Jo Farb Hernandez

Jo Farb Hernandez is a Professor of Art and Art History and Director of the Thompson Gallery at San José State University (SJSU), part of the School of Art and Design. She holds a Master of Arts from UCLA (1975) and a B.A. in Political Science and French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1974). Her career spans over four decades in museum leadership, including directorships at the Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art (1985–2001) and the Triton Museum of Art (1978–1985).

Research focuses on art environments, folk art, and cultural preservation. Notable works include Singular Spaces: Spanish Art Environments (2014) and Forms of Tradition in Contemporary Spain (2005). She has curated exhibitions globally and produced documentaries like Forms of Tradition in Contemporary Spain. Awards include the Fulbright Senior Scholar (2008), San José State University President’s Scholar (2014), and multiple film festival accolades.

Professional leadership includes roles with the American Association of Museums, California Association of Museums, and SPACES. Her community service spans grant evaluations, speaker engagements, and advocacy for traditional arts. Fluent in French, Spanish, and Catalan, she bridges academic, curatorial, and community initiatives.