Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Korman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laura , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on was opening Laura Korman Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. After my time as Gallery Director at TAG Gallery, opening my own gallery felt like a natural next chapter. I loved introducing Southern California audiences to artists they might not otherwise have encountered, many of whom exhibited nationally and internationally. My vision was to create a space where artists, collectors, and the community could come together through creativity.

Beyond the exhibitions, it was the relationships that made the experience so meaningful. I had the opportunity to work alongside incredible artists, host discussions and events, and become part of one of Southern California’s most vibrant arts communities. Some of my favorite moments were watching conversations unfold between artists and visitors and seeing people connect through art.

As the area faced increasing development pressure, I found myself stepping into the unexpected role of arts advocate. I spoke at City Council meetings, helped organize community support efforts, and worked to preserve the creative community that meant so much to so many people. Those efforts led to the mayor asking me to help engage younger residents in the civic process, reminding me that creativity and community have always gone hand in hand.

Looking back, the gallery taught me that creativity has the power to build community and bring people together. That lesson continues to influence my work today as an Educational Therapist and an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

If there’s one theme that has followed me throughout my life, it’s creativity. Growing up, I was inspired by my father, Harvey Korman, whose career as a comedian and actor showed me how storytelling can bring people together and leave a lasting impact. Watching how laughter could bring complete strangers together taught me that creativity has the power to create connection.

That idea followed me into my own career, while my own path unfolded a little differently. I earned my Master’s degree from NYU and now work as an Educational Therapist, where I help students build confidence, develop strategies, and recognize their gifts. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping students see that the things they may view as challenges can also become some of their greatest strengths.

Along the way, I founded Laura Korman Gallery at Bergamot Station, became involved in arts advocacy in Santa Monica, and developed a passion for photography. Storytelling eventually found another home through my camera, allowing me to connect with people and share meaningful moments. My photography has been featured by Disneyland, Visit Anaheim, and ABC7, and I’ve been fortunate to share my love of storytelling through images with a wider audience.

Over the course of my career, I’ve come to realize that helping students build confidence and find their own voice requires many of the same qualities that have guided me throughout my life: curiosity, empathy, and a belief in human potential. Whether I’m helping a student overcome a challenge, advocating for the arts, or capturing a magical moment through my camera, I’m most inspired by opportunities to help people see themselves and the world around them in a new way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest lessons in resilience came during my years at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. As development plans began to threaten the future of the arts community, I found myself stepping into a role I never expected. I spoke at City Council meetings, helped organize community support efforts, became involved in advocacy initiatives, and worked alongside others who cared deeply about preserving a creative space that meant so much to artists and the community.

While the outcome wasn’t exactly what we had hoped for, the experience taught me that resilience isn’t about always winning. Sometimes it’s about showing up, using your voice, and standing up for something you believe in even when the path forward is uncertain.

That experience continues to influence how I approach challenges today. In my work with students, my creative pursuits, and my advocacy efforts, I’ve learned that resilience is less about the outcome and more about having the courage to keep showing up. In the end, the connections we build and the impact we have on others can last far beyond any single result.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve always thought of myself as a lifelong creative who has built community through art and education. I’ve been drawn to opportunities that bring people together through emotion and connection. As an educator, arts advocate, and artist myself, the mission has stayed remarkably consistent: helping people connect with their potential, with one another, and with the world around them.

Art and photography can create powerful moments of connection, but some of the moments I treasure most are when a student begins to see themselves differently. Watching a young person discover confidence, recognize their strengths, and realize they are capable of far more than they ever imagined is incredibly rewarding. Those moments often become turning points, opening doors that students never thought were possible. That’s where real transformation begins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/laurasmagichour/albums
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmagichour/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurakorman

Image Credits

Santa Monica CityTV
Elegant Events LA