Mara Gladstone, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Palm Springs Art Museum
Age: 36
As the assistant curator of Palm Springs Art Museum, Mara Gladstone develops exhibitions and art programs for the museum and also plays an important role in preserving and expanding the museum’s collection.
A New York native, she moved to Palm Springs for this opportunity, which she describes as “too exciting to pass up.” In addition to being the recipient of two grants from the J. Paul Getty Trust, she worked as an independent curator and at the Getty producing more than 30 performance events, film programs, and site-specific artist projects before arriving here.
“I love exploring the world, keeping my mind busy,” Gladstone says. “There is no reason to ever be bored, but I also really appreciate the small things that make a beautiful, whole life — family, good friends, smart conversation, great food, and sleeping in.”
Gladstone is married to her college sweetheart, Max Finneran, a screenwriter and film director. They have one daughter, Violet, born last year.
“The highlight of my life has definitely been bringing my daughter into the world,” Gladstone says. “The highlight of my career was simultaneously finishing my dissertation and landing my dream job as a curator at an amazing museum in a beautiful city.”
VIDEO: Mara Gladstone talks about her favorite type of museum exhibition.