That's what happens when you partner with the right auctioneer.

Who Is Gene Seidman

I'm Gene Seidman—a professional versed and versatile in motivating people at charity auctions. I engage and entertain audiences formally, informally, traditionally, heartfully ~ and artfully; encouraging and inspiring audiences to give generously.

My approach is simple: connect authentically with your guests, understand your mission deeply, and create an atmosphere where supporting your cause feels like celebration, not obligation.

Watch Me In Action

Watch this short video of me in action, or click here to watch it on the Artra Worldwide website.

Recent Results: Poly Prep Country Day School

The Conrad Hotel, NYC - February 22, 2025

At this live auction for Poly Prep, an elite private high school in Brooklyn:

• 6 live auction lots: $92,000
• Paddle raise: $266,000
• Grand total: $358,000

Here's what the gala organizer said:

"Charming, witty, knowledgeable...and tireless are just some of the adjectives we use to describe our amazing auctioneer Gene Seidman. Poly Prep's Blue Devil Magic gala was a smashing success thanks to Gene's expert delivery and savvy way with an audience. He never missed an opportunity to maximize a bid or to impress our guests with his grasp of the occasion. We couldn't have asked for a more effective partner for our school. And...he's a really lovely guy!!"
— Keith Wiggs, Senior Director of Advancement, Poly Prep Country Day School

Me at The Conrad Hotel, NYC Feb. 22, 2025, Poly Prep

Other Testimonials

"Gene Seidman is a debonaire, delightful, and suave all-round gentleman. He has an extensive art and design background and is a dynamic auctioneer. In October 2022, he was the Auctioneer for the Tandem Press Art and Wine Auction. He was incredibly charming and well-prepared, and he made a point of talking to as many of the 200 guests as possible during the dinner, which took place in advance of the auction. We were delighted with the financial results, and I could not recommend him more highly."
— Paula Panczenko, Director, Tandem Press, UW-Madison

"Gene was masterful at engaging the crowd during the live auction ~ he has a way with people getting attendees excited about the auction items. Everyone had a blast… Thanks to Gene, the live auction was a huge success."
— Lori Sokol, A Better Chance charity, Westport CT

"I was lucky enough to have Gene Seidman as the auctioneer at my Gala. Gene is not only a skilled auctioneer - but spent time with me getting to understand my goals. I'm so glad we chose Gene! He's definitely my go to - Live Auctioneer!"
— Lara Land, Founder, Three and a Half Acres, Red Rooster, Harlem

"Gene has a wonderful gift, which is connecting with a crowd...his charismatic and warm personality motivates them to get involved in bidding."
— Leslie Singer, A Better Chance charity, Westport CT

"Gene has a very entertaining style and his timing is perfect. Our guests had a great time even while parting with their money."
— Patti Beri, Children's Dream Foundation, Rye, NY

"Gene Seidman is an auctioneer, master of ceremonies and genial host, all in one. Gene brilliantly connects all the guests with the outstanding attributes of the charity and makes us effortlessly part with our money. He makes the guests feel very connected with the cause and so willing to want to support it - and have a fabulous time doing so!"
— Robin Austin, President, The Now Connection

"This year's auction was an enormous financial success. I've already hired Gene back for next year."
— Nicholas Hall, Founder, Grahams Foundation, Toledo, OH

My background in art informs everything I do. I also lead the Museum Meditation Experience in New York City.

Trusted By Leading Organizations

I have partnered with a diverse array of nonprofits, schools, and foundations, including:

• Poly Prep Country Day School
• Tandem Press (UW-Madison)
• A Better Chance (Westport, CT)
• Three and a Half Acres / Red Rooster (Harlem)
• Grahams Foundation (Toledo, OH)
• Food Rescue US
• Center for Art Law
• Bronx Charter School for Arts
• Wholesome Wave
• Susan G. Komen
• Chita Rivera Awards
• American Friends of Soroka Medical Center
• Children's Dream Foundation
• The Now Connection

Let's Talk About Your Event

If the right folks are in the room, we can raise significant funds for your cause.

Contact me:

• Email: Gene@ArtraWorldwide.com
• Mobile: +1 917-597-2970
• Website: www.ArtraWorldwide.com
• Watch My Video: www.artraworldwide.com/liveauctioneer

My Tour

Amsterdam awaits as my first destination, where I will be celebrating my nephew’s wedding.

