This is a significant appointment for the local arts scene, especially given the museum’s current trajectory. Laura V. Putnam’s move into the Curator of Exhibitions role at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) feels like a natural evolution, as she has been a foundational part of the institution since 2013.
The Background
Putnam isn’t just a familiar face; she brings a heavy-hitting academic and professional pedigree to the position:
- Education: She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and a Master’s in Arts Administration from Boston University.
- Dual Roles: In addition to her museum work, she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Art History and Museum Studies at Florida Southern College, bridging the gap between the classroom and the gallery.
- Experience: Before this promotion, she served as the Manager of Exhibitions and Adult Programs. She effectively stepped up to lead the curatorial vision following the departure of former director Dr. Alex Rich.
Recent Highlights
If you’ve visited the museum lately, you’ve likely seen her influence. She has recently curated or overseen several high-profile shows, including:
- Darkroom Alchemy: Photographs by Jerry Uelsmann
- The Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence
- Surreal Scenarios: The Art of Susanne Schuenke
The “New” Museum Context
The timing of this appointment is crucial. The museum—which rebranded from the Polk Museum of Art in 2024 following a transformational gift from the Barnett family—is in the middle of a massive 14,000-square-foot expansion.
With the new wing expected to open in Fall 2026, Putnam will be the one driving the creative vision for that significantly larger footprint. It’s a “promotion from within” that suggests the museum is leaning into its institutional knowledge while preparing for a much bigger regional spotlight.