Vincent van Gogh Award (best use of color): Awarded to Mariel Garcia for her painting titled Feathered Trio – Still Life Study. Mariel is an Executive Assistant in the College of Public Health at UAMS. Mariel has been at UAMS since 2013 and at the COPH since 2024. Mariel started as an assistant/admin at the College of Pharmacy, then Institutional Advancement/Foundation, Executive Assistant at DDEI supporting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Brian Gittens, and then Director of Admissions at the Graduate School.
Email: mmgarciavelazquez@uams.edu
Bio: I attained a Psychology BA and Asian/Japanese Studies Certificates from Florida International University in Miami, FL. I started my career as a counselor and then taught English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. I relocated to Arkansas in 2010 and have worked at various state agencies in the higher education and healthcare administration sector. Currently, I’m honoring my passion for the arts by studying Graphic Design/Photography at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Art & Design.
Artist Statement: Last year, I took Intro to Painting at UA Little Rock School of Art & Design with Professor Ricky Sikes. This painting class took me out of my comfort zone. I was apprehensive of using oils due to safety hazards involved with solvent inhalation, pigment chemical toxicity, and waste combustibility. The class studio was equipped with safe studio practices which helped me focus on the learning aspect since it was also my first time using oils as a medium. I’m so glad I trusted the process and learned so much from this medium while gaining confidence in a new skill.
This is also my first time winning an award for my art. I’m very honored to receive this award since it took a lot of work mixing color variations to get the right hues and values. In class you always start with 7 colors and have fun blending various combinations to get the perfect shade. The possibilities are endless.
I find it really neat that the painting won the Vincent van Gogh award and that it unintentionally had a lot of vibrant yellows and blues.
We had to use 3 items to paint a still life. Nature has always been my muse. Since I love birdwatching, I thought it would be fitting to choose 3 of my favorite bird figurines to practice on and just have fun with it.
- Other: Art Portfolio
mgarcia183a2.myportfolio.com- Photography Portfolio