Elaina Richardson has spent 26 years running Yaddo, the artist retreat in Saratoga Springs, New York, and now she is stepping down. Her successor, Cyra Levenson, will take over as president of the institution, which is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Richardson came to Yaddo after seven years at Elle, where she served as editor-in-chief. During her time at the helm, she stabilized the retreat’s finances, increased its endowment from $8 million to about $40 million, diversified its resident pool, upgraded its facilities, and led it through the pandemic. The move follows a period of steady growth and renewal at one of the country’s most celebrated creative enclaves.
From Elle to Yaddo
Richardson’s path to Yaddo began at Elle, where she rose to editor-in-chief after seven years with the magazine. That background in publishing gave her a particular approach to the retreat, one that values direct communication over artspeak.
“No condescension, no fake flattery, and no beating around the bush.”
She arrived at Yaddo during a moment of financial uncertainty. The retreat had faced a crisis, and Richardson navigated it, growing the endowment significantly along the way.
A Century of Residencies
Yaddo was founded in 1881 by financier Spencer Trask and writer Katrina Trask. The sprawling 400-acre estate sits in Saratoga Springs, and it has hosted some of the most influential figures in American literature and art.
The list of alumni reads like a who’s who of 20th-century culture. James Baldwin, Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Leonard Bernstein, Jacob Lawrence, and Philip Guston all passed through the retreat. The institution’s record of accomplishment is extensive:
- 90 Pulitzer Prizes
- 36 MacArthur Fellowships
- 73 National Book Awards
- One Nobel Prize in Literature
A Working-Class Background
Richardson is a bit of an outlier in the professional worlds she has inhabited. Born to a working-class family in Glasgow, Scotland, she has kept a humble, straightforward approach throughout her career.
She describes herself as BS-free, meaning she avoids artspeak and pretense. That quality has made her distinctive in a field where jargon can run rampant.
Leaving at the Right Moment
Richardson says the decision to step down feels healthy and safe for Yaddo. She told Hyperallergic that there have been times before when she considered leaving, particularly when her daughter went to college.
“But then the stock market crashed, and everything kind of fell,” she explained. This time, the circumstances feel right.
Diversifying the Pool
One of Richardson’s signature achievements at Yaddo has been diversifying the pool of residents. She worked to broaden the group that passes through the retreat.
Upgrading Facilities
Beyond the financial and demographic shifts, Richardson oversaw upgrades to Yaddo’s physical plant.
The Pandemic Test
The pandemic presented a severe test for any cultural institution. Yaddo was no exception, and Richardson guided the retreat through that troubled period.
A New Chapter
Richardson’s departure comes at a moment of celebration for Yaddo. The institution is marking its 100th anniversary, and the appointment of Levenson signals continuity.
Levenson arrives from the Guggenheim Museum, where she served as deputy director of Learning and Engagement.
What We Make of It
Richardson’s tenure at Yaddo has been remarkable. She took over at a moment of financial uncertainty and left the retreat stronger, with a larger endowment, a more diverse community, and upgraded facilities.
Her success is notable because she did it without losing her BS-free approach. She kept the direct communication style that defines her, even as she managed one of the most esteemed art institutions in the United States.
Richardson’s time at Yaddo has been marked by stability, modernization, and diversification. She leaves the retreat in a strong position.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Yaddo founded | 1881 |
| Richardson’s arrival | After seven years at Elle |
| Financial crisis navigated | During Richardson’s tenure |
| Endowment grown from $8 million to $40 million | Under Richardson’s leadership |
| Pandemic managed | During Richardson’s tenure |
| 100th anniversary celebrated | Current year |
| Levenson appointed successor | Last week |
Richardson’s departure is a moment for reflection. She built on a century of tradition while pushing it forward. Her successor inherits a well-managed institution, and the retreat looks set to continue its long history of supporting creative work.
Source material: “Elaina Richardson Looks Back at 26 Years as President of Yaddo,” Hyperallergic.
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