Stockholm comes next on my itinerary, where I will engage in a table tennis match.

Milan beckons with the promise of Giorgio Morandi’s artworks.

I am particularly excited about my first visit to Lake Como (Lago di Como).

Business or Pleasure?

People often ask me whether my travels are for business or pleasure.

The answer is always both, but the pleasure always takes precedence.

I firmly believe that where there is life, there is art.

And where there is art, there is life.

Conclusion

My journeys blur the lines between work and enjoyment, creating a harmonious blend of artistic exploration and personal experiences.

Art and life are inseparable companions on this creative journey.

Follow me on Instagram and connect with me on LinkedIn for more content like this.

The Museum Meditation Experience offers an exclusive VIP journey, transforming a museum visit into a memorable, private event tailored just for you.

A Journey Curated for You

This is not a one-size-fits-all tour. For private groups, the entire two-hour journey can be curated to match the theme of your event or the interests of your guests. It’s an opportunity to experience art in a way you never have before, and to connect with others through that shared discovery.

“We rarely spend that much time truly experiencing a work of art. With Gene’s Museum Meditation Experience, I experienced work in an entirely new way and had the opportunity to share my experience with others, an added bonus!” – Nicholas, Ohio / Art-lover / MoMA, New York

The VIP Experience

The VIP package is designed to provide the highest level of service and exclusivity. This offering includes:

• A private, intimate tour for your group.
• A fully curated art journey designed around your specific interests or occasion.
• An exclusive post-tour gathering where you can join your guide, Gene Seidman, for a complimentary drink in the museum’s VIP lounge to reflect on the experience.

It’s a seamless and elegant way to host an unforgettable event with a host who ensures a perfect experience from start to finish.

“Gene is the consummate host! I had an amazing time and will surely recommend this to all my friends! Truly a NY experience!” – Rob, NY / Art-lover / The Met

Voices from the Experience

The journey consistently leaves a lasting impression, whether you are an art world insider or completely new to the subject.

“As much as I thought I knew about art, having worked in the industry, Gene’s Museum Meditation Experience has given me a more personal appreciation and insight into each piece that I view. Seeing artwork through this new lens will have a profound impact on how I represent an artist’s work.” – Yves, NYC / Art-lover / MoMA, New York

“My wife being an art major was excited, but I, a neophyte about art, was very unsure about the experience. Until you started talking. Then I was transfixed with the concept and now can experience art in an entirely different light… More than fun – it was an experience like none other.” – Andrew & Karen, CT / Art-lovers / MoMA

“Gene guided me in seeing art in a completely new way. The experience was magical.” – Kate / Art-lover / Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL

Conclusion

Whether you are celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a unique corporate outing, or simply wish to experience The Met in the most exclusive way possible, our private, curated journey is the perfect choice. It combines the transformative power of art with five-star service to create a truly exceptional event.

This is your chance to move beyond a standard tour and create a lasting memory for you and your guests.

Click here to book your experience at the Met Museum.

Related articles:

• Learn about the core method in Looking vs. Seeing: A New Way to Experience Art.
• Discover the wellness benefits in The Science of How Art Transforms Your Mind.
• /my-invitation/Learn more in My Invitation to See Art Differently.

My name is Gene Seidman, and as the creator of the Museum Meditation Experience in NYC, I want to personally invite you to share in my lifelong passion for art.

My Personal Mission

I created this experience to solve a problem I saw everywhere I went: people rush past masterpieces, often looking for just 10 seconds or less. I am on a mission to change that.

I believe that art is a mirror that reflects our own "emotions, struggles, and joys," but we can only see that reflection when we take the time to truly look.

My goal is to provide you with the tools and the space for that deeper connection to happen.

My Perspective

As a native New Yorker, art dealer, and live auctioneer, I bring a unique perspective to this journey.

My deep understanding of art history, market dynamics, and the stories behind the canvas allows me to create an extraordinary experience for you.

I don't just share facts; I share insights that I hope will forever change your understanding of art appreciation.

Conclusion

When you join me, you are on a journey with a true connoisseur who is dedicated to sharing a passion.

My unique background and personal mission are what make this experience so special. I'm proud to be part of the evolution in how we engage with art, creating a new paradigm that resonates with modern audiences seeking deeper connections.

