My name is Elena Gilbert.
I was born in Russia, spent important years in London, UK, and have called the United States home for nearly a decade. Each move added a new layer to what has always been a central thread in my life: a deep and lasting love for art. As a child, I felt more at home in museums than on playgrounds. I spent hours sketching, asking questions, and getting lost in the stories behind the works. By my late teenage years, I was already reading art history books, catalogues raisonnés, and conservation case studies with genuine excitement.
That passion eventually turned into formal education. I studied at three of the world’s leading art institutions: Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Christie’s Education, and the Gemological Institute of America, where I built a strong foundation in connoisseurship, valuation, and the workings of the global art market. My background in music and ballet helped train my eye for balance, movement, and detail.
Still, for a long time, I questioned whether I could truly build a life around art. Influenced by family expectations and familiar doubts, I almost chose a completely different path and came close to becoming a nurse. But something in me knew I was meant to work with art - not just admire it. During that time of uncertainty, I began painting for myself. What started as a personal outlet gradually grew into something more: over the past five years, I’ve created my own body of work and held several solo exhibitions, giving me a deep appreciation for the artist’s perspective.
Travel has also shaped my understanding of art. I’ve visited over 25 countries, always seeking out museums, archives, and galleries wherever I go. These experiences continue to deepen my knowledge of regional art histories and contemporary practices around the world.
Today, I bring all of this experience to my work as an art consultant and accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers. I am fully USPAP-compliant and well-versed in IRS guidelines for art donations, acquisitions, and estate planning. Whether I’m authenticating a piece, researching its provenance, advising on a collection, or structuring a tax-advantaged gift, I bring care, curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to helping others engage with art in a meaningful and informed way.