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 UD 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 UD 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’s history to receive funding from all four major ARIAH research centers—a 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—a 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.
Mónica Domínguez Torres
Professor and Chair, Department of Art History
Ann Eden Gibson
Chair, 1998–2003
A UD alumna and former department chair, Dr. Ann Eden Gibson was a transformative scholar who retired in 2010. Her award-winning book, Abstract Expressionism: Other Politics (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 In Memoriam: Ann Eden Gibson.
Bernard L. Herman
Chair, 2006–2008
A renowned scholar of American material culture, Dr. Bernard L. Herman joined UD in 1977 and later served as the Rosenberg Professor of Art History. He co-founded two UD 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 Town House (2017). His interdisciplinary legacy continues to shape the field. Read tributes from his colleagues and students at In Memoriam: Bernard L. Herman.
Top rankings and upcoming events
UD 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 UD degree
Our alumni continue to prove the impact of a UD 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
From the archives of UD 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. 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 UD’s Art History community. 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.
