Denise Jones Adler

I attribute my success to a lifelong curiosity about curation, visual relationships, and how different works and ideas come together to create meaning for an audience. As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to understanding what works well together, how elements connect, and how visual decisions shape interpretation. That instinct was strengthened through my work with ArtSpeak Collective, where editing video interviews and assembling programming required the same curatorial thinking—shaping content into cohesive, intentional narratives that resonated with viewers. Over time, I realized that curation has been a consistent thread throughout my life, whether in my personal environments, creative projects, or professional roles, and that it becomes more intuitive when working with others’ work than with my own. My background as a graphic designer and art director further reinforced this foundation, particularly through my experience in publishing, where I worked on book covers and direct mail, collaborating with artists and freelancers to translate an author’s vision into visual form. That work built my confidence in trusting my creative judgment while also teaching me the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and guiding ideas without overriding the creative voice of others. Today, I apply those same principles in my curatorial practice and leadership at Pictor Gallery, where I aim to be collaborative rather than directive, setting a clear vision while empowering others to contribute meaningfully. While I remain firm when I strongly believe in a direction, I prioritize respect, openness, and communication that allows people to feel ownership of the work, and that balance of confidence and collaboration has been central to my success.

The best career advice I have ever received actually came from several different people over the years, and I have found it to be profoundly true: mistakes and setbacks can become opportunities. It is not always obvious in the moment, but when you are at the point of wanting to give up, the vulnerability that comes with failure can open the door to a breakthrough. If you stay open and make the best of what is in front of you, the solution may reveal an entirely new way of seeing and creating.

Another piece of advice that has stayed with me is that when you feel lost, it often means you are in the process of understanding something important. Rather than rushing to escape that feeling, sit with it. Meditate on it. Give yourself the time and space to process it. In my experience, clarity almost always arrives eventually, and with it comes growth, both as an artist and as a person.

I would tell young women entering the art world to be tenacious and to be creative in ways that extend beyond the studio. You have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone, take chances, and put yourself out into the world. The more you do that, the more confidence you build, and the easier it becomes to talk about your work.

Art is a form of communication, and people genuinely want to know what inspires you, what drives you, and what you are trying to say. Sharing that story is one of the best ways to connect with collectors, curators, and other artists, and to build the community that every artist needs. Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable. For many artists, myself included, it can seem at odds with the work itself. But I try to think of it not as promotion, but as communication and connection.

Mentorship is also incredibly important to me. When I work with assistants or interns, I see it as a collaboration rather than a hierarchy. The exchange of ideas goes both ways, and I believe I learn as much from them as they learn from me. None of us ever arrives at some final destination where we know everything. Staying curious, listening to others, and remaining open to growth is what keeps both our art and our lives evolving.

One of the biggest challenges right now is getting people’s attention and keeping it for more than a moment. We live in a world where technology inundates us with images every day, and there are endless distractions competing for our focus. It can be difficult for artists to break through that constant visual noise.

At the same time, I think there is a tremendous opportunity to remind people that experiencing art in person is profoundly different from seeing it on a screen. Standing in front of a painting or sculpture allows for a depth of engagement that digital images simply cannot replicate. In many ways, that is exactly what we need to counter our increasingly fragmented attention spans.

I also think we have reached a point where many people view art primarily as an investment rather than as a source of beauty, meaning, and human connection. While the market has its place, art is not simply a commodity. Its real value lies in its ability to move us, challenge us, and enrich our lives in ways that cannot be measured financially.

I’ve always tried to live by the same values in both my work and my personal life. Honesty, empathy, mindfulness, and compassion are at the core of who I am and how I approach the world. I believe in staying open-minded, remaining curious, and being a lifelong learner. I try to listen as much as I speak and to remain responsive to new ideas and perspectives.

I also believe in taking chances and embracing uncertainty, but not at the expense of self-respect or self-compassion. Growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zones, but it is equally important to know our worth and treat ourselves with kindness along the way.

Whether I am creating art, curating exhibitions, or simply interacting with others, I strive to bring those same values into every aspect of my life.