Mel Cartaya was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She exhibited an interest in art at an early age, beginning with drawing. She gained experience in printmaking, metal-smithing, painting, and sculpture at Miami Dade College in the early 2000s. Seeking a new experience apart from the hectic urban atmosphere of Miami, she moved to Swainsboro in 2004 and began taking classes at East Georgia College. Along the way, she has taught herself bookmaking, primarily works in collage, and is recently leaning towards more sculptural work. She has shown her work in a variety of venues in the Southeast, and is an active member of the Stillmoreroots Group.

Personal Portfolio

EXPERIENCE
Stillmoreroots Group (2006 - present)
The Stillmoreroots Group is an artist collective that strives to build community through art and community involvement. The Roots primarily work with undeserved communities offering workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and the exploration and celebration of the art experience.

Emanuel Artist Guild (2005 – present)

Super Saturday (2006 – present)
Instructor for a bi-monthly art based workshop for children seven to fifteen.

Young Artist Gallery (2006-present)
In collaboration with the Emanuel Arts Council, created Young Artists Gallery in the Emanuel Arts Center and serves as curator

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
03/04/06-03/23/06 Kalmanson Gallery, Swainsboro, GA
04/09/06-06/06/06 114 West Main St, “Familia” Swainsboro, GA

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
03/15/07- 04/01/07 Contemporary Arts Exchange, “Buck The System”, Macon, GA
01/15/07- 02/01/07 Group Show, RFD Gallery, Swainsboro, GA
09/30/06 Emanuel Artsfest, Artist Guild group showing, Swainsboro, GA
06/04/06 - 07/28/06, Annual Local Artist Exhibition, Kalmanson Gallery, Swainsboro, GA

STILLMOREROOTS GROUP EXHIBITIONS
03/24/07- Art in the Woods, StillmoreRoots Group installation, Stillmore, GA
10/28/06 Portal Heritage Society Festival, Stillmoreroots Group installation, Portal, GA
09/05/06-10/01/06 114 West Main St, “Welcome Home” Stillmoreroots Group, Swainsboro, GA

PUBLICATIONS
2005, Wiregrass Literary Magazine, East Georgia College
2006, Wiregrass Literary Magazine, East Georgia College

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