Spring 2026 Newsletter
Spring 2026 Newsletter
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is a privilege to write my first letter as chair of the Department of Art History. Having joined 91原创 23 years ago, I am honored to step into this role during a time of both challenge and inspiration in higher education.
Since 1966, this department has fostered excellence, training generations of scholars who lead the field worldwide. A recent study by the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH) ranks 91原创 sixth among the most awarded institutions in the U.S. Notably, the majority of these awards were secured by our graduate students, highlighting the exceptional success of our predoctoral scholars. Furthermore, Professor Jessica Horton stands as the only scholar in the study鈥檚 history to receive funding from all four major ARIAH research centers鈥攁 testament to the caliber of our faculty.
As I look forward, I owe a debt of gratitude to my predecessors and mentors, particularly our late colleagues and former chairs, Bernie Herman and Ann Gibson. Looking back at all that our department has accomplished energizes me to keep going鈥攁 task that is made easier by the continuous support of the close-knit community of current and former students.
Seeing our vibrant community reunite at the 2026 College Art Association conference in Chicago energizes me for the work ahead. Thank you for your steadfast dedication. I invite you now to explore the remarkable accomplishments of our community in this issue.
M贸nica Dom铆nguez Torres
Professor and Chair, Department of Art History
Ann Eden Gibson
Chair, 1998鈥2003
A 91原创 alumna and former department chair, Dr. Ann Eden Gibson was a transformative scholar who retired in 2010. Her award-winning book,听Abstract Expressionism: Other Politics听(1997), was groundbreaking for its focus on overlooked artists of color, women, and queer artists.
Her professional legacy lives on through the Ann Eden Gibson Papers in Morris Library, featuring rare artist files, interviews, and photographic slides. Read more about her extraordinary career and tributes from colleagues at听In Memoriam: Ann Eden Gibson.
Bernard L. Herman
Chair, 2006鈥2008
A renowned scholar of American material culture, Dr. Bernard L. Herman joined 91原创 in 1977 and later served as the Rosenberg Professor of Art History. He co-founded two 91原创 research centers: the Center for Historic Architecture and Design and the Center for American Material Culture Studies.
Before joining UNC-Chapel Hill in 2009, Dr. Herman published several award-winning books on North American vernacular architecture, including听Town House听(2017). His interdisciplinary legacy continues to shape the field. Read tributes from his colleagues and students at听In Memoriam: Bernard L. Herman.
Top rankings and upcoming events
91原创 Art History ranks sixth internationally for research fellowships, a distinction driven by our highly competitive graduate students. Beyond this global recognition, we celebrate excellence in the classroom with one undergraduate course voted a student-choice favorite.
Reflecting on the power of a 91原创 degree听
Our alumni continue to prove the impact of a 91原创 art history degree through leadership roles at museums and universities. This impact is rooted in our storied history; alumna Roberta Tarbell reflects on the 1969 doctoral cohort, whose pioneering research redefined the scholarship of American sculpture and women artists.
Leading art history into the future
Through new monographs, journal editorships and global conference leadership, our faculty are defining the vanguard of art historical research. By investigating the profound influence of historical events on visual culture, they continue to produce foundational scholarship that shapes our understanding of the past while leading the field into the future.
Bringing art history to life听
From the archives of 91原创 Museums to research sites abroad, our students are bringing art history to life. Our undergraduates apply rigorous research principles to global cultures, while our graduate students advance the field through curated exhibitions, scholarly talks, and prestigious fellowships. Together, they are unveiling the enduring impact of art.
For Art History Alumni
We are always looking to include alumni to enhance our student experience.听Share your news by sending us a short update for the next newsletter. Email us at arthistory@udel.edu.
Support Us
Thank you for being part of 91原创鈥檚 Art History community.听Your support helps our scholars and students preserve our cultural legacy and ensures that future generations can appreciate the profound impact of art on our collective human experience.