MCASB's 'Collectors' Series' brings together experts in the field of contemporary art and beyond to examine trends and movements within the realm of art collection. Through conversations with artists, patrons, curators, and galleries this series aims to make sense of the 'art market' and how it pertains to the support of artistic production.

On Thursday, March 3, Alexandra Terry, Chief Curator, MCASB, will speak with Georgia Powell and Liza Shapiro the founders of CURA Art about the impact that artist Vincent Van Gogh has had on collecting contemporary art.

This event is part of the Santa Barbara Community Partner program in collaboration with Santa Barbara Museum of Art's current exhibition, “Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources” on view from February 27 to May 22, 2022.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

CURA Art supports and encourages those that collect, create and display works of art. Georgia Powell and Liza Shapiro are the founders of CURA Art based in London and Los Angeles. CURA Art offers a personal and trusted approach to caring for varied collections, providing specialized services and expertise to ensure that works of art and
other precious objects are preserved, managed, and displayed to the highest standards.

The patronage and philanthropy of collectors is increasingly vital for the support of artists and sustaining the arts more broadly. From focusing acquisitions on under-represented groups to providing access to the works that they own, collectors are increasingly conscientious, and this renewed sense of patronage will be fundamental to the arts moving forward. Georgia Powell and Liza Shapiro established CURA Art to support collectors on their journey. “Collectors are custodians of our cultural heritage,” says Powell, “and CURA Art exists to help them fully harness their potential.”

Georgia Powell
Based in London, Georgia specializes in the professional management, research, and display of collections. Georgia studied in Italy and the UK, earning a BA in Art History at the University of Warwick, continuing her studies with an MA in the same subject in London. Georgia has worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and with an exhibition designer to catalog and display prominent private collections including The Myers Collection at Eton College and the Portland Collection at Welbeck Abbey. She then managed The Redfern Gallery on London’s prestigious Cork Street. As Assistant Curator of the renowned, private collection of decorative arts owned by The Goldsmiths’ Company in London, Georgia was responsible for managing, exhibiting, and expanding a collection of more than 9,000 objects.

Liza Shapiro
Based in Los Angeles, Liza specializes in preservation and collections management, with expertise in creating bespoke databases. Liza’s interest for caring for works of art began while studying art restoration in Florence, Italy. She earned a BA in Art Conservation from Camberwell College of Arts, London, and an MA in Museum Studies from University College London (UCL). Liza worked at several museums, galleries and conservation studios, including Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Redfern Gallery, and Janie Lightfoot Textiles. Liza returned home to California in 2015, and has established a strong LA presence, working with varied private collections and industry specialists.