Lisa Wainwright has worn many hats at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic A airs, Dean of Graduate Studies, Director of Art History Graduate Program, Undergraduate Division Chair, and Professor of Art History.
Named one of Newcity’s Top Ten Most In uential Cultural Leaders in Chicago, Wainwright is the embodiment of leadership at SAIC. Her vibrant demeanor and passionate advocacy for the arts have not only earned her celebrity status among students, faculty, and supporters of the school, but has considerably advanced the reputation of SAIC during her 28-year tenure.
The author of numerous essays, articles, and exhibition catalogs, Wainwright’s research and writing about 20th- century art—focusing particularly on the work of Robert Rauschenberg and the history of the found object in art— have been important to the eld and to Wainwright’s own approach to arts education. Responsible for bringing new talent and ideas to the School, Wainwright’s most recent undertaking launched SAIC into the world of massive open online courses (MOOC).
Wainwright’s art historical expertise, innovative approach to education, dedication to the SAIC community, and general joie de vivre within the worlds of art and design give us tremendous reason to appreciate Beautiful/Work.
