Josh DihleView profile
Associate Professor
Josh Dihle is an Associate Professor, Adjunct in the Painting and Drawing Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). He holds an MFA from SAIC (2012) and a BA in Studio Art and Biology from Middlebury College (2007). His work bridges painting and sculpture through mixed media, emphasizing material innovation and historical references. He co-directs the Julius Caesar Gallery and co-founded the Color Club and Barely Fair art initiatives. Education: MFA in Painting, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2012) BA in Studio Art & Biology, Middlebury College (2007) Rome Summer Program, Rhode Island School of Design (2005) Research Focus: Dihle explores intersections between painting, sculpture, and material science. His works often incorporate fossils, found objects, and unconventional materials to create layered narratives. Key themes include cultural hybridity , environmental symbolism , and historical artifact repurposing . Awards & Residencies: Artist in Residence: Kunstmeile Krems (2021), OxBow (2015), Vermont Studio Center (2009) Excellence in Teaching Award (SAIC, 2022) Professional Roles: He teaches advanced painting courses and co-founded Barely Fair (a miniature art fair) and Color Club (a curatorial collective). His work has been exhibited globally, including at the New York Times-recognized Low Tide at the Leetown Reservoir (2022). Labs/Initiatives: Active in Julius Caesar Gallery curation and experimental material workshops at SAIC.








