Laura Dickstein Thompson

Presenter

Laura Dickstein Thompson, EdD, is MASS MoCA’s director of education and Kidspace gallery curator. Laura has worked in arts and museum education for more than three decades and holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University Teachers College. As the Kidspace curator for the past 20 years, she oversees award-winning programs organized in partnership with local schools, and has curated 30 exhibitions with notable artists. As MASS MoCA’s founding director of education, Laura designs innovative programs for adults, families, school groups, and teens. She has a longtime meditation practice that she incorporates into her painting practice, museum work, and family life. In December 2021, Laura received her certification as a Kripalu Meditation Teacher to expand her mindfulness-based art education approach and subsequently taught a Williams College Winter Studies course on mindfulness and art museums.