“Don’t be an art critic. Paint. There lies salvation.”
Biography
Ben Serpa was born and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley. He has always had an inclination towards art making during his childhood, but never thought of being an artist until he was in college. Originally a physics major, Ben received his Bachelors of Fine Art at California State University Stanislaus in 2010. From 2011 to 2013 he attended San Jose State University and received his Masters of Fine Arts, Pictorial Art on December 20th, 2013 . He is currently teaching beginning and intermediate drawing, as well as Art History at Merced Community College. As of September 2014 he is a member of the Merced County Art Council board, and helps curate the galleries at the Merced Multicultural Art Center.
Statement
My art has always been about the Central Valley landscape. It is a subject that constantly awes and challenges me as an artist. It is a limitless subject and it is in the landscape that I look for love, truth, virtue, and beauty. The above quote is really what I believe art is. Art is not some set of lofty ideas or theories that few can comprehend. Art is the expression of who the artist is and the way he views his world, related to the viewer through his art. Art is about doing what you love and that passion touches the viewer when he sees the artwork.
Teaching Experience
2014-present Merced Community College, Adjunct Professor, 4 years teaching beginning and intermediate drawing, Art History survey courses
2012 San Jose State, Teaching Associate- taught 1 semester (3 units) of beginning drawing
Related Experience
2014-present Co-Curator, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
2011-2014 Merced County School District, Substitute Teacher, K-12
Selected Solo Shows
2018 Valley Structures, Merced College Art Gallery, Merced, CA
San Joaquin, Milton Marks Conference Center in the Hiram Johnson State Office Building on Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA
2017 Central Valley Landscapes, Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, CA
2016 Valley Dreams, Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, CA
2013 Variations on a Theme-MFA Show, San Jose State University, Gallery 3, San Jose, CA
Concerto Grosso-ATC Show, San Jose State University, Herbert Sanders Gallery, San Jose, CA
2nd Symphony, San Jose State University, Gallery 3, San Jose, CA
2012 California Medley, San Jose State University, Gallery 3, San Jose, CA
2009 Ascension, CSU Stanislaus, Art Department courtyard, Turlock. CA
Wont, CSU Stanislaus, Box Gallery, Turlock, CA
Selected Group Shows
2018 Earth & Sky, duo show with Susanne Kübler French, The Artery, Davis, CA
Farms & Fields, Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA
Magnum Opus XXVIII, Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Carmichael, CA
Petite Small Works, The VAST Lab, Los Angeles, CA
2016 Merced Community College Art Faculty Show, Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, CA
2015 Miniature Art Show, 1st Street Frame, Turlock, CA
2014-2018 Merced College Art Faculty, Merced College Art Gallery, Merced, CA
2014 CSU Stanislaus Biennial Alumni Show, Art on the Main Gallery, Turlock, CA
SJSU Master of Fine Arts Lift Off Exhibition, Art Ark Gallery, San Jose, CA
2012 MFA Exhibition at Gavilan College, Gavilan College Gallery
CSU Stanislaus Biennial Alumni Show, Jay Jay Gallery, Sacramento, CA
CCAA 59th Annual Spring Show, Mistlin Gallery, Modesto, CA
2011 Picturing California, Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA
2010 BFA Graduating Seniors Show, CSU Stanislaus Art Gallery, Turlock, CA
4th Annual California Centered: Printmaking, Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, CA
2009 Printmaking Class Show, CSU Stanislaus, Gallery 2, Turlock, CA
2008 Modesto Art and Wine Festival, Downtown Modesto, CA
Awards and Recognitions
2018 Congressional Certificate of Recognition, awarded by Congressman Jim Costa
2016 Merced County Arts Council , Arts Angel Joan Sortini Award
2010 BFA Student of the Year
2005 Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America