Before establishing herself as a scholar in the field of art history, Lucy Bowditch spent her undergraduate years studying at Bowdoin College. On her way to completing a BA at this Maine institution, Lucy Bowditch undertook an honors research project centering on Nicholas Poussin.
Lucy Bowditch subsequently brought her knowledge to galleries and museums in New York and Chicago before returning to her alma mater to serve as the curator of Bowdoin Photographers. While busy with her responsibilities in this position, she built teaching experience as an adjunct professor at Pace University and the Parsons School of Design/the New School in New York, among other institutions. She returned to school beginning pursuit of a PhD in art history from the University of Chicago that culminated with her receiving her doctorate in 1994.
Dr. Bowditch accepted a position the following year as a full-time faculty member at the College of Saint Rose, where early in her tenure, she assumed leadership of the Visiting Artist Program. Over the next 24 years with her at its helm, the program welcomed a range of figures from the art world, including Catherine Murphy, Jerry Saltz, Dana Schultz, and Holland Carter.
Now a full professor at the college, Lucy Bowditch instructs students on the history of contemporary art, modern art, and photography. She also teaches Art Now, a course in which students visit New York City to view exhibitions and meet with art professionals.