In a recent episode of The Current Podcast by TreasureCoast.com, we sat down with Caitlin Swindell, Chief Curator at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, to explore how the museum brings their experiences to life. Swindell discusses how she selects and shapes exhibitions, manages the permanent collection, and works directly with artists. Her role touches nearly every part of what visitors see on the museum walls, and much of what they don’t.
About the Vero Beach Museum of Art
The Vero Beach Museum of Art stands as one of the Treasure Coast’s most respected cultural institutions. Located in Riverside Park along the Indian River Lagoon, the museum has become a central destination for fine art, education, and community engagement on the Treasure Coast and beyond. With a permanent collection of over 1,000 works and a consistent rotation of exhibitions, it offers its visitors a dynamic range of artistic experiences from European masterpieces to contemporary Florida-based artists.
Finding Art that Inspires Visitors
Caitlin stepped into the role of Chief Curator just over a year ago and has led a variety of projects, from globally significant exhibitions to original shows rooted in local and contemporary voices. Throughout the conversation, Swindell walked us through the complex and creative curatorial process.
One of her recent projects was French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, a traveling exhibition from the Brooklyn Museum. Spanning 100 years of art history, the show includes works from major movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and beyond. Swindell had the opportunity to reorganize and interpret the exhibition for the Vero Beach audience, connecting viewers to the artists and their techniques…