Joseph G. Dreiss

Joseph G. Dreiss is a Professor of Art History at the University of Mary Washington. He earned his Ph.D. (1980) from the State University of New York at Binghamton, M.A. (1974) from Rutgers University, and B.A. (1972) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His academic work spans traditional art history, contemporary art criticism, and digital media.

• Educational Background:
  • B.A. in Art History (1972), Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • M.A. in History of Art (1974), Rutgers University
  • Ph.D. in History of Art (1980), State University of New York at Binghamton

Dr. Dreiss focuses on the intersection of contemplative art experiences and neuropsychology, particularly how art may enhance consciousness through neuroplasticity. He has presented extensively at conferences, including the Virginia Humanities Conference and the Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts (SLSA), discussing topics like Andy Goldsworthy’s landscape interventions and the aesthetics of flow states in art.

He founded the Department of Art and Art History’s digital media lab and developed a summer curriculum in digital imaging, digital video, and web production. His notable work includes the book Gari Melchers: His Works in the Belmont Collection (1984).