Meet the Faculty

Cheyanne Cortez

Title: Assistant Professor
Degrees: B.A. Graphic Design; M.A. Art History & Visual Culture
Teaching Experience: Since 2013. I am passionate about de-Westernization and decolonization in the study of art history and addressing institutional inequity in the classroom. My multifaceted approach to the history of art is meant to encourage my students to learn and practice visual critical thinking skills both in and outside the classroom.
My scholarship centers around 19th and 20th Century European and American Art and Design with emphasis on the effects of industrialization and consumerism in the development of cultural aesthetics and female identities in the United States.
Career Highlights: I have lectured extensively in the US and abroad at academic events, conferences, and symposia and published with Routledge Press. I have served as a content creator and consultant Oxford University Press and Cengage Learning. Additionally, I have been a guest speaker about art and visual culture to students in both primary (Grades K-5) and secondary (Grades 6-8) education.
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling to experience the artworks I teach in class. I also enjoy relaxing with watercolor and cross-stitch needle work.
Quote: “Art is the signature of civilizations.” – Beverley Sills, American Opera Singer
"Art History is everywhere. Get used to it." – Cheyanne Cortez

Sophie Touze

Sophie Touzé

Title: Assistant Professor
Degrees: B.F. A, San Francisco Art Institute, M.F.A, San Jose State University, CA.
Teaching Experience: Since 1998 - 21 years at Community College level - 7 years at University level.
Career Highlights: Focusing on social justice issues in art history thanks to innovative colleagues' mutual support 20 years ago when it was rarely addressed. Creating two online courses: Woman Art History and Latin American art. Over a decade working at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as a trilingual private guide. Organizing exhibitions featuring the art of indigenous Purépecha female artists (Michoacán, Mexico).
Hobbies: Traveling in West Mexico, yoga, and learning more about sustainable ways of living. And always always going to museums!
Quote: "I am not a teacher, but an awakener" – Robert Frost
"Art has saved my life on a regular basis." – Carrie Mae Weems

Ashley Gardini

Title: Assistant Professor

Degrees: B.A. in Art, emphasis Art History, San Francisco State University. M.A. in Art History and Visual Culture, San Jose State University

Teaching Experience: Since 2015

Career Highlights: All of it. Being in the classroom, discussing art and architecture, is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a dream job. I've also been an active member the Society of Architectural Historians since 2019, serving on the Board, on various committees, and partaking in the SAH’s annual conference. Outside of the classroom, I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to write about art and architecture. I’ve contributed twice to the International Yearbook of Futurism Studies and I currently write a monthly column on architecture, The Where We Where, for JSTOR Daily.

Kelly Cricchio

Title: Art History Instructor
Degrees: B.A. and M.A. in Art History and Visual Culture, San Jose State University, CA
Teaching Experience: Since 2022
Career Highlights: Conducting graduate fieldwork in Venice, Italy researching the hidden contributions of female patrons in Renaissance Venice. Every day is a highlight when your work involves bringing art and history to life and having the privilege of experiencing it through your students’ eyes.
Hobbies: Traveling and visiting museums!
Quote: "You can’t sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write it and paint it and do it.” – Faith Ringgold