About Laura Thompson
Founder, Breathing Space | Dr. Laura Thompson, LLC
Executive Director, Berkshire Art Center
Kripalu Faculty, Meditation Teacher
Kundalini Yoga Teacher
Artist
Columbia University Doctorate of Education
My life is a tapestry of creativity, mindfulness, and growth. Raised in a family of artists, I pursued degrees in art education and art history, leading to leadership roles in museums where I curated exhibitions and developed programs on social justice and emotional learning.
Alongside my career, I embraced practices like yoga, meditation, and art-making to navigate challenges, including fertility treatments. Certified in meditation teaching and yoga, I now share my expertise through teaching, workshops, and writing on art and mindfulness.
As an abstract expressionist painter, I exhibit my work locally, reflecting my belief in the transformative power of creativity, mindfulness, and love.
Me with my Princess Diana haircut drawing with my grandfather (an Ashcan/WPA artist) on Monhegan Island, Maine
Career Highlights
#1: Raising my kids while introducing them to the arts.
My son Jesse and me interacting with Jesse Fleming’s Psychic Karaoke Machine in Kidspace 2015.
My son Jake testing Laurie Anderson’s Virtual Reality at MASS MoCA, 2017.
Art Education & Administration
35+ years in the arts; EdD. in arts education from Columbia University; Executive Director of Berkshire Art Center (2024 - present); Founder of Breathing Space | Dr. Laura Thompson, LLC (2023 - present).
Museums & Curation
Former founding director of education and curator at MASS MoCA (2002–2023); curated exhibitions with artists like Wendy Red Star, Nick Cave, and Federico Uribe; independent curator (2000- present).
Meditation & Yoga
Experienced meditator and certified Kripalu Meditation Teacher and Kundalini Yoga Teacher.
Teaching
Faculty at Kripalu Center and Berkshire Yoga, Dance, and Fitness; adjunct professor at UMASS Dartmouth, Williams College, and MCLA; guest teacher for arts and wellness organizations.
Artistic Practice
Abstract expressionist oil painter; studio in Pittsfield since 2023.