       "Remover of Obstacles" (Acrylic)     | Gail Miles Benedict is a fine arts painter who moved from her hometown of San Diego to Merced in 2001. Her painting style has moved in the direction of surrealism and symbolism, sometimes incorporating collage. She says, "The 'voice' of an artist can evolve over time with a gradual change in style, subject matter, and media. Recently, I have noticed a change in my voice . . . moving away from nature's beauty to a need to describe the emotions that reside in me. Fear, frustration, confusion and sadness are feeling that, if exposed, leave us vulnerable to harm, and even worse, judgment. I therefore place my soul in your hands for inspection and judgment". Solo Show, Merced Multicultural Arts Center (2006)Gail is retired from the University of California, Merced where she was co-founder of the arts presenting program, "Arts UC Merced Presents . . ." and coordinated the annual UC Merced Bobcat Family Art Show. She is the recipient of the Merced County Art Council's annual "Arts Angel Award" in 2009. Gail represents UC Merced in the Merced County Performing Arts Presenters Coalition dedicated to promoting arts presenting organizations in Merced County. gail.benedict1@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GailBenedictArtStudio Education 2003-2006 Merced Community College, Art Major 1974-76 San Diego Mesa College, A.S. 1973-74 California State University San Diego Employment, Societies and Memberships 2001-2016 Producing Manager, "Arts UC Merced Presents . . ." University of California, Merced 2001-2016 Administrative Coordinator, Division of Administration, University of California, Merced 2002-present Member, Merced County Arts Council 2009-present Member, Merced County Performing Arts Coalition 2005-2010 Board of Directors, Merced County Arts Council, Executive Committee 2005-2010 Fundraising Committee, Merced County Arts Council 2006-2009 Curatorial Committee, Merced County Arts Council 2002-present Member, Central California Art Association Exhibitions 2012 Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, California, "Then and Now" CHAA Show 2010 Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, California, "Music" CHAA Show 2010 Merced Community College, Merced, California, "Topophilia" CHAA Show 2010 California State Capitol Building, Sacramento, California 2009 California Art Association, Mistlin Gallery, Surrealism Show 2008 Turlock City Hall, Turlock, California (Turlock City Arts Commission) 2002-2016 University of California, Merced 2006 Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, California, "Finding a Voice" Solo Show 2006 Java Art Walk, UC Merced 2005 Central California Art Association Spring Show, Modesto, California 2005 UC Fresno Center Spring Exhibition, Fresno, California 2001 Merced County Fair, Best in Show for "Point Loma Lighthouse", Merced, California (Juried) 2001 Central California Art League Spring Show, Modesto, California (Juried) 2000 Del Mar County Fair, Del Mar, California (Juried) 2000 Salon Forte, Solana Beach, California 1999 Del Mar County Fair, Del Mar, California (Juried) 1999 Java Cafe, Encinitas, California 1998 Del Mar County Fair, Del Mar, California (Juried)        "Bless the Bracero" (Acrylic) |