How Vanessa Fusco Built a Career in the Art World at Christie’s Auction House

f you’ve ever wondered how to turn a love of art into a world-class career, Vanessa Fusco has the answers. She didn’t grow up surrounded by priceless paintings—but today, she helps lead the sale and preservation of some of the most valuable artworks on the planet.

In this episode of No Wrong Choices, we talk with Vanessa Fusco, International Director and Head of Impressionist and Modern Art at Christie’s Auction House. From entry-level beginnings to managing global auctions, her career path is a case study in how curiosity, resilience, and passion can open doors in even the most competitive industries.

Whether you’re interested in careers in the art world, curious about what it’s like to work at Christie’s, or looking for inspiration from someone who pivoted out of academia and into a dynamic leadership role, this episode is packed with insight.

Starting a Career in the Art World

Vanessa Fusco didn’t originally plan to work in the auction business. She studied at Vassar College with dreams of becoming a filmmaker, but one art history class changed her trajectory forever. That single course sparked a lifelong fascination with visual storytelling and historical context, leading her to pursue internships in museums and eventually land an entry-level role at Christie’s Auction House.

From those early days, she embraced every opportunity to learn—from cataloging artworks and writing provenance essays to assisting with exhibitions and logistics.

“You can teach someone how to do a job,” Vanessa says, “but you can’t teach curiosity and drive.”

Why She Left Academia—and Came Back Stronger

After gaining experience in the auction world, Vanessa enrolled in a PhD program to pursue deeper academic research. But the solitary nature of academic life wasn’t the right fit. She missed the energy of working with teams, clients, and physical objects. So she made a bold decision: to step away from the program and re-enter the workforce.

That leap paid off. She rejoined Christie’s in a new capacity, working with museums and nonprofits before returning to Impressionist and Modern Art—where she now leads global initiatives.

What It’s Really Like to Work at Christie’s

In her current role, Vanessa oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Sourcing artwork from private collectors and estates

• Researching authenticity and provenance

• Determining valuation and market interest

• Managing logistics for global art transport

• Collaborating with teams in New York, London, Hong Kong, and beyond

She also acts as a mentor to young professionals, helping them build careers in an industry where there’s no single path forward.

Key Takeaways from Vanessa Fusco’s Career Journey:

• Art auction careers require both passion and precision. From historical research to client relationships, every detail matters.

• There’s no “right way” to break into the art world. Vanessa’s journey began with curiosity, not connections.

• Integrity is non-negotiable. Especially when managing family estates, high-value sales, or wartime provenance questions.

• Mentorship plays a crucial role. Good managers shaped Vanessa’s approach—and she now pays it forward.

• Patience is part of the process. In a competitive industry, growth often comes from excelling in unglamorous roles first.

Thinking About a Career at Christie’s?

Vanessa’s story is a powerful example of how to build a career at the intersection of art, business, and leadership. If you're exploring art history jobs, considering a shift from academia to industry, or simply curious about how fine art auctions work behind the scenes, this episode is worth your time.

🎧 Listen to the full interview with Vanessa Fusco on No Wrong Choices — available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.