Renowned as an artist, Mary Jo Viola has exhibited her work all over the country. Notably, she participated in the New Rochelle Art Association’s 94th Open Juried Exhibition at the New Rochelle Public Library in 2009, “Of Earth & Sky: An Exhibition of Works by Curt Belshe, Mary Jo Ben-Nun, Elizabeth Ann Murphy and Mary Jo Viola” at The Fitzgerald Gallery within the Warner Library in 2008, and “Faculty and Staff Exhibitions” at the Hall of Fame Gallery of Bronx Community College in 2008 and from 2004 to 2006 and 1998 to 1999. Dr. Viola was also part of shows like Noel Fine Art, the Landscape and Travel Photos section of the Polaroid Transfer Exhibition at the Omega Institute, “Night & Day, Rye & Riverdale, Playland & Park” at the College of Mount Saint Vincent Library, “Celebrating Spirituality” at Central Wyoming College, and “Beauty Without Boarders” at York College/CUNY, along with numerous others. Some of her solo shows include “Tunisian Fragments: Photographs and Collages” through the Riverdale Art Association at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, “India: Photographs and Watercolors” at the Helen Hayes Hospital, and “Photographs of India” at the Organica Garden Restaurant. She edited “A World View of Art History” in 1985.
With such a strong connection to the field, Dr. Viola decided to pass on her passions to the younger generations. She is currently a teacher of art history at Bronx Community College, where she’s been since 1997. She previously held the position at Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Parsons School of Design at The New School, Brooklyn College, Baruch College, Marymount Manhattan College, Hollins University, and Georgian Court University. Dr. Viola also garnered hands-on experience as the galley curator at Baruch College and as a researcher in ethnic festivals in New York.
Dr. Viola prepared for her endeavors by earning a PhD in art history and a Master of Philosophy in art history from The City University of New York in 1992 and 1983, respectively. Further, she received a Master of Arts in art history from New York University in 1966 and a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1963. She ensured she remained connected to her peers by obtaining membership in the College Art Association, the New Rochelle Art Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
In her community, Dr. Viola has served as a grantee of the President’s Faculty and Staff Development at Bronx Community College and a fellow of the Henry Luce Foundation, Marymount Manhattan College, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, among others. When she has free time, she enjoys tai chi and dance.
