09/08/2026
🦅 I Am Solano: Art History, Voyages, & Spell-Binding Croissants – Meet Professor and Department Chair Denise Martinez
Jumping headfirst into the unknown as a first-generation college student, Denise Martinez has never been one to shy away from adventure, traveling the world as she learns.
Denise studied Art History at UCLA before hoping across the pond to Ireland to earn a master’s degree in Arts Administration. Her experiences have broadened her perspective, but her connection to Solano has remained present.
Moving to the area as a child, Denise grew up surrounded by the community that would eventually become part of her professional life. Despite never attending Solano College as a student, she was familiar with campus through events, partnerships, and community connections. So, when the opportunity came to join SCC, it felt like a natural fit.
She understands how daunting college can be, her advice? “Just ask!” Don’t be discouraged, speak up. Faculty are listening, you have a voice, and your questions matter.
And if you think Art History sounds boring, Denise’s courses are here to change that. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist or historian to understand the impact of art and what it can teach us about our origins. To her, art is a lively archive of humanity, not a mere collection of dates and names. By bringing together artists and cultures from around the world, she teaches through a broader and more complete lens.
When she’s not talking about art, history, or campus initiatives that strengthen her community, Denise can be found enjoying a good cup of coffee ☕, spending time with family, or jamming to Selena 🎶.
And if she could create a completely fun, interest-based course?
🪄 WIZ 201: Sorcery & Soufflés — The Morbidly Magical City of Love 🪄
A walking tour through cafés, haunted streets, mysterious museums, and the spell-binding history of Paris. 🥐🧙♀️
Because who says learning can’t be a little magical?
