Welcome to Art History – Unframed.

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I’m the art historian behind this space, and for over 15 years, I’ve dedicated my life to studying, teaching, and experiencing art history in a way that goes far beyond the textbook. My journey began unexpectedly at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where a career assessment led me to art and history. One class was all it took—I fell completely in love. What once felt intimidating quickly became a passion that shaped my life and career.

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I hold a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Arts in Humanities, and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Design & Visual Art from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. I also earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration and Management and an Associate of Arts in General Studies through Houston-area institutions.

I’ve taught art history and design for over 13 years at institutions including the Art Institute of Houston, Miami International University of Art & Design, University of Houston–Downtown, Houston Community College, and San Jacinto College.

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My education was only the beginning. As a world traveler and lifelong learner, I’ve stood face-to-face with many of the artworks and places most people only encounter in textbooks—from the Pyramids of Egypt and the Sphinx to the grandeur of Notre-Dame in Paris, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence. I’ve walked the path of Vincent van Gogh’s final days, visited Mont Saint-Michel, experienced the natural beauty of Victoria Falls, and explored some of the most historically significant places in the world.

I also had the rare opportunity to work at the Louvre Museum in its painting and sculpture departments, gaining invaluable, hands-on insight into one of the world’s most important collections. During this time, I lived and studied in Paris to fully immerse myself in its art, history, and architecture, and became fluent in French—deepening my connection to the culture that continues to shape how I experience and teach art today. In addition, I worked on an archaeological excavation hosted and supported by Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributing to the search for the lost city of Gath—bringing history to life not only through study, but through direct discovery.

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Through all of this, one thing became clear: art history is not just about dates or styles—it’s about stories. It’s about people, cultures, power, belief, and creativity across time. And yet, so many people feel intimidated by it.

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That’s why I created Art History – Unframed.

Here, I take everything I’ve learned—through years of education, teaching, travel, and hands-on experience—and share it in a way that is welcoming, engaging, and easy to understand. My goal is to help you learn how to truly see art, to unmask its meaning, and to uncover the stories hidden within each work.

Because art history isn’t meant to stay behind glass—it’s meant to be experienced, understood, and enjoyed.

And truthfully, I’m always an art historian. Whether I’m in a museum, traveling the world, or spending time with family, I can’t help but share what I see. My nieces and nephews know this well—especially during visits to monuments, the movies, and even to museums. More than once, they’ve found themselves in the middle of one of my impromptu art history explanations, only to laugh and say, “Oh, Big Tita… not again.”

And honestly? That’s exactly the spirit behind Art History – Unframed—sharing the stories of art in a way that’s engaging, human, and meant to be enjoyed.