Years ago, the corner at 39 Main and North Washington streets in Tarrytown was the location of a popular bakery. In fact, the ovens are still anchored in the basement. Years later, that retail area functioned as a neighborhood florist. Today, the corner property houses The Canfin Gallery.

As gallery owner Jean-Claude Canfin observed, “Let’s put it this way. Once the space provided food for the stomach, and then food for the senses, and now food for the soul and spirit.”
Canfin had a 20-year history on Wall Street before venturing into the art gallery business. “My professional career had already taught me the basics of how to run a business, but the challenge was to find the product that would energize the passion to pursue and succeed,” he said.
Prior to changing business fields, Canfin traveled extensively and had already become a knowledgeable art collector. During a visit to Provence, France, he met an artist and gallery owner who inspired him to move in that direction.
“I loved his work, was impressed with him personally, and was taken with his passion for what he was doing,” he explained.
Those are three steadfast tenets that are repeated in Canfin’s artistic guidelines and business relations today.
“First, I must love the artist’s work. If I don’t, forget about it! I cannot sell what I don’t like and I cannot convince clients to buy art that I would not buy,” he said. “Second, I must feel comfortable with the artist. Too often they are demanding beyond reason about a whole host of things and I don’t wish to waste my time. Third, the artist must have a passion about his or her work that arouses that same passion in me. I must want to show it and sell it.”
The Canfin Gallery had its premiere opening as Gallery du Soleil in 2005. Shortly after, however, he changed the name to his own to emphasize the personal nature of his commitment and for the trust and judgement that he wanted that name to signify.
The shop’s reconstruction maintained the early 1800s fascade, but inside walls were eliminated or repositioned for dramatic exhibit placement And the large windows on both sides of the corner remain for maximum light and hanging art. The original arches, detailing and tin ceiling remain.
“I look outside my front windows and I see a vibrancy among the people. Some are working men and women, some are shoppers or tourists, some just pass and look in these windows,” Canfin said. “I must say that the theater, restaurants and the other galleries certainly bring in a great deal of traffic which is good for us. And I, in turn, provide recommendations for them to clients who come in to buy or browse here.”
Having moved to Tarrytown in 1991, Canfin was well acquainted with its residential and business areas and the potential to grow. It was turning into a ‘destination.’ It was a simple commute from New York and it was easily accessible from all tri-state areas because of good parkways, railroads and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The area also had pockets of wealth and sections with upward mobility. In general, Tarrytown was on the move and wonderfully positioned. In addition, it was centered within personal contact range of his clients.
The original intention was to exhibit art from around the world, to which Canfin still adheres. His previous travels visiting artists and galleries in many countries provided invaluable information and contacts for that initial start. For example, his exhibits have included artists from France, Holland, Spain, Korea and the United States. But, the larger, more important quest remained: how to find that proper mix, the exquisite blending of different contemporary styles, with the quality of already established and well-recognized artists. That is essential.
“The difference between a commercial gallery and a not-for-profit venue is that the not-for-profit is funded in some way. I am not,” he said. “I must make a profit, and therefore, my choices must be made carefully. I do not have spare funds for the promotion of new artists.”
Choosing your audience is of utmost importance, according to Canfin.
“You have to know that your selections will appeal to your clients, and because of that, they will sell. And, of course, as I have said previously, I must also feel connected to them personally,” he said. “However, I have learned that if the artist is established and widely collected, the paintings will sell.”
His judgement is helped by personal contact with clients, such as home visits, so that he has a pretty good idea of what they like and what they hang in their homes before they visit the gallery. He also traces their activity on his website.
“Bringing art to people is personal. From time to time, after a visit, they may see three or four paintings from different artists that they like but want to see how they look in their home,” Canfin said. “If they work, they keep them. If not, they bring them back.”
When he shows a new artist or a new group of paintings, he tries to make it a wonderful and beautiful experience. A theatrical sense of lighting, placement and the fluid blending of even eclectic styles is immediately evident. It is here that he must be the master to show off the artist and his talent.
A question often asked is whether or not to buy for investment. Canfin tells everyone that media coverage of the sky-high numbers paid by wealthy collectors is not what the average collector should think about. You should buy a painting because you love it. You’ll be living with it for quite awhile and you’ll probably leave it for your kids. It should make you happy. It should make you smile. At any one time, Canfin usually exhibits a mix of artists, six paintings each of about fifteen artists.
Art prices are determined by the market in combination with what the artist suggests. A good client is always treated well, but care is taken not to lower the price below the current market level. But, he tells his clients that if they cannot afford what they see at a given moment, to wait. Wait until they fall in love with a painting that they can afford to buy to make their home special.
And, indeed, a visit to Canfin Gallery is also something special.