Creative and Performing Arts Program Director
Art History Program Director
ArtsCanisius
M.A. Art History - State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. Art History and German - State University of New York at Buffalo
Professor Widenor found art history to be a discipline that interwove her passion for the arts with her knowledge of history, culture, archaeology, anthropology, geography, and interests in foreign languages and travel. She is inspired by her previous employment in museums, at universities, and on archeological projects as well as her travels as an exchange student, graduate student, and tour leader with EF College Study Tours.
She demonstrates her enthusiasm for the accomplishments of artists, architects, art historians and art critics in a myriad of methods used to assist her students in negotiating their own path through art history. These approaches to teaching art history include a focus on experiential learning, dynamic in-class projects and presentations, and unique internship and travel opportunities.
Widenor began teaching in the art history program at Canisius University once she completed her Masters' degree in art history and strives to instruct and inspire future generations of museum employees and museum goers and to prepare students to be enthusiastic and insightful participants in our visual-centric culture.
Her research and publications center on her participation on an archaeological survey project on the island of Crete and contemporary art practices concerning self-portraiture. Professor Widenor leads student trips to Europe each spring semester with a focus on investigations of museums as well as historical and cultural spaces.
Awards
- 20 Years of Service Award Canisius University
- 15 Years of Service Award Canisius University
- 10 Years of Service Award Canisius University
- Western New York Library Resources Council Professional Development Award for the 2005 Visual Resources Association Annual Conference, Miami, Florida. March 5 – 11, 2005
- Luraine Tansey Travel Award for the 2001 Visual Resources Association Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois. February 27 – March 3, 2001
Publications
“The Cave Sanctuary of Zeus at Psychro: A Study of Extra-Urban Sanctuaries in Minoan and Early Iron Age Crete” Aegaeum vol.15. 1996.