I invite you to join me for a journey that will enrich both your understanding of art and your sense of self-awareness.

Click here to book your experience at the Met Museum.

Related articles:
Discover the wellness benefits in The Science of How Art Transforms Your Mind.
Learn about my core method in Looking vs. Seeing: A New Way to Experience Art.

This experience leverages the proven science of how our brains interact with art to create a powerful session of mental clarity and relaxation.

The 'Art Attack'

Have you ever been so moved by a piece of art that it takes your breath away?

We call this feeling an "ART ATTACK." It's that moment of pure awe and wonder.

This experience is designed to help you find those moments by quieting the distractions and allowing you to become fully present with the artwork.

The Science of Neuroasthenics

This feeling of awe isn't just an emotion; it’s a scientific process. Viewing art activates several key areas of the brain:

• The visual cortex processes the physical details like color, shape, and form.
• The amygdala is where you process human emotions, leading to feelings of joy, sadness, or reflection.
• The hippocampus creates a lasting memory of the art, tying its visual features to its emotional impact.

By mindfully engaging with art, you are actively nourishing your brain and promoting a state of relaxed focus.

Conclusion

This experience is more than a cultural outing; it's a powerful form of self-care. It combines the tranquil environment of New York's finest museums with guided mindfulness to create a space for physical relaxation and mental clarity.

You’ll leave feeling refreshed, centered, and with a deeper appreciation for the connection between art and your own well-being.

It’s an opportunity to find inner peace in one of the city's most magnificent spaces.
Click here to book your experience at the Met Museum.

Related articles:
Learn about the core method in Looking vs. Seeing: A New Way to Experience Art.

In a traditional museum visit, we might glance at dozens of artworks, but the experience is often passive.

This journey is designed to change that, transforming passive looking into active, mindful seeing.

The experience

Core Principle

The entire experience is built around awareness: guiding you in the crucial difference between looking and seeing.

• Looking is a quick, surface-level observation. You might notice the main colors or subject.
• Seeing is a deep, immersive engagement. It’s about discovering the layers of meaning, the subtle details, and the emotional story the artist is telling and you are feeling.

Through guided mindfulness techniques, you learn to quiet the noise and engage with art on a profound level, uncovering a richness you might have otherwise missed.

Group experience

15-Minute Transformation

A central part of this art journey is an exercise where you spend 15 minutes with a single piece of art. While this may sound long, it’s in this extended observation that magic happens.

Participants consistently share that they discover incredible details and experience emotional connections they never expected. This single exercise is often the moment they fully grasp the power of active seeing and it becomes a lasting tool for all their future museum visits.

Sitting and seeing art

Conclusion

This journey is about more than just appreciating art; it’s about transforming your relationship with it.

By learning to move from passive looking to active seeing, you unlock a deeper level of understanding and find a more meaningful connection to the world’s greatest masterpieces.

You will leave not only with memories of beautiful art but with a new skill for mindful observation.

This practice bridges the gap between traditional museum visits and personal well-being, enriching your understanding of art and your sense of self-awareness.

Click here to book your experience at the Met Museum.

Related articles:
Science of Seeing: How Art Transforms Your Mind.

Details

When: July 10–13, 2025
Where: Southampton Fairgrounds
More Info: Highlight Tour presented by Gene Seidman

The fair will be featuring over 140 galleries and artists from around the globe.

See you in Southampton!

The difference between a good event and a legendary one is the electric buzz in the room. That energy doesn't happen by accident. It’s crafted.

I’m Gene Seidman, a live and lively charity auctioneer. I don’t just call out numbers; I create an unforgettable experience.

My specialty is transforming your fundraising event into the most talked-about night of the year, where the atmosphere is so engaging that your guests are not only happy to give but are excited to bid higher.

The Art

Every event planner knows the dreaded auction lull—the hesitant hands, the quiet room.

A truly successful auctioneer does more than just talk; they connect, entertain, and inspire.

I bring a dynamic energy to the stage that captivates your audience, turning passive observers into enthusiastic participants.

By blending heartful storytelling with high-octane entertainment, I ensure that the act of giving feels less like an obligation and more like a celebration.

The goal is to make the experience so enjoyable that your guests forget they're "parting with their money" and instead feel like they're part of something truly special.

