When people gather around something beautiful—something unexpected—strangers pause, look, and feel connected: to the artwork, to the place, to each other. I have spent two decades making this moment possible, and I still get teary-eyed when it happens. Every time.

I believe we are built for gathering—for shared experiences, chance encounters and collective wonder. But our digital lives make these moments easier to miss. The antidote is not an app. It is creating places worth showing up for.

I am Judie Gilmore, founder of Curate 518. I have spent my career designing and delivering public art and cultural initiatives that shape how people connect to place. My work ranges from intimate installations to large-scale regional activations. I have a background in community development and curatorial practice, grounded in two decades of bringing projects to life—from citywide public art plans and regional festivals to ambitious site-specific installations. I work with cities, nonprofits, BIDs, and institutions to realize ambitious projects from the spark of an idea to final installation.

Art. Place. Community.

Together, let’s create places worth showing up for.