We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shirley Giler Noto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shirley , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

About five years ago, the Foundation I work with purchased a beautiful but neglected 100-year-old bank building in Newburgh, NY. At the time, we didn’t know what we were going to do with it. We rented it out to film studios, HBO’s White House Plumbers and a few Hallmark movies were shot here but it always felt like a temporary solution.

I knew there had to be something more meaningful for this space. I didn’t have a roadmap, but I had a vision and that vision was to create something that would serve the community and support the arts. Less than a year ago, with the full support of our founder, I made the decision to transform the building into a nonprofit gallery and that was the moment everything changed.

Taking on the role of Gallery Director, I dove into converting this historic bank into a space that honors its past while showcasing contemporary art. The construction has been massive and ongoing but I’ve made it a point to keep the original architecture intact wherever possible. I’ve been curating exhibitions, coordinating artist talks, opening up previously unused areas like the vault and lower level, and we’re planning to open the fourth floor in 2026.

This was never just about creating a gallery. It was about building something from scratch, taking a risk on a city still evolving, and pouring everything I had into a place I believe in. It’s been a huge challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the Gallery Director at Bank Art Gallery, a nonprofit art space located in a 100-year-old former bank in Newburgh, NY. I didn’t come into this with a traditional arts background. I came into it with heart, vision, and a drive to build something meaningful from the ground up.

What started as a beautiful historic building without a clear purpose has now become a space that gives artists a voice and offers the community a place to connect. My focus has always been on inclusion and accessibility, and on supporting both emerging and established artists. Every exhibition is curated with the intention of telling stories, sparking thought, and creating emotional impact.

I work hard to make sure the gallery doesn’t feel intimidating or exclusive. I want people to walk in and feel something, whether that’s curiosity, inspiration, or simply a sense that they belong there. We’ve hosted exhibitions that range from deeply personal to boldly conceptual. We’ve also held artist talks, live demonstrations, and events that bring art into everyday conversation.

What sets this work apart is that it’s personal to me. I’m involved in every detail, from curating and coordinating to physically opening the vault doors for visitors. I’m proud that we’re continuing to grow. We recently launched a private collection space and plan to open the fourth floor of the building in 2026.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple. I want to build a gallery that reflects the richness of creativity while helping to uplift a city that deserves to be seen and celebrated.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely! My mission has always been to create a space that brings people together through the power of art. I want to show that art can be approachable, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community. At Bank Art Gallery, we don’t just exhibit artwork. We tell stories, spark dialogue, and give both emerging and established artists a platform to be seen and heard. My goal is to continue expanding access to the arts in Newburgh, while preserving the history of this beautiful building and keeping it alive with creativity.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When we first acquired the building, it sat in limbo. It was stunning, but we didn’t know what its future would be. We allowed it to be used for film productions, which brought in some revenue. Productions like HBO’s White House Plumbers and several Hallmark movies were filmed here. But even with that activity, it never felt like a long-term solution.

I kept asking myself what this space could truly become. The shift actually happened during a conversation between me and the founder. We were tossing around ideas, and at one point we just said, “Let’s give it a try! How hard can it be?” Of course, it turned out to be much harder than I expected, but it’s also been the most rewarding. It’s a true labor of love, and I don’t regret one moment of it.

Since then, the gallery has grown into something really special. We’ve created a space that supports artists, brings in visitors, and contributes to the cultural fabric of the city. That one conversation changed everything and taught me that taking the risk is often where the real work and real joy begins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bankartgallery.com/
• Instagram: @bankartgallery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564615155474