Thomas Ruggio

Thomas Ruggio is an Associate Professor of Visual Arts at Iona University, where he also directs the Visual Arts Program. He is based in the Murphy Center and has been teaching at the college level for over 20 years, contributing significantly to art education, artistic practice, and art historical scholarship.

Education:

• BA, Queens College (CUNY)
• MFA, Queens College (CUNY)
• Additional studies at the New York Studio School

Professor Ruggio's research and creative work focus on visual arts and art history, particularly 16th–17th century European painting with an emphasis on the Baroque period. His scholarship explores figures such as Peter Paul Rubens and Cesare Dandini, and he has curated significant exhibitions on these topics. He also founded and directed the Studio Borgo art program in Lucca, Italy, from 2011 to 2019, which emphasized drawing, painting, and Tuscan art history.

His scholarly contributions include exhibition catalogs held in major institutions such as the Rubenianum (Antwerp), the Uffizi Library (Florence), and the Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York). His first book, Finding Dandini, was published in 2024 and discusses a rediscovered Florentine Baroque masterpiece.

While no formal awards are listed, his international exhibitions and inclusion in public and private collections across the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Germany, and South Korea reflect broad recognition. He has no listed advisees in the provided text.

Professor Ruggio has led curatorial projects and directed international academic programs, demonstrating leadership in both artistic and educational domains. His work bridges studio practice, art historical research, and curatorial innovation.