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Geneva Mello has deep roots in California’s Central Valley and continues to live and work near her hometown of Lodi. She earned a BFA in Studio Art from the University of the Pacific and an MA in Art with honors from California State University, Fresno in 2010.
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​Working from found photographs and personal archives, Geneva creates paintings and drawings that explore myth, archetype, dream imagery, and nostalgia. Her Central Valley heritage informs much of her subject matter, appearing through references to agriculture, the regional landscape, and intimate portrayals of family history.

Beyond her studio practice, Geneva is an active advocate for the arts in her community. She serves as Chair of the Lodi Arts Commission, Youth Services Chair for the Lodi Rotary Club, a teaching artist with the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Artists in Schools program, and a lead organizer of the Lodi Open Studios Tour.

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​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
​Sept. 2025 - Present: Artist in Schools - San Joaquin County Office of Education - Lodi, CA - Art Instructor

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

Community Based Projects:
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: Chair, Lodi Arts Commission – Lodi, CA
Elected Chair in January 2025. Served on subcommittees for Taco Truck Cook Off, mural creation and preservation, honoring women in the arts, etc…

Solo & Featured Artist Exhibitions
February 2026: "Neon Kitsch" - Double Dip Gallery, Lodi, CA

August - September 2025: "Dreaming in Color" - Double Dip Gallery, Lodi, CA

March - April 20245: "Misremembrance" - The Catalyst, Stockton, CA

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