Sanford L. Smith: The Showman Who Revolutionized New York’s Art Fair Scene
Celebrating Sanford Smith’s enduring legacy and collection.
Sanford Smith blended showmanship and entertainment to leave an indelible mark on art fairs as we all know them. Explore his extraordinary collection, coming to auction in January 2025.
Now a cornerstone of the global art market, New York’s vibrant art fair scene was once uncharted territory, shaped into what it is today by the visionary efforts of pioneers who dared to reimagine how and where art could be seen and acquired.
For over four decades, Sanford Smith was a trailblazer in the world of art, antiques and design, transforming niche markets into thriving international collecting categories. In his own words, Sanford was in “show business” and “filled holes” in completing the gaps he saw in what other art fairs were offering to the public – both in taste and experience. His pioneering vision first came to life in 1980 with the launch of the All American Antiques Show at the Pier, a bold and unprecedented move that introduced the concept of an entirely American-focused fair. At a time when such an event at a remote venue seemed implausible, Smith’s initiative not only succeeded but redefined the boundaries of the antiques market.
Soon after, he broke new ground again with Modernism, a landmark event that was the first to showcase design materials spanning 1860 to 1960 as a unified collecting category. The Modernism fair ran successfully for over 25 years, inspiring a wave of similar exhibitions and establishing its legacy as the first of its kind. Continuing his innovative streak, Smith introduced Works on Paper, now known as Art on Paper, an event dedicated to watercolors, photographs, prints, drawings, and pastels from Old Master to Contemporary artists. Once again, he set the standard, creating a platform that fueled new fairs and even a specialized magazine. Today, the spirit of his groundbreaking efforts lives on through events like Salon Art + Design, a testament to Smith’s enduring influence in shaping the art and design fair landscape.
Sanford L. Smith was a collector and entrepreneur who created some of New York’s most prestigious art fairs, supporting areas of the market that were of particular interest to him such as Americana, Outsider Art and Modernism.
From his first event, the Fall Antiques Show, to his widely celebrated Salon Art + Design, Smith’s fairs became essential destinations for collectors, dealers, and art lovers alike, generating millions in sales and reshaping the way art and design were presented and appreciated. His legacy is not only one of innovation and financial success but also of enduring influence. From the groundbreaking All American Antiques Show to Modernism, Works on Paper, and the Outsider Art Fair, Sanford Smith’s fairs paved the way for countless others and redefined how art and design are showcased.
His own collection, which will be offered at STAIR as The Collection of Sanford L. Smith on January 30th, contains the same level of interest and eclecticism as the shows he produced. Highlights in the sale include weathervanes and important Americana, Folk Art, works on paper by Charles Burchfield and John Marin, Marine paintings, Grenfell mats, and a selection of Western bronzes. Colin Stair remembers Sanford and recalls, “Sandy’s blockbuster shows blended art and entertainment. He always made sure that dealers were happy, and that visitors came back year over year. He was an innovator and a driver of trends. His personal collection represents the enthusiasm for his work, the respect for the objects exhibited by dealers, and a love of mixing old and new. We are honored to celebrate his legacy with this single owner sale.”
Through his vision and passion, Sanford Smith left an indelible mark on the art world, ensuring his contributions will be celebrated for years to come. Preview his upcoming collection.
CATALOGUE ONLINE: Friday, January 17 2025
GALLERY PREVIEW
Friday, January 17: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, January 18: 11am – 5pm
Sunday, January 19: Closed
Monday, January 20: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday, January 21: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, January 22: 9am – 5pm
Thursday, January 23: 9am – 5pm
Friday, January 24: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, January 25: 11am – 5pm
Sunday, January 26: Closed
Monday, January 27: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday, January 28: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, January 29: 9am – 5pm