About
Francesca Giani is a Lecturer in Museum Studies at the University of Oklahoma's School of Library and Information Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts, specializing in art historical and architectural notions of place and habitability. Her curatorial expertise spans over two decades, with notable roles at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center.
- Ph.D., Art History, University of Oklahoma (Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts)
- M.A., Art History (San Diego State University)
Her research integrates neuroaesthetics with museum visitor experience, exploring how light, spatial design, and curatorial practices shape aesthetic perception. Recent projects include the Treasures of Tuscany exhibition (2022-23) and analyses of Robert Irwin's light installations. Giani also served as an NEA grant-funded curator for Herb Greene's 2021 exhibition.
Her academic leadership includes roles as a certified Academic Life Coach for OU graduate students and Norman Arts Council board membership. Though no explicit awards are listed, her exhibitions frequently involve grant-funded collaborations.
- Advising: Focuses on graduate student development
- Grants: NEA Arts Engagement Grant (2021)
Giani maintains active involvement with the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, having guest-curated major exhibitions like Galileo’s World (2016) and Immortales: Hall of Emperors (2016). She also contributes to transnational art dialogues through publications like the Libertad de Expresión catalogue (2013).
