SPRING 2001

In 1970, J.J. Brody broke new ground as UNM’s first recipient of a Ph.D. in art history. His dissertation, Indian Painters and White Patrons, published by UNM Press in 1971, essentially launched the college’s Ph.D. program in Native American Art History, now the largest of its kind in the United States. Brody taught at UNM for seventeen years before retiring in 1989.

During graduation in December 2000, Brody set a precedent as the college’s first recipient of a new honor: the Distinguished Alumni Award.

“We chose Jerry for this new award, which we plan to continue every year, because 2000 marked the 30th anniversary of the granting of his Ph.D., “says Joyce Szabo, chair of Art and Art History. “And because it was the first year this department offered a Ph.D.”

This spring saw the release of Painters, Patrons and Identity: Essays in Native American Art to Honor J.J. Brody. Szabo edited this volume of twelve essays, each written by a Native American Art History graduate. Each contributor studied under Brody. “It’s an important tribute to someone who has contributed a great deal to Native American Art History and also showcases the accomplishments of this department,” says Szabo.

The hard-bound book costs $50 and is available through UNM Press.

finearts@unm.edu