Founded in Manhattan in 1994, Madelyn Jordon Fine Art is a gallery and consultancy specializing in 20th-century and contemporary art in all media. Having relocated to ArtsWestchester’s headquarters in White Plains in 2023 after 22 years in Scarsdale, the gallery represents emerging and mid-career artists, often with national and international followings, adding select artists to its roster periodically. Its eponymous owner, Madelyn Jordon, has been active in the art world since 1991 and holds a Master of Arts degree in art history and museum studies from New York University. Recently, she spoke to the Westfair Business Journal as she celebrates the gallery’s 30th anniversary:
Tell us about your connection to Westchester County. Did you grow up here or in the tristate area?
“I’m a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised on Long Island. After living in Manhattan for 12 years, we moved to Scarsdale in the late 1980s and now live in White Plains.”
You were previously an attorney. How did you make the switch to gallerist?
“I was a practising attorney but fell in love with art and art history as a young attorney. After leaving the law to raise my three children, I decided to make a career change and enter the art business.”
What precipitated the move to White Plains last year and was it an easy one?
“It was difficult to give up my gallery space in Scarsdale, but I needed more flexibility, so I decided to move to the ArtsWestchester building in White Plains. This is the arts community for our county. We have a viewing gallery space and office. We work by appointment with less open hours and are active online as well. We’re launching a new e-commerce website shortly.”
An overgeneralized question perhaps but nevertheless a necessary one: Who is buying art?
“The answer is everyone. Our client base is primarily individuals, although we work with businesses and sometimes institutions as well. The baby-boomer generation is aging but now may have two or three homes. They may be deaccessing from their collections, and we handle resales as well. Millennials are buying and furnishing their first homes and are definitely looking to acquire art, although generally at a lower price point. Or (they’re) open to emerging, younger artists.”
Would you describe the art scene in Westchester and Fairfield counties as healthy and flourishing or the reverse?
“There are a few galleries in Westchester, but there is a vibrant and flourishing art scene, which includes nonprofits, museums and artists.”
Who are the artists to watch?
“I suggest African American artist Wosene Kosrof and Westchester’s own Adam Handler for their singular and creative art practices.”
What comes next for you and the gallery?
“We have a great group of artists and we’ll keep presenting new and exciting, high-quality art for our collectors to bring home and enjoy.”
