Amy Herman

Amy Herman, a lawyer and art historian known for founding The Art of Perception, Inc., uses works of art to sharpen observation, analysis, and communication skills. This New York-based organization conducts professional development courses for leaders around the world, and the innovative, interactive pedagogy has been recognized as invaluable by the Department of Defense. By showing people how to look closely at painting, sculpture, and photography, she helps them hone their visual intelligence to recognize the most pertinent and useful information as well as recognize biases that impede decision-making.

With over 14 years of experience, Herman has provided leadership training to top officers in the United States military, law enforcement, medicine, education, and industry. 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. Here, she also oversaw the Collection's educational collaborations and community initiatives for over ten years. 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, retailers, and the military. The success of the program has reached the international platforms, with courses conducted at Scotland Yard and the Peace Corps.

In her highly participatory presentation, Herman demonstrates the necessity for astute visual literacy and how the analysis of works of art affords participants an innovative way to refresh their sense of critical inquiry and skills necessary for sharper performance and effective leadership. The program has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The CBS Evening News, and Smithsonian Magazine, as well as other international platforms such as the BBC and The London Times.

Herman holds a BA in International Affairs from Lafayette College, a JD from the National Law Center at George Washington University, and an MA in Art History from Hunter College, as well as being a member of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. Her book, “Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life,” was published in May 2016 and was on both the New York Times and Washington Post best sellers’ lists. Her second book, “Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving” was published in December 2021, and her third book, “smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain,” in October 2022.