I wanted to write to tell you that your classes were some of my favorites and I still reference them on occasion. The passion you showed in the classroom was inspirational and I aspired to absorb your *vibes* (I believe this is what the youth mean). You challenged me to think critically and to enjoy and appreciate art. Thank you for for being an incredible professor. Your students are lucky to have you!

The talk was in French, and it absolutely thrilled the members because it brought so many new issues to think about concerning the cultural patrimony of the indigenous people of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas and the increasing demand that museums such as the Quai Branly and the British Museum return these art objects to the people who made them. 

Dr Cash surveyed all these issues in about 50 well-organized and lively minutes. It was one of the highlights of our season.  

The assignments were varied and interesting and gave us plenty of scope for focusing on things that were of personal interest. We also learned more about accessing and working with collections found in a variety of museums. Besides talking about historical and current African arts and cultures, we discussed current issues in the museum world. She made us aware of both the problematic origins of many of Western museum collections and the issues surrounding return of artifacts to their countries/cultures of origin. The required online discussions with other students provided additional perspectives. This class continues to enhance my visits to museum collections of African art. I wish I had taken it before I visited Tanzania, but it will enhance any future trips to Africa.

This class has put everything I have seen and enjoyed “in context”! Learning so much about the historical, political, religious settings for these works of art has been EYE OPENING for me! I appreciate the excellent instruction and experience in learning to see the design and stylistic elements of major works of art. I feel greatly enriched in learning these powerful attributes of art that I have seen and loved. Now I have a world of things to see and appreciate in the future! Before this, I had no understanding of what art history was and could be! I hope to learn more in the future! 

All in all, this has been a most excellent class!! Clear lectures, interesting videos, life changing info on the historical/political/social/religious contexts of art, and the wonderful emphasis on design and style!!!  One of my best classes, ever, and I’ve been to a lot of classes.  THANKS FOR ALL!!

Knowing this struggle, Tiffany Alvarez-Thurman designed a professional development in which my middle school and high school teachers worked collaboratively to generate skills and learning objectives at each level of the visual arts.  At a district level, we will be able to use this groundwork to create a scope and sequence for each of these subject areas, leading to a higher rate of student and teacher success.

Having witnessed her leadership in the context of the development of a national Art History curriculum, the Advanced Placement Program, I can attest that she has changed the field for the better.  An inspiring teacher, inventive leader, and highly motivating and funny speaker, she has embraced the changing landscape of instruction, and knows how to apply innovative tools to solve curricular problems.  I always look forward to the opportunity to learn from her work.

My colleagues and I counted ourselves lucky to have such a patient and empowering manager and mentor. She knew our strengths well and trusted us to perform and to execute.

While she fostered our skills and supported our development, she never let that get in the way of successfully completing projects at a high level of quality. She was always clear with expectations, task requirements, and deadlines.

I hope to work for someone with the same level of leadership and professionalism in the future, but they are few and far between.