My siblings and I recently commissioned the services of Brenda to help us navigate the enormous task of distributing my Mothers’ extensive collection after her death. The collection involved 60 years of passionate collecting ranging from Aboriginal art and artefacts from the 1960s through to designer furniture from the 1970s, contemporary international artists, pottery and glassware, wall hangings and designer carpets.

Brenda undertook the daunting task of cataloguing and valuing each piece allowing us an equitable basis to divide various parts of the estate and importantly guiding us through three separate auction houses – to achieve the maximum amount for each of our pieces – and the gifting of a piece to a public gallery.

She was patient, knowledgeable, gave us clear and honest advice and we couldn’t have done it without her as our advocate. I cannot recommend her services highly enough. It was a pleasure to work with Brenda and her assistance at a highly emotional time was invaluable.

Sonia Mellor, 2021

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms Brenda Colahan for quite some time and it has always been apparent how high the esteem she is held in by her peers in the indigenous art community. In March 2018, I had the opportunity of working with Ms Colahan on an important fund raising venture for an outstanding foundation I am Patron of, The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation. The event had the support of many influential and respected people in our community, including His Excellency, General The Honourable David Hurley AC,DSC, Governor of NSW and Mrs Linda Hurley.

One element of the fund raising program was the auction of 5 works of art from 5 renowned indigenous artists. In my opinion, the keynote presentation by Ms Colahan prior to the auction in which she discussed her background in fine art, in particular indigenous art, her knowledge of the artists, their unique styles and her opinion as to why these works of art were so valuable was the most significant factor in the confidence buyers had in purchasing all 5 artworks. The prices these pieces of art achieved at auction provided the highest component of the extraordinarily successful fund raising program. I have no doubt, this result was directly attributable to the input of Ms Colahan.

Allan Sparkes CV,OAM,VA
Patron
Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation

I have great pleasure in writing on behalf of Brenda Colahan Fine Art. I write as Trustee of a Self Managed Superannuation Fund and as sole Director of an Investment Company.  These two entities have considerable investments in Australian, European and Aboriginal Art.

I have frequently consulted with Brenda regarding appropriate art investments to persue.  Brenda has also valued these art investments for insurance and accounting purposes.  I am impressed by the range of contacts Brenda has in the art world.

I recommend Brenda as a highly competent valuer of both Australian and European artwork and a knowledgeable professional capable of assessing current value and investment potential of a broad variety of artwork. 

Rodney T. Swan, Collector

As a practising artist I have worked with Brenda Colahan over a period of 8 years. She has curated many of my exhibitions most notably in Orange and at Domayne Design in Sydney.

From 2004 -2007 whilst in her capacity as Consulting Gallery Manager and Curator for my representing gallery in Sydney, we formed a close and successful working relationship. During this period Brenda’s’ conduct was always highly professional and ethical. She always displayed not only considerable talent and enthusiasm but also a tremendous ability to liaise between both artist’s collectors and the wider gallery community. Brenda has a unique ability to advise and inform in many contexts. She has consistently demonstrated that she can effectively guide artist, collector and galleries to achieve positive outcomes.

Most recently I have engaged Brendato write my artists biography, which includes a critical and expansive discussion of my oeuvre to date. In addition she has written the exhibition essay for my latest body of work “Nature built it first” a text which has provided the essential narrative to this show.

Laura Matthews, Artist

Brenda Colahan opens doors.  As an artist and collector Brenda’s guiding hand has been fantastic.  I have known Brenda for some years now, and value her insight, judgement, and critical eye.  She has an unrivalled reputation.  Invaluable. 

It is Brenda’s knowledge and integrity in an at times puzzling art world which indeed sets her apart.  I have no hesitation in recommending Brenda’s talents to any curator, artist, collector, designer or corporate investor.  You'd be priviledged and proud to have her on board.

Andrew McIlroy, Artist