This same approach to connection and presence guides my Museum Meditation Experience, where I help people engage deeply with art.

“Gene has a very entertaining style and his timing is perfect. Our guests had a great time even while parting with their money.” — Patti Beri, Children’s Dream Foundation, Rye, NY

Extraordinary Financial Results

A fun event is great, but the bottom line is what empowers your mission.

The energy I create is directly tied to your financial success.

When guests are engaged and entertained, their generosity flows freely.

I am an expert in orchestrating powerful Live Auctions and emotionally compelling Paddle Raises that consistently deliver record-breaking results.

I partner with you to understand your goals and then unleash the full giving potential of the room.

We won’t just meet your fundraising target; we’ll aim to leave it in the dust.

“Our gala was a smashing success. We couldn’t have asked for a more effective partner!” — Keith Wiggs, Senior Director of Advancement, Poly Prep Country Day School

Track Record of Success

Choosing an auctioneer is choosing a partner for your most important night of the year.

You need someone you can trust to represent your organization and deliver results.

My clients hire me not just for one event, but as a long-term partner in their success.

The ultimate compliment is being invited back, year after year.

Here’s what my partners have to say:

“Gene was masterful at engaging the crowd. Thanks to Gene, our event was a huge success.” — Lori Sokol, A Better Chance, Westport, CT

“This year’s auction was an enormous financial success. I’ve already hired Gene back for next year.” — Nicholas Hall, Founder, Grahams Foundation, Toledo, OH

Trusted By Organizations

I am proud to have partnered with a wide array of non-profits, schools, and foundations, each with a unique and vital mission.

My clients include:

• Food Rescue US
• Westport A Better Chance
• Center for Art Law
• Bronx Charter School for the Arts
• Wholesome Wave
• Poly Prep Country Day School
• Tandem Press
• Susan G. Komen
• Chita Rivera Awards
• American Friends of Soroka Medical Center

Conclusion

Your mission is too important for a mediocre event.

Let’s work together to create an evening of incredible energy, lasting memories, and unparalleled financial success.

Summer dates are filling up quickly! Don't leave your gala's success to chance.

Secure a partner who can guarantee a lively, engaging, and profitable auction experience.

Contact me directly to reserve your event date!

• Email: geneseidman@gmail.com
• Phone: 917-597-2970

Here's more about it.

Leadership

I bring my years of experience as an art dealer and live auctioneer to create an extraordinary journey through New York's finest museums.

My background allows me to offer unique insights and perspectives that will transform your understanding of art appreciation.

Method

I've developed this program around one core principle: teaching you the crucial difference between passive looking and active seeing.

Through my guided meditation and mindfulness techniques, it will help you engage with artwork on a deeper level, discovering layers of meaning you might have missed in traditional viewing experiences.

Benefits

When you join the experience, you'll discover benefits that extend far beyond art appreciation:

• Experience mental clarity through my guided focused observation techniques
• Find physical relaxation through our mindful presence exercises
• Discover spiritual enrichment through our shared artistic connection

Innovation

What makes my program unique is how it will transform your interaction with art, not just during our session but in all your future museum visits.

I'll share with you the skills and perspectives that will become your lasting tools for art appreciation and mindful observation.

Impact

Through my Museum Meditation Experience, I'm proud to be part of the evolution in how we engage with art in public spaces.

By combining traditional art appreciation with mindfulness practices, I've created a new paradigm for museum experiences that resonates with modern audiences seeking deeper connections with art.

Details

I keep my groups small to ensure personal attention and create an intimate atmosphere conducive to mindful practice and artistic discovery.

You'll need to make an advanced reservation to join me for this unique cultural experience.

Video Gallery

Watch this brief introduction to my Museum Meditation Experience and see how I guide participants through this unique blend of mindfulness and art appreciation in New York City's premier museums.

Beyond my museum work, I also serve as a live charity auctioneer. Learn more about my charity auctioneer services.

Conclusion

I created the Museum Meditation Experience because I believe in the powerful connection between art appreciation and personal well-being.

Through my program, I've witnessed countless participants transform their relationship with art while finding inner peace in our city's magnificent museums.

By bridging the gap between traditional museum visits and mindfulness practices, I offer you a journey that will enrich both your understanding of art and your sense of self-awareness.

Ready to transform your museum experience? Contact me to reserve your spot today.