Perez Art Studio

About
Stephanie Perez is an artist based in Gainesville, FL, and a proud Florida native. She holds a BFA with a concentration in Painting and a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Florida. Her artistic practice spans painting, photography, and mixed media, with a strong passion for oil painting. While narrative portraiture is her specialty, she enjoys exploring creative possibilities across various mediums.
Background:
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Perez’s love for the environment began at a young age. Growing up in Florida, she found solace in the state’s natural landscapes—orange groves, open fields, and the icy waters of freshwater springs—all of which provided a sense of relaxation and escape from the mundane. In 2015, she became increasingly aware of the climate crisis, particularly after the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the extensive media coverage that followed. Artists such as Olafur Eliasson, who brought melting ice blocks from Greenland to Paris as a striking visual representation of climate change, profoundly influenced her perspective. This sense of urgency would shape her artistic direction for the next decade.
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During her undergraduate studies, Perez’s work began to explore the psychological impact of climate change and the influence of consumer culture on both the environment and society. Over time, her practice has expanded to examine the broader implications of the Anthropocene, particularly how climate change shapes daily life and individual experiences. She also explores the human condition in relation to these environmental shifts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all disciplines and the ways they influence one another.
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Currently, Perez is exhibiting new work at the Gainesville Fine Arts Association throughout 2025, following a successful 2024 exhibition year. To stay updated on her latest exhibitions, follow her on social media.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Web Design and Online Communications
2025
University of Florida
2022
University of Florida
BFA in Painting, along with a minor in Sustainability Studies.
Exhibitions
2025
Group Exhibition. Latino Art Exhibition, Latina Women's League. Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. 12th Annual Adult Summer Art Show, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Celebrating 25 Years of Making Waves, Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead, NY.
Group Exhibition. 2025 Summer Showcase, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Cabinet of Curiosities, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Flow, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. The Art of Watercolor, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. VoLo Foundation 2025 Climate Correction Conference Art Contest, VoLo Foundation, Orlando, FL.
Group Exhibition. Galex 58 National Juried Exhibition, Galesburg Community Arts Center, Galesburg, IL.
Group Exhibition. Timeless: Black & White Works, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
2024
Group Exhibition. Co-curator. Dreamscapes, The Hipp Art Gallery, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. 2024 GFAA Judged Art Exhibit, Oak Hammock, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Latino Art Exhibition, Latina Women’s League. Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Nostalgia, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Hair, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. 2024 Summer Showcase, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Disruption, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Co-curator. Windows and Mirrors, Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville, FL.
2022
Solo Exhibition. A New Americana, Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Spring Art Exhibition, Reitz Union Gallery at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
2021
Group Exhibition. Fall Art Exhibition, Reitz Union Gallery at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Group Exhibition. Summer Art Exhibition, Reitz Union Gallery at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
2020
Group Exhibition. 8x8, Flatfile Gallery Exhibition, Online show.
2018
Group Exhibition. WARP Final Exhibition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Publications
New Visionary: Issue 14. Visionary Art Collective. 2025
Dinner + No Show Volume 5. Art History Association at the University of Florida. 2022
TEA: Volume XXIV Magazine. Tea Literary and Arts Magazine. 2022.
Dinner + No Show Volume 4. Art History Association at the University of Florida. 2021.
TEA : Volume XXIII Magazine. Tea Literary and Arts Magazine. 2021.
Awards
2025
Mildred-Thompson Scholarship: Gainesville Arts Association scholarship for visual artists of color. Recognizes original artwork and supports showcasing of work.
Merit Award: For my painting, "Underwater Haven," in The Art of Watercolor at GFAA.
2024
Best in Show: My painting “Modern Greed” was awarded Best in Show for the 2024 GFAA Judged Art Exhibit at Oak Hammock.
Merit Award: For my painting, "Trinkets," in the 2024 Summer Showcase at GFAA.
Mildred-Thompson Scholarship: Gainesville Arts Association scholarship for visual artists of color. Recognizes original artwork and supports showcasing of work.
2018
Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence: Presented to one senior from Putnam County every academic year. Acknowledges academic achievements and community involvement.
Associations
Gainesville Fine Arts Association. Member, 2024-2025.
Visionary Art Collective. Member of the Visionary Directory, 2024-2025.


