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About Amy Herman

Amy Herman is a lawyer and art historian who uses works of art to sharpen observation, analysis and communication skills. She developed her Art of Perception seminar in 2000 to improve medical students' observation and communication skills with their patients when she was the head of education at The Frick Collection in New York City. She subsequently adapted the program for a wide range of professionals and leads sessions internationally for the New York City Police Department, the FBI, the French National Police, the Department of Defense, Interpol, the State Department, Fortune 500 companies, first responders, the military and the intelligence community. In her highly participatory presentation, she demonstrates the relevance of visual literacy across the professional spectrum and how the analysis of works of art affords participants in her program an innovative way to refresh their sense of critical inquiry and reconsider the skills necessary for improved performance and effective leadership. The program has been featured in the New York TimesThe Wall Street Journal, "The CBS Evening News" and Smithsonian Magazine, among others.

Herman holds an AB, a JD and an MA in art history. Her book, Visual Intelligence, was published in May 2016 and was on both the New York Times and Washington Post bestseller lists.

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The Art of Perception

The Art of Perception® is unique, offering a highly participatory professional development program in two primary settings:

In the first, as a workplace- or museum-based training seminar, original works of art and photographs are used to prompt dialogue and in-depth analysis of issues related to participants' professions and to uncover and address biases, assumptions, and other ethical challenges in today's diverse work environments. No knowledge of art or art history is required. Whether offered in an art museum (where group size is limited) or using high quality, digital reproductions on-site, observation, analysis, and discussion of these images affords participants opportunities to apply newly honed skills to scenarios and circumstances encountered in professional contexts. Participants' evaluate their own visual acuity in oral and written exercises throughout the seminar. Additionally, at the end, they have the opportunity to assess the relevance, applicability, and value of the course—both short-term and long-term—to their own work.

In the second, The Art of Perception® serves as a dynamic, thought-provoking, and highly participatory keynote presentation at conferences and conventions across the professional spectrum. Tailored to event themes and objectives, as a keynote address, The Art of Perception® effectively demonstrates the value of visual literacy, enhanced perception, and precise communication in today's complex, diverse, and technologically driven workplaces.