Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Carrie Hamilton

Dr. Carrie Hamilton received her B.A. in Art History and History from the University of Illinois. She then specialized in European art of the 17^th through 19^th centuries at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University, where she received an M.A., a Certificate in Curatorial Studies, and a Ph.D. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Salons of 1699 to 1739: The Academy, the Bâtiments and the Politics of Display,” explored how royal patterns of patronage and academic politics delayed the emergence of regular art exhibitions known as Salons for almost 75 years.

Dr. Hamilton has extensive experience in museums and galleries. At the Kimbell Art Museum, she researched, edited and contributed to the catalogue The Loves of the Gods: Mythological Painting from Watteau to David.  It was a ground-breaking exhibition of mythological painting in 18^th century France that appeared at the Grand Palais in Paris, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth (1991-92). Over a period of more than 10 years she held a range of posts at the Jan Krugier Gallery overseeing all aspects of running a commercial gallery that represented the Marina Picasso collection of works from the estate of Pablo Picasso. This included organizing exhibitions on Picasso as well on such varied artists as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Paul Klee.

Dr. Hamilton has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology, S.U.N.Y. and at Montclair State University. She has been an adjunct professor of Art History at the latter since September 2012. She teaches survey courses as well as upper level ones on European and American art of the 17^th through 19^th centuries, and supervises senior theses. Montclair State University students have recognized her commitment to teaching by nominating her for two awards. In May 2016, she received the university’s Professing Excellence Award for Meaningful Impact, and in January 2017 she was nominated for the university’s Outstanding Advising Award.

Regarding the Professing Excellence Award, Dr. Hamilton said, “I was extremely touched and honored to receive the Professing Excellence Award for Meaningful Impact. I believe Art History is an important academic subject that teaches students to analyze not only works of the past but also the world around them. Just as importantly, it helps them understand how history unfolds by giving them a visual reference for it. My receipt of this award indicates that they understand the impact it can have on their lives.”

Upon learning of her nomination for an Outstanding Advising Award, she said, “This means a great deal to me. Students respond enthusiastically to the material I teach, and my classes are always full with majors from across the campus. At a time when the arts are under attack nationally, I am heartened to know that my efforts to emphasize Art History’s importance are reaching so many students at Montclair State University.”