Introduction
The first museum that Kristen Shepherd ever visited was the Museum of Fine Arts. Now she leads it. Returning to a place she loved as a kid makes her uniquely infused with the familiarity and passion that's born of a long term love for a museum, and a city.
Years in St. Pete
almost a year and a half.
Organizations involved in
Served on the board of Dieu Donne, a nonprofit paper-making artist collective, various fundraising organizations in classical music and fine arts.
What gets you out of bed every day?
The opportunity to connect people to great art.
Why St. Pete?
St. Petersburg is a vibrant, vital, very exciting arts engaged community. In addition to being a beautiful place, its a place that feels like home to me.
What is one habit that you keep?
Sleeping in on Saturday mornings. Staying up far too late cleaning and organizing things and then eating Eggo waffles.
Who are some people that influence you?
Definitely my mom, who is the CEO of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. She is my best friend and mentor and I admire and respect her tremendously.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
I suppose I have a motto that I voice frequently both with work colleagues and my kids, which is “Work the problem.”
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
Three years ago I did not know that I’d be in the position that I’m in now. I wish I had known three years ago that I’d be the Executive Director of a museum that I really love. That’s a very encouraging and hopeful thought for three years ago.
What’s next?
The Museum of Fine Arts is going to be one of the most important and exciting/engaging museums in the Southeast – and that’s what’s next.
