Amy Herman is
a lawyer and art historian who uses works of art to sharpen observation,
analysis, and communication skills. Through interactive analysis of paintings,
sculptures, and photographs, Amy demonstrates
how improving visual literacy can refresh participants' sense of critical
inquiry, hone the skills necessary for improved performance and effective
leadership, and reveal biases, assumptions, and blind
spots that impede optimal decision making.
Amy 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 currently leads sessions internationally for the New York
City Police Department, the FBI, the French National Police, the Department of
Defense, the State Department, Fortune 500 companies, first responders,
the military, and the intelligence community. The program has been featured in
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The CBS Evening News, and
Smithsonian Magazine, among others. Her TED talk, A Lesson in Looking, went live in December 2018. Ms. Herman holds an A.B., a J.D., and an M.A. in
art history. Her book, Visual Intelligence, was selected for
both the New York Times and Washington Post best sellers’ lists.