The art market can feel opaque, intimidating, and full of secrets, and the idea of hiring someone to help you buy art might sound like a luxury, or even a mystery. Yet behind some of the world’s most interesting private collections is an advisor who acts as a guide, an advocate, and a shield. Someone who knows which galleries to trust, which deals to avoid, and how to help you build a collection that’s not just valuable, but personal.
At LSS Art Advisory, founder Laura Smith Sweeney has dedicated her career to bringing transparency, expertise, and heart to art collecting. She and her team work tirelessly to bridge the gap between art and finance, between passion and investment, and between collectors and the often hidden corners of the art world.
We sat down with Laura for a candid conversation about what an art advisor really does and why having one can transform not just your collection, but your relationship with art itself. From the shady dealings she’s avoided over decades in the industry to her most fulfilling client moments, she opens up about the triumphs, pitfalls, and secrets of navigating the art world wisely.
Jump Ahead:
What value does an art advisor bring that collectors can’t achieve on their own?
Q:
Laura: Access, for one. We’re constantly on the ground at fairs, in galleries, and in studios—doing the legwork so our clients don’t have to. We act as their eyes and ears in a fast-moving, global art market. Beyond that, the experience we bring to every acquisition allows our clients to rest easy knowing their collection has been meticulously researched.
Laura Smith Sweeney and Meghan O'Callaghan looking at a sculpture by Ruth Asawa in David Zwirner’s booth at Fog Fair 2024
For example, a client once called us from a cruise ship about to purchase an Andy Warhol print. We advised them to hold off on a piece that we knew wasn’t the best choice, and instead sourced a signed, authenticated edition from a trusted Warhol dealer— at an even better price. Often, our job is saying no and redirecting clients to protect their best interests. That kind of expertise- knowing the terrain, understanding the artist’s market, and knowing the right questions to ask, is incredibly hard to replicate for a new collector navigating the art world alone.
Signed, limited-edition fine art print from Andy Warhol’s Cow Series
Q:
How do you approach curating a home?
Laura: I believe curating a home is about fostering a conversation between the artworks, artists, and with those who inhabit the space. I see a collection as a personal gallery curated specifically for the client. A great example is our Sonoma Collection, where we selected artworks exclusively by women artists that center self-portraiture and identity. An artwork by Martine Gutierrez reclaims narrative power in Indigenous Woman, merging contemporary fashion with sharp critiques of gender and her cultural identity as a trans [Latinx] woman of Indigenous descent. Kara Walker’s silhouettes in Bureau of Refugees delve into the complexities of identity, memory, and the legacy of race in America, while Koak’s Self-Portrait w/ Flowers captures fragile strength in vivid, emotional forms. These artworks transform the home into a space of reflection, storytelling, and empowerment.
Martine Gutierrez
Kara Walker
Q:
How do you stay informed about emerging artists?
Laura: We spend a lot of time researching new artists so our clients don’t have to. That means going to galleries, fairs, museums, and artist studios in addition to engaging with curators and gallerists.
Because we participate directly in the art world’s conversations and networks, we’ve championed artists early, like Koak, Hugo McCloud, Alicja Kwade, and Kelly Akashi, who’ve gone on to show at blue-chip galleries and major institutions. As a result, many of our clients have been approached by museums seeking to borrow works from their collections. That’s the power of having informed eyes on your side.
Meghan O'Callaghan in the Brazilian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2022
Q:
What sets LSS Art Advisory apart from other firms?
Laura: What truly sets us apart is the dynamic between Meghan and me. I bring a strategic lens from my years in wealth management at JP Morgan along with a deep relationship in the art world while Meghan has an art historical background with a masters in the Italian Renaissance. Together, we bridge two worlds—art and finance—creating a uniquely balanced perspective that empowers our clients to buy what they love, wisely.
Our team is proudly all women and bi-coastal, giving us firsthand insight into the art scenes of both New York and the [Bay Area]. We’re grounded, approachable, and love what we do. We believe collecting should be joyful and welcoming, never snobby or intimidating.
We’re proudly part of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA), an invitation-only organization dedicated to art advisory professionals. Following the APAA guidelines means our guidance is entirely unbiased, and our role as fiduciaries means we always put our clients first. Each recommendation is made transparently, without hidden markups or undisclosed incentives, and in full alignment with the ethical standards set by the APAA.
William T. Wiley
Q:
What mistakes do you see first-time collectors make?
Laura: Many first time collectors dive in without doing the necessary research whether on pricing, condition, or authenticity. This often leads to overpaying for works that aren’t well documented, or choosing pieces simply because they’re trendy rather than personally meaningful. Another common mistake is not spending enough time looking. Your eye will continue to evolve the more art you see, helping you develop your own taste and confidence as a collector. Being fully informed is crucial before making significant purchases, and these early missteps can be avoided with the right guidance.
That’s where my background in finance becomes especially valuable. Navigating the art market can feel overwhelming. Early in my own collecting journey, I experienced how difficult it was to get clear answers. That frustration shaped how I approach advisory today, with a deep commitment to due diligence and protecting our clients every step of the way.
Luke Butler, The End
What advice would you give someone with a modest budget who wants to start collecting?
Q:
Laura: We suggest starting with prints, photography, or works by emerging artists. On a modest budget, we can offer guidance, negotiate pricing, and help you start your collection on the right foot.
Charles Gaines and Megumi Shinozaki
Prints are a wonderful way to start collecting. Unlike mass-produced posters, fine art prints are original works created using complex techniques in limited editions. Many leading contemporary artists create prints making it possible to own significant works at more approachable price points. Prints by blue-chip artists often maintain strong resale value and benefit from a thriving market among dealers and auction houses. For new collectors, they’re a thoughtful, lower risk way to enter the art world while acquiring works that are meaningful and beautifully crafted.
Q:
How do you balance collecting for passion vs. investment?
Laura: We always start with passion. If a client doesn’t love it, we won’t recommend it, no matter how “hot” the artist is. But layered on top of that is a strategic lens: we vet the artist’s career, market trajectory, past auction sales, and institutional support.
Once we’ve identified what resonates with a client, we build around that vision. This involves visiting galleries and art fairs together to gauge the client’s aesthetic and conceptual interests.
Collecting art is about more than just acquiring pieces. It’s about building something personal, meaningful, and lasting. At LSS Art Advisory, every collection is treated as a story worth telling. Laura Smith Sweeney and her team offer expert, transparent guidance that protects clients, unlocks access, and brings clarity to every step of the process. Whether you're starting fresh or refining a seasoned collection, LSS helps clients collect with confidence, purpose, and passion.
Koak, Self Portrait w/ Flowers, 2022 | Photos of Laura’s collection courtesy of Kait Miller | Claire Tabouret & Nathan Thelen, Altar, 2023