alison in the video below.
Hi, I’m Allison Sweeney. I’m Vice President and Fine Art Expert at Distinguished Fine Art and Collectibles based out of our New York City office.
How long have you been in the space?
I started my career in the art world working in museums, and then for many years, in fine art appraisals. In 2014, I pivoted to fine art insurance first working as a broker and then becoming an underwriter.
What’s something you collect?
I’m a collector of many things, probably a hazard of the industry that I work in, but for a long time I’ve been an avid collector of refrigerator magnets. I think that it’s a great way to bring part of your trip home with you, and I especially love ones that are handmade or locally made, so it feels like a little piece of artwork on your fridge reminding you of your trip.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, I think I would choose flying. I love to travel, and I absolutely hate waiting in that TSA line.
What art movement do you most identify with?
One of my favorite art movements is the Hudson River Valley. I love landscape paintings, especially ones that are really vibrant, and I think that it really showcases how beautiful our country is.
If you could have dinner with any celebrity or historical figure (past or present), who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I think a really good one would be Queen Elizabeth the second. She lives such a long life, met with so many other world leaders, met so many important people from the 20th and 21st century, and was such a leader through so many world events. I think it would just be fascinating to learn more about her life and all of the interesting places that she traveled to.
Meet our other Fine Art & Collectibles team members:
- Patrick Drummond, President
- Erika Witler, Senior Vice President
- Nonie Tompkins, Vice President, Underwriter
- Stacy Button, Underwriter/Affinity Marketing Manager
- Ashley Mehyo, Vice President of Claims
- Darryl Proniuk, Vice President National Agency Sales
