About Woodward Gallery
Who we are and what we stand for.
About Woodward Gallery
Founded in 1994, Woodward Gallery has specialized in building exceptional private and corporate art collections, with a focus on Contemporary and Urban Art, while championing the work of its internationally acclaimed gallery artists.
A pioneer of Manhattan’s Lower East Side arts community, Woodward Gallery opened its doors in New York City in 1994. From SoHo to the Lower East Side and the Financial District spaces, the gallery has remained a respected presence in the downtown art scene. Woodward Gallery balances museum-quality works by artists such as Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol with a longstanding commitment to discovering, exhibiting, and nurturing emerging talent. Gallery Director John Woodward has provided street artists with creative Project Space for murals since 2008.
Over the past three decades, founders John and Kristine Woodward have helped shape the careers of numerous artists, including Abstract Expressionist Roy Newell (1914 –2006), and were instrumental in the international revival of the legendary Conceptual and Street Artist Richard Hambleton (1952 –2017). Arriving in New York City during the vibrant art movement of the 1980s, the Woodwards witnessed firsthand an era defined by visionaries, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. That experience continues to influence the gallery today.
In the 1980s, John Woodward began as a delivery boy to Andy Warhol’s Union Square Studio, known as the Factory, providing him with a personal perspective on one of the most influential periods in Contemporary Art history. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), John initially pursued a career in the culinary arts, working as a chef for several renowned restaurants and celebrities. He never lost sight of his education in the visual arts, and after meeting Kristine, the two married and founded Woodward Gallery in 1994.
Co-owner Kristine Woodward began her career in medicine as a board-certified Critical Care Registered Nurse, serving New York City from the 1980s through the late 1990s. Following the birth of John and Kristine’s daughter, Julia, Kristine retired from nursing to care for her child and continue her education in the visual arts, ultimately becoming a well-known New York City art dealer. Since then, her accomplishments have included international art publications, television appearances, and film. Although formally retired from professional nursing, Kristine continues to use her medical experience to support and care for the Lower East Side community and her artists.
As Woodward Gallery grew, John incorporated his culinary background into his work, serving as art curator for the historic Four Seasons Restaurant until its closing in 2016, and curating exhibitions for New York’s Gourmet Garage locations for more than fifteen years. He was the sole art consultant for director Oren Jacoby’s acclaimed 2017 documentary, Shadowman, and is widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on the art and career of Richard Hambleton.
Today, John and Kristine Woodward continue to build upon Woodward Gallery’s legacy through more than 30 years of exhibitions, numerous publications, and their recent involvement in a new documentary film celebrating the life and work of gallery artist Margaret Morrison.
Woodward Gallery represents the Estates of artists Deborah Claxton (1950 –2025), Sybil Gibson (1908 –1995), and works directly with the Estate of artist, author, and actor Val Kilmer (1959 –2025).
Woodward Gallery is a featured gallery partner on Artsy, Widewalls. Gallery works are also available for viewing online through this website, at WoodwardGallery.net. Please email or call to schedule an appointment.
Please stay connected through social media:
- WoodwardGalleryArt on Facebook
- @Woodward_Gallery on Instagram
- @WoodwardGallNYC on Twitter.
Learn more: Here
John Woodward,
Director, Owner
Kristine Woodward,
Vice President, Owner
Julia Woodward,
Gallery Assistant
Rose,
Greeting Committee
Bill Adams,
Security
Luna Wright,
Graphic Designer