In Memoriam: Carol Ann Arieff

Adapted from the San Francisco Chronicle March 12, 2004

Carol Ann Arieff, ASA, died in her sleep Wednesday, after a long battle with cancer. She was 60. A well-respected fine arts appraiser and long-time member of the San Francisco ASA Chapter, she was active in the Bay Area arts community.

Well-known for her integrity and meticulous research, she counted among her clients many of the top art collectors and dealers in the Bay Area and New York. Elisabeth Peters, co-owner of the Montgomery Gallery in San Francisco, said "Anytime someone would need a well-researched, thorough appraisal ... we would recommend her."

She was a regular presence at gallery openings and trusted adviser to museums, celebrity collectors, restaurants and wineries. Her "sunny personality" persisted even through her illness, said James Willis, an art dealer whom she consulted regularly when working up appraisals.

In addition to her ASA membership, she was a board member of the American Decorative Arts Forum, a member of the University of Pennsylvania Alumnae Association, the San Francisco Insurance Claims Forum, the Bay Area Art Association of the Pacific, and the Artists' Book Council.

Mrs. Arieff is survived by two daughters Allison Arieff, editor in chief of Dwell magazine, and Adrienne Arieff, director of Arieff Communications, both of San Francisco.

Private services are planned Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), P.O. Box 460487, S.F., CA 94146. The San Francisco Chapter is planning a contribution in her honor to the ASA Scholarship/Education Fund. Individual contributions to the fund would also be welcome.