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Michelle Marcus
Resident Art Historian and Museum Liaison at The Dalton School
Professional Background
Dr. Michelle Marcus is a distinguished art historian with an extensive background in academia, curriculum development, and progressive education. Her remarkable career includes tenures at prestigious institutions, where she has made significant contributions as both an educator and a consultant. Michelle possesses a rich understanding of art and archaeology, particularly in relation to the ancient Near East. Her work integrates the methods of art history with the object-based pedagogy found in K-12 progressive education, aiming to bridge the gap between university-level scholarship and primary and secondary education.
Dr. Marcus's scholarly work primarily focuses on examining theoretical issues in art history through the perspective of excavated materials from the ancient Near East. She has actively sought to bring ancient art and artifacts into contemporary educational contexts, particularly encouraging their inclusion in social studies and history curricula at the K-12 level. Her innovative approaches and consultative efforts aim to enlighten students' understanding of history and culture.
Currently, Dr. Marcus is engaged in researching how contemporary Iraqi artists can offer insights into interpretations of their ancient Mesopotamian heritage. This work exemplifies her commitment to not only preserving the past but also engaging with living artists to enrich the discussion of historical narratives.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Marcus holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the History of Art from the University of Pennsylvania, further solidifying her expertise in the field. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Art History and Archaeology from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from Queens College, City University of New York. Her academic journey reflects a profound dedication to understanding and disseminating knowledge about art history, particularly as it relates to ancient cultures.
Throughout her career, Dr. Marcus has held various notable positions, which showcase her ability to blend scholarship with practical educational applications. As the Resident Art Historian and Museum Liaison at The Dalton School, she has directly influenced how young learners engage with art and history. Her role as a Research Associate in the Near East Section at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology has positioned her at the forefront of archaeological research and public understanding of ancient civilizations.
In her capacity as a Curriculum Consultant, Michelle has worked with several prominent educational institutions, including Montclair Charter School, St. Ann's School, and The Heschel School. Her expert guidance has helped to shape K-12 curricula that integrate art history in meaningful ways, enhancing students' appreciation for the subject.
Moreover, her curatorial experiences are numerous and impressive. As a Curatorial Consultant at The Children's Museum of Manhattan and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, she has applied her expert knowledge to create engaging exhibitions and educational programs that resonate with diverse audiences. Michelle has also served as the Edith Porada Visiting Associate Professor at The Morgan Library & Museum, a position that underscores her reputation as an expert in art and archaeology.
Achievements
Dr. Michelle Marcus’s achievements extend beyond teaching and curriculum development. Her dedication to the field of art history is evidenced by her participation in numerous esteemed fellowships and research opportunities. She has been a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Getty Research Institute, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, where she has contributed vital research that enhances our understanding of art history.
Her contributions as a Junior Research Fellow at The Metropolitan Museum of Art reflect her deep commitment to scholarly inquiry and public education through art. Furthermore, her work as an Adjunct Associate Professor at both Columbia University and Barnard College has allowed her to train the next generation of art historians, ensuring that her passion for the field continues to inspire others.
Through her extensive background in both academic scholarly research and practical teaching experience, Dr. Michelle Marcus stands out as a leader in her field. Her unique ability to connect ancient history with modern applications in education is not only valuable but necessary in today's learning environments. Dr. Marcus continues to pursue innovative methods for integrating art history into K-12 education, thereby cultivating a new appreciation for the past among young learners. Her research on contemporary Iraqi artists further showcases her forward-thinking approach, linking historical narratives to present-day cultural dialogues.
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