Meet Jennifer Salvetti-kulla | Art Appraiser

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Salvetti-kulla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite quotes is by Vincent van Gogh: “What is done with love is done well.” I love this because it perfectly captures how I feel about my work. When you truly care about what you’re doing—whether it’s appraising a piece of art, helping a client, or just going about your day—you naturally put in the extra effort, and it shows in the results. For me, this quote is a gentle reminder to always bring my passion and love for art into every appraisal I do, making sure each one is handled with the care and attention it deserves. It’s what makes my work so fulfilling!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m so happy to share more about my business, JSK Fine Art Appraisals! What really sets us apart is the personalized approach I bring to every appraisal. I know that art isn’t just about value; it’s about the stories, memories, and emotions attached to each piece. Whether it’s a beloved family heirloom, a unique collection, or something newly acquired, I treat each item with the care and respect it deserves. My goal is to provide thorough, accurate valuations that honor the unique stories behind the art.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Whether they’re attorneys, estate liquidators, art professionals, insurance companies, or individuals, I love being someone they can trust with their art. Seeing how my work positively impacts their lives is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I started this journey.

I’ve always had a deep passion for art, which led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies. I spent years working in the art world, eventually becoming the gallery manager at Art & Frames, where I learned so much about the business side of art. In 2020, I decided to take a leap and start my own business, combining my love for art with my desire to help people understand and appreciate its value.

Starting a business during a challenging time wasn’t without its hurdles, but it also taught me some valuable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance, staying true to my values, and the power of community. My education gave me a strong foundation, but it was the support of my mentors, family, and clients that helped me overcome the obstacles and grow my business.

What I want the world to know about JSK Fine Art Appraisals is that I’m here to help people find value not just in their art, but in the stories and emotions that make each piece special. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m committed to providing the best service possible with a warm, personal touch. This business is a reflection of my dedication to the art community and my love for the work I do, and I’m excited to keep growing and helping others in this incredible field.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d be so excited to show them all my favorite spots in San Diego! Here’s how I’d plan out a week full of fun, relaxation, and little hidden gems that make this place so special.

Day 1: We’d start the week with a laid-back day at Solana Beach, one of my absolute favorite spots to relax. There’s nothing better than some sun, sand, and the sound of the waves to kick off a vacation. After soaking up some rays, we’d grab lunch at Naked Café—such a great spot with healthy, delicious food and a chill vibe that’s perfect for easing into the week.

Day 2: Next up, we’d visit the heart of San Diego with a day at Balboa Park. It’s one of my happy places, and we’d definitely stop by the Timken Museum of Art to see François Boucher’s Lovers in the Park—it’s just stunning in person. After wandering through a few more museums and enjoying the beautiful gardens, we’d head over to Little Italy for dinner at Davanti Enoteca. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is so cozy. We’d end the night at False Idol, a hidden speakeasy with tiki vibes that’s always a fun surprise.

Day 3: For day three, we’d explore La Jolla. We’d start at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I’d show them the vibrant Niki de Saint Phalle pieces—her sculptures always brings a smile to my face. After a morning of art, we’d have lunch at George’s at the Cove, which has some of the best views in town. The afternoon would be all about exploring the coastline, maybe checking out the sea lions at La Jolla Cove or just wandering through the local shops.

Day 4: A day trip to Temecula for some wine tasting. There are a few vineyards I love, like Lorimar Vineyards & Winery, where they mix art and wine in the best way. We’d have a leisurely lunch at one of the vineyards, then do a bit more tasting before heading back to San Diego, relaxed and maybe with a bottle or two to take home.

Day 5: No visit to San Diego is complete without a trip to Coronado. We’d start with breakfast at Clayton’s Bistro & Bakery—their Nutella donut holes are seriously to die for! Afterward, we’d hit the beach for a bit, then head to Little Frenchie for lunch. It’s this charming bistro with incredible French cuisine that’s perfect for a leisurely meal. In the afternoon, we’d visit Art & Frames, a gallery that’s close to my heart, to check out some curated pieces. We’d finish the day with a drink at the Sun Deck, taking in the sunset and the ocean breeze—it’s the perfect way to wind down.

Day 6: On our last day, we’d explore North Park, one of my favorite neighborhoods. We’d start with some gallery hopping at spots like Art Produce and The Studio Door. Then, we’d grab lunch at Communal Coffee, where the beautiful bouquets of flowers and the artistic décor make it such a lovely place to relax. We’d spend the afternoon checking out the local shops and murals, and then head to Bivouac Ciderworks for some unique and delicious ciders. To wrap up the trip, we’d visit Realm of the 52 Remedies, a speakeasy with a mystical, hidden vibe that’s the perfect way to cap off an incredible week.

As a Syracuse, NY native, I’ve really come to appreciate all the sunshine and coastal charm San Diego has to offer. This itinerary would be the perfect mix of art, relaxation, and all the little experiences that make San Diego so special. I’d want my friend to leave with not just great memories, but a real sense of why I love this place so much.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing support system that has helped me reach where I am today. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to my husband—he’s been my biggest advocate every step of the way. His unwavering belief in me and my dreams has been a constant source of strength.

My parents have also been a tremendous source of love and encouragement, always standing by me.

I’m deeply thankful to my mentor, Kathryn Minard, whose guidance and wisdom have been invaluable throughout my career, especially when I was just starting out. Another key figure in my journey is Trisha Zetterberg, the owner of Art & Frames. She’s always supported my art adventures and has taught me so many important business skills.

A special mention goes to the book She Minds Her Own Business by Krystel Stacey, which has been instrumental in helping me design my business and life with intention. The clarity and focus it brought me have been invaluable.

I also want to acknowledge the wonderful community at the International Society of Appraisers. The knowledge I’ve gained and the connections I’ve made there have truly shaped my journey.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to all my clients. Working with such passionate, interesting people makes what I do even more rewarding. Their trust in me motivates me to keep learning and growing in my field. To everyone who has supported and believed in me, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Website: https://jskfineartappraisals.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-salvetti-kulla-ma-isa-am-08034a11a/

Image Credits
Photos 1 & 2 Photographer: Anita Friedrich @ani_portrait