Auctioneer Spotlight: Jordan and Jackie Sitter
Many of our Park West collectors develop friendships with the art teams over the course of their land or sea vacations. Here’s a chance to get to know them more as they share their favorite adventures in the art world.
Jackie and Jordan Sitter met 15 years ago when they were both working on board a cruise ship. Jackie moved shoreside but eventually joined Jordan in hosting the VIP ship auctions. Jordan is originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Jackie is from New Hampshire, but they now live in Austin, Texas. In 2001, at the time Jordan was hired, he was one of the youngest auctioneers at Park West. Now, 15 years later and still with Park West, he is one of the most well-known VIP auctioneers.
Jackie and Jordan Sitter
How long have you been with the VIP Program?
Jordan: 12 years ago we started the VIP program and I have been with it right since the beginning. It has been amazing to watch it grow from a single annual event to a full-time program.
What do you enjoy most about working with the VIP program?
Jordan: The VIP program, to me, is the essence of Park West’s mission. My favorite part of the program is bringing both our newest artist partners as well as our most coveted master works to auction for the first time. Many of the artists who have joined the Park West group in the last decade did their very first auction with me at one of our VIP events. It has been great for me to watch their careers and artwork progress as well as their following amongst the collectors.
Jackie: The part I enjoy the most is meeting the artists and the collectors. It is really special. At the end of some cruises, it’s very bittersweet to have to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. Many of the collectors still keep in touch with me after the cruises, which is very meaningful to me.
What do you like most about being an auctioneer?
Jordan: When I was in college, I was a disc jockey. I thought I might pursue a career in broadcasting and bringing new, exciting music to people. If you think about it, being on stage presenting the newest and most exciting art is not an unfair comparison. I enjoy introducing artists, showing unique artworks and getting the information across in an interesting and educating way – not like a lecture or seminar.
Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?
Jordan: I think I need to be careful answering this if I choose a living artist – part of the VIP program involves travelling with the artists and getting to know them all, so I probably need to say “all of them” or I am sure I will hear about it from some of them! My favorite artists’ works to actually have available at my auctions have to be Albrecht Durer and Pablo Picasso. There simply isn’t anything like offering works like that to collectors. It’s what makes the VIP program so special and our auctions so exciting.
Jackie: The best part about the VIP program is getting to know the artists; they all have special memories and meaning to us. I don’t want to sound like I’m dodging the question, but I sincerely like them all.
What is your favorite Park West memory?
Jordan: I don’t think I have a specific favorite memory. Those that have experienced the VIP program understand it is a lifestyle as much as it is a career for the staff, artists and even collectors. I met my wife Jackie doing this; she now travels with me to the VIP events. We have traveled the world with interesting artists and collectors. The entire experience has been an unbelievable journey.
What is your favorite port, or city, you visit with the VIP program or a travel tip for the readers?
Jordan: Favorite port would be a tough question. My favorite cruise was Alaska, hands down. There is something magical about the Alaska cruises. I make sure to do a few every year, and I enjoy going back every time.
Jackie: SANTORINI, GREECE! There is nothing like enjoying the sunset and a glass of wine in Santorini.
An Alaskan cruise (Photo courtesy of alaskancruiser.com)
Is there anything else you’d like to say to collectors?
Jordan: I think the biggest thing is that we (Park West) are a family run business and the VIP program is really an invitation to join the family. Getting to know our collectors, introducing them to each other and the artists, and seeing the relationships grow is an experience itself. I have collectors who have been collecting from me for over a decade and have watched Jackie and I grow, both professionally and personally.
As far as something to share with the collectors? I guess the question we get most from those that know Jackie and me is, “When are you going to start a family?” Well, it is official – we are expecting!
