CV
SUMMARY
Highly motivated and hard-working mixed media artist, art writer, and emerging gallery curator and organizer. B.F.A. and Honors graduate (summa cum laude) with a strong desire to pursue a career at a museum or gallery. Experienced and knowledgeable in gallery organization and curating, art history, and studio art (mixed media). Works well both independently and collaboratively.
EDUCATION
B.F.A. in Studio Art (Mixed Media Concentration); Minor in Art History
summa cum laude | Honors
Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Dec 2024
WORK EXPERIENCE
Alumnus Curator (initially Student Curator)
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
May 2024 – Mar 2025
Assistant to the Gallery Director
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
May 2023 – Jan 2024, May – Jul 2024
Visual Arts Volunteer
Arts Access Program, Matheny; Peapack, NJ
Mar 2026 – present
Program Assistant
Therapeutic Recreation Department, Somerset County Park Commission; Bridgewater, NJ
Mar 2025 – present
Self-Directed Employee
Acumen Fiscal Agent (formerly with Public Partnerships, LLC)
Feb 2024 – present
Freelance mixed media artist
Ongoing
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Be Still (painting series and nature photography series)
Chester Library; Chester, NJ
May 2026
Urgent
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
Mar – Apr 2026
Urgent: Winged Messengers & Art Meets Alphabet — dual-body exhibition
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Mar 2026
Urgent
Bernardsville Public Library; Bernardsville, NJ
Feb 2026
Urgent & Be Still (nature photography series) — dual-body exhibition
Warren Township Library; Warren, NJ
Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
Art Meets Alphabet
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
Sep 2025
Imagine
North County Branch Library; Clinton, NJ
Aug – Nov 2025
Art Meets Alphabet
Hunterdon County Library; Raritan Township, NJ
Jul 2025
Be Still (nature photography series; second iteration)
Bernards Township Library; Basking Ridge, NJ
Jul – Aug 2025
Urgent
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
April – May 2025
Be Still
Bernardsville Public Library; Bernardsville, NJ
Jan 2025
Culmination
Visceglia Arts Center, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Dec 2024
Be Still
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
Sep 2024
Be Still (nature photography series)
Bernards Township Library; Basking Ridge, NJ
Jul 2024
Inner Spirit
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Jun 2024
Be Still
Roseland Free Public Library; Roseland, NJ
Feb 2024
Imagine
Bernards Township Library; Basking Ridge, NJ
Jan 2024
Be Still (nature photography series)
Alongside Isabella Neufeld curated solo exhibition
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Dec 2023
Imagine
Montgomery Library; Montgomery, NJ
Aug 2023
Be Still
Warren Township Library; Warren, NJ
Aug – Sep 2023
Transcendence
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
May 2023
Imagine
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Apr 2023
Imagine
Peapack and Gladstone Library; Peapack and Gladstone, NJ
Oct 2022
Imagine
Warren Township Library; Warren, NJ
Jul – Aug 2022
Flying Solo II
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
May – Jun 2022
Flying Solo
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater NJ
Sep – Oct 2021
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Manville Arts Council 2026 Expo
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
May 2026
The Pursuit of Happiness
Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke's Episcopal Church; Metuchen, NJ
February – May 2026
Growing From the Ruins
Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke's Episcopal Church; Metuchen, NJ
September – December 2025
Manville Arts Council 2025 Expo
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
May 2025
3[three]: the exhibit
Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Metuchen, NJ
Feb – May 2025
Connexum: Caldwell University Kappa Pi 2025 Alumni & Student Exhibition
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Feb 2025
Peace/Conflict
Nails in the Wall Gallery, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Metuchen, NJ
Sep – Dec 2024
Manville Arts Council 2024 Expo
Manville Public Library; Manville, NJ
May 2024
Transfiguration
Senior B.F.A. thesis exhibition
With Seasons by Mikayla Bush & Bifrost by Yara Attia
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2024
Student/faculty showcase for tenured professors ceremony
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Mar 2024
Sol Studio 2019 Closing Reception
Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) Gallery, Mana Contemporary; Jersey City, NJ
Aug 2019
CURATED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
North County Branch Library; Clinton, NJ
Aug – Nov 2025
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
Chester Library; Chester, NJ
Apr 2025
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
West Caldwell Public Library; West Caldwell, NJ
Jan 2025
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
Hunterdon County Library; Raritan Township, NJ
Aug 2024
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center; Bridgewater, NJ
Feb 2024
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
Alongside Be Still (nature photography series)
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Dec 2023
Isabella Neufeld solo exhibition
Bridgewater Township Senior Center; Bridgewater, NJ
Jun – Jul 2023
CURATED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Connexum: Caldwell University Kappa Pi 2025 Alumni & Student Exhibition
(Among the exhibiting artists, as an alumnus of Kappa Pi)
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Feb 2025
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Reaching for Inclusion
Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) NEST; Woodstock, NY
Oct 2019 – present
Reaching for Inclusion
Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) Gallery, Mana Contemporary; Jersey City, NJ
Aug – Sep 2019
RESIDENCIES
Visceglia Arts Center
Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Jun – Aug 2023
Sol Studio; Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF), Mana Contemporary
Jersey City, NJ
Aug 2019
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Series of five wall texts
The Circuit Unseen
A solo exhibition by multimedia artist Sarah Canfield
BrassWorks Gallery, The Bravitas Group; Montclair, NJ
Feb 2025
Catalog essay
Special Dust
A solo exhibition by artist Nick Lamia
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Fall 2024
Presence: A Journal of Catholic