Sylvia Rhor Samaniego

Sylvia Rhor Samaniego is the Director and Curator of the University Art Gallery (UAG) at the University of Pittsburgh, and holds the academic rank of Teaching Professor in the Department of History of Art and Architecture within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. She leads interdisciplinary academic programming and exhibitions focusing on critical social issues and university curriculum integration. Her prior roles include Professor of Art History at Carlow University and founding director of its first academic art gallery.

Education includes a PhD and MA from the University of Pittsburgh (History of Art) and a BA in Studio Art and Art History from New York University, where she was a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Minority Scholar.

Research focuses on 20th-century mural painting, political cartoons, modern art and politics, and museum studies. Current projects include studies of Pittsburgh’s historic murals and Chicago’s public school murals. She has curated exhibitions at renowned institutions like The Andy Warhol Museum and the August Wilson Center, and developed educational resources for organizations including The Mattress Factory Museum and The Frick Art and Historical Center.

Professional accolades include completion of the Getty Leadership Institute for Museum Professionals (2019) and service on Pittsburgh’s Art Commission (2010–2015). Key publications include contributions to the Journal of Museum Studies and edited volumes on public art and visual culture.