Meet Shirley Giler Noto

We recently connected with Shirley Giler Noto and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirley, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

My ability to take risks comes from instinct, passion, and a belief that failure is not an option when something is meant to exist. When I believe in something, I give it everything I have. That is how the Bank Art Gallery began. I knew that if I could envision it, build it with intention, and lead it with heart, people would feel it and they would come.

I have lived in Newburgh for 25 years and have seen the city rise with promise and fall with setbacks. Opening the gallery was my way of contributing to Newburgh’s rebirth through the arts. From the start, I approached it as a cultural ecosystem, not a business. I am committed to showcasing artists of all levels with the same respect and elevated presentation. I was fortunate to have the support of Ted Doering, the founder of the foundation, who believed in the vision from day one.

Building something meaningful takes strength, resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the work. I have always been the behind-the-scenes person who focuses on doing the work well and doing it with intention. I am not motivated by personal gain, but by the belief that Newburgh deserves spaces that honor artists and community.

The gallery is only the beginning. My next leap is creating a sculpture park in 2026. I believe that if we build a destination for monumental sculpture and public engagement, people will come, and Newburgh will continue to transform through art.

I do not chase recognition. I accept it because it brings visibility, opportunity, and support to Newburgh. If shining a light on my efforts shines a brighter one on the city, then I welcome it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am the Director of Operations and Curator at the Bank Art Gallery in Newburgh, New York. My work is centered on building a cultural ecosystem that supports artists, elevates creativity, and brings new life into the city. I am passionate about creating opportunities for artists of all levels and treating every piece of work with the same professionalism and respect, whether the artist is emerging or internationally recognized.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role is curating exhibitions that celebrate diverse mediums and voices. I oversee the planning, coordination, and vision behind every show, including our artist talks, workshops, and community programs. I believe that art has the power to transform a city, and I am committed to using my experience and dedication to help Newburgh continue to grow through culture.

Professionally, I am focused on expanding what the gallery offers and strengthening its impact. As a team, we are developing long-term plans, including a sculpture park set to launch in 2026. This project will bring monumental works to Newburgh and create a major cultural destination for the region. It is one of the next big steps in our mission to uplift the city through the arts.

What drives me every day is the belief that art can change lives and communities. I care deeply about the artists we represent and the future we are building for Newburgh. This is not just a job for me. It is a purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have been most important in my journey are vision, perseverance, and the ability to build strong relationships. I have always trusted my instinct, especially when I can see something clearly before it exists. That vision has guided everything I do. Perseverance has also been essential. Staying committed through challenges and continuing to move forward, even when the path is uncertain, is what turns ideas into lasting impact. Finally, respectful relationship-building has opened more doors than anything else. Treating people well, listening, and following through builds trust, and trust is what allows big ideas to come to life.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay true to your vision even if others cannot see it yet. Put in the time, be consistent, and do not give up when it gets difficult. And build relationships with sincerity. When people feel your passion, your commitment, and your respect, they will support you. These three qualities together can turn an idea into something real.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to stay steady and focused through every challenge that comes with building something from the ground up. This year taught me how to lead with clarity, adapt quickly, and trust myself even when the work felt bigger than anything I had ever taken on. I learned how to make decisions with confidence, manage large projects, and keep moving forward with purpose.

I have also grown in how I handle pressure and responsibility. Curating multiple exhibitions, coordinating artists, expanding programming, and planning for the gallery’s future required a level of resilience and discipline that strengthened me both professionally and personally. I learned that consistency and dedication can turn an overwhelming vision into something real.

What I am most proud of is that growth comes from showing up every day with commitment and heart. I believe deeply in Newburgh, in its artists, and in the power of art to transform a community. That belief has shaped my growth more than anything else. It continues to push me forward and reminds me why this work matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bankartgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankartgallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bankartgallery

Image Credits

Photo Credit 1st picture and 6th picture (vault picture and the wide angle gallery picture) goes to Jennifer Olsen and the rest of them go to Keara Neilsen