Dan Snyder (b. 1948) is known for life-size figurative sculptures and large-scale public artworks. Born in Philadelphia, Snyder initially pursued science at Pennsylvania State University before discovering ceramics and earning his B.F.A. in 1970. His work in clay attracted the attention of Robert Arneson, who encouraged him to attend the University of California, Davis, where Snyder earned an M.F.A. in 1972. He received a National Endowment for the Arts grant and the Rome Prize in sculpture in 1973, becoming a fellow of the American Academy in Rome. His practice expanded from expressive ceramic figures into painting, mixed-media sculpture and public art, including numerous site-specific and community-based commissions. Snyder has also taught at Pennsylvania State University, UC Santa Cruz and San Francisco State University. His work is held in collections including Oakland Museum of California, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, and the American Academy in Rome.