NEW YORK, NY.- For Valerie Goodman, the act of discovering and nurturing artists is the essence of being a gallerist. “For me, discovering and nurturing artists is the only true reason to have a gallery,” she says. “It’s what motivates me — to create a bridge between the artist’s creative studio and the world where their work can live and find meaning.”

At the heart of this vision lies Goodman’s long-standing collaboration with Jacques Jarrige, the celebrated French artist whose hand-crafted furniture, lighting, and sculpture form the centerpiece of the gallery’s upcoming exhibition, A Shared Vision: 15 Years of Jacques Jarrige, on view starting October 15 through December 15, 2025. “This approach has worked beautifully with Jacques Jarrige over the years,” Goodman notes. “It continues to guide my new relationships.”

Since founding her eponymous gallery fifteen years ago, Goodman’s intuitive eye for talent has elevated the careers of designers Anasthasia Millot, Cristina Salusti, Tinatin Kilaberidze, and Eric Schmitt, each of whom shares her belief in the power of craftsmanship and individuality. Looking ahead in April 2026, she will debut the work of Benoit Maire, a conceptual French artist whose poetic and philosophical approach to form embodies the gallery’s commitment to innovation. “I look for artists who have shown little or not at all in the U.S., who have a strong, personal signature and the potential to grow — but also the dedication and openness to build something together,” says Goodman.

Born in Paris, Goodman has built a platform that celebrates artists who move fluidly between disciplines — those whose work transcends the traditional divisions between art, design, and sculpture. Her gallery has become synonymous with this creative cross-pollination, championing visionaries who see furniture as sculpture, sculpture as architecture, and design as a deeply human expression. “This philosophy continues to guide my new relationships,” says Goodman.

In both her vision and her relationships, Valerie Goodman has redefined what a contemporary gallery can be — not merely a showcase for design, but a living laboratory where ideas, materials, and human connections converge.

We had a chance to talk to Valerie about her upcoming collaboration with Jacques Jarrige.

How did you first meet Jacques Jarrige, and what drew you to collaborate with him?

In 2009, as I was preparing to open a contemporary art and functional object gallery, I was looking for artists to represent—especially those not yet known or visible in the U.S. I had spent much of my career working closely with artists in music, film, and photography and had always thrived on the intimacy of the creative process. A friend and collaborator who had worked with Jacques on his solo exhibition at Hôtel de Ville in Paris suggested I meet him. At the time, Jacques had just created his “Cloud” table series, and our mutual friend thought I might help with the lacquer finish—a material Jacques was particularly drawn to.

Coincidentally, I had a friend with a lacquer studio capable of producing a small edition in various colors, so it all aligned beautifully. When I visited Jacques’s home and studio, I was struck by the poetic, wide-ranging furniture, lighting, and sculptures. It felt like stumbling into Ali Baba’s cave—full of marvels. It was the perfect moment for both of us to begin a new chapter.

What were some of the early conversations or shared values that laid the foundation for your working relationship?

From the beginning, our conversations were fluid, constructive, and full of possibility. Jacques had just lost his gallery; I was just starting mine. We were both at a turning point—hopeful, daring, and fully dedicated to the work ahead. We were looking for creative partners, not just professional alliances.

Jacques was humble yet deeply engaged. Our mutual trust and enthusiasm grew quickly. At the core, we shared ethics, curiosity, and a genuine belief in the value of art.

What do you think makes your partnership with Jacques so successful—and so enduring over the past 15 years?

There’s a quiet harmony in the way we work. We’ve always approached client requests with care, attention, and genuine enthusiasm. Our communication is consistent—almost daily—and built on mutual trust and respect. I pay close attention to the directions Jacques wants to explore, and in turn, he responds to each client interaction with thoughtfulness and openness, treating it as an opportunity to connect, learn, and support my outreach.

Over the years, we’ve grown together—and that shared journey has been deeply rewarding. From the beginning, my vision was never to create a conventional, transaction-driven gallery, but rather a space that nurtures and amplifies the creative process. Without the resources to invest in established work, I built the gallery around artists whose voices and visions I believed in.

Our collaboration has always felt intuitive and organic—because, at its heart, it’s about creating something meaningful, not simply producing objects. Jacques’s work brings beauty, depth, and a sense of well-being into the homes of our clients. I believe that’s what makes our partnership so lasting.

It felt completely natural to ask Jacques to redesign the interior of my own home.

How has Jacques evolved as an artist and designer, and how has your gallery grown in parallel?

Jacques has expanded his vision and output tremendously over the years—always evolving yet remaining true to himself. Not long after we met, he moved into a larger studio with a team that allowed him to meet growing production demands. It was a serendipitous moment, as the growth of the gallery mirrored this shift. We found our stride at the same time, and from there, we grew bolder—together. It’s been a dynamic and reciprocal creative journey.

Everyone I’ve chosen to represent shares a common set of values—an honesty at the core that allows us to focus deeply on collaboration. One of the greatest joys has been witnessing the mutual appreciation—and at times, collaboration—between the artists I work with. That spirit of community, creativity, and integrity is what truly defines the gallery.

What does this anniversary exhibition mean to you personally—not just as a gallerist, but as someone who has championed Jacques’s work from the beginning?

This exhibition is deeply personal. It represents the fulfillment of a shared dream—mine, to be fully engaged in the creative process and to help shape an artist’s career; and Jacques’s, to explore new directions and work with freedom and authenticity.

We’ve intentionally remained small in scale to preserve our agility and stay aligned with our values. I never aspired to build a large staff or expand into multiple locations, just as Jacques wasn’t interested in running a big studio with layers of personnel. Our shared audacity—and our decision to stay true to ourselves—has made the partnership not only sustainable, but deeply joyful.

Who are some of the interior designers you’ve collaborated with over the years
Victoria Hagan, Wesley Moon, Matthew Patrick Smyth, Nicole Hollis, Alyssa Kapito, DKDA-(David Kleinberg), Studio Sofield, , Michael Smith, Bespoke, Erika Miller, Kelly Behun, , Daniel Romualdez, , Ken Fulk, Mark Cunningham, Ellie Cullman, Sandra Nunnerley, Steven Gambrel, David Scott, Julie Hillman, Brian McCarthy, Shawn Henderson, William McIntosh Jeremiah Brent, Harry Heissmann, David Howell, Lisa Frazar, Studio Shamshiri, and Oliver Furth.

Tell us about your background and what led you to open a gallery devoted to the decorative arts.

I was born in Paris to a French mother and an American father. I earned a master’s degree in French literature, but the arts called me early on. While still at university, I began managing a Hungarian political refugee who was a musician and singer. We eventually moved to the U.S., where I continued promoting and producing creative projects with musicians, filmmakers, and photographers. At one point, I joined a startup during the early days of web development, working alongside very imaginative people. When the bubble burst, I ended up assisting a friend with his 20th-century European decorative arts gallery. I learned the business there until I felt the urge to create something of my own—on my own terms.

By then, I had developed a solid knowledge of the decorative arts, but I knew my path had to be with living artists and designers.

A Shared Vision: 15 Years of Jacques Jarrige opens on October 15, at the Valerie Goodman Gallery, 315 East 91st Street, in New York and runs through December 15.