Raised in California's Central Valley, Geneva Mello is a third generation Lodi resident. Staying close to her hometown, she received her BFA in Studio Art from University of the Pacific in 2007, concentrations in painting, drawing, and photography. She continued her education at California State University, Fresno where she received her MA in Art with honors in 2010.
Her paintings and drawings are often inspired by myths, archetypes, dream imagery, and nostalgia. References to her Central Valley heritage appear in images of agriculture, the local landscape, and her own family. When not in her home studio, Geneva enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and volunteering in the community. She is a Lodi Arts Commissioner, a youth services chair for the Lodi Rotary Club, and a lead organizer for the Lodi Open Studios Tour.
Her paintings and drawings are often inspired by myths, archetypes, dream imagery, and nostalgia. References to her Central Valley heritage appear in images of agriculture, the local landscape, and her own family. When not in her home studio, Geneva enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and volunteering in the community. She is a Lodi Arts Commissioner, a youth services chair for the Lodi Rotary Club, and a lead organizer for the Lodi Open Studios Tour.
Education
2008 – 2010: California State University Fresno – Fresno, CA - MA with Honors - Studio Art with concentration in Painting
2003 - 2007: University of the Pacific – Stockton, CA - BFA in Studio Art with concentrations in Painting/Drawing and Photography, Minor in Art History, Minor in Technology
Professional Experience
Aug. 2010 – May 2011: Merced College – Merced, CA - Adjunct Faculty - Digital Photography Instructor
Oct. – Dec. 2007: Mel Shaw Studios – Acampo, CA - Documentary Photography of Artwork
Current Community Based Projects:
February 2024 – Present: “Leadership Lodi” Class of 2024 Participant – Lodi Chamber of Commerce
Project: Custom storage bench for The Village Adult Developmental and Community Center
Fundraising and architectural layout/design.
February 2023 – Present: Lodi Open Studios Tour Committee – Lodi, CA
Assist in organizing large artist studio tour event for October 2024 after decade-long hiatus.
23 participating artists with 13 tour stops. Seeking sponsorships, application design, artist workshop co-host, and event planning.
October 2022 - Present: Commissioner, Lodi Arts Commission – Lodi, CA
Served on subcommittees for Taco Truck Cook Off, mural creation and preservation, honoring women in the arts, etc…
2016 – Present: Member of the Lodi Rotary Club – Lodi, CA
Chair of Youth Services and Board Member as of June 2023.
Recent Awards
2024: First Place: Graphics/Drawing - Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest Fair
2023: First Place: Mixed Media and Third Place: Graphics/Drawing - Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest Fair
2022: Best of Show: Fine Art, First Place: Oils & Acrylics, and Honorable Mention: Mixed Media - Lodi Grape Festival & Harvest Fair
Solo Exhibitions
April - June 2024: "Past Lives" - Friend's House Art Corridor, Santa Rosa, CA
March 2024: "Artist Altered" - Double Dip Gallery, Lodi, CA
June 2023: "Feature Artist" - Double Dip Gallery, Lodi, CA
June - July 2022: "Nymphs & Dryads" - Double Dip Gallery, Lodi, CA
Sept. – Nov. 2011: “Twinship” – Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Main Gallery
March 2010: “Twinship” – Conley Gallery, California State University Fresno
Recent Group Exhibitions
July - September 2024: Carnegie Arts Showcase 2024 - Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA - Juried Exhibition
April 2024: 62nd Annual Spring Show - Durst Winery, Acampo, CA - Juried Exhibition
January - April 2024: Light Motifs - Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA - Juried Exhibition
July - September 2023: Carnegie Arts Showcase 2023 - Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA - Juried Exhibition
May - October 2023: Adapting to Wildfire - Marin Civic Center Gallery, San Rafael, CA - Juried Exhibition
May - July 2023: Farms & Fields 2023 - Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA - Juried Exhibition
March - April 2023: 61st Annual Spring Show - Durst Winery, Acampo, CA - Juried Exhibition
Feb. - April 2023: Figure - Epperson Gallery, Crockett, CA - National Juried Exhibition
Feb. 2023: Expressions! - Tracy Art League, Tracy, CA - Juried Exhibition
Jan. 2023: Fanciful Visions - Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, Elk Grove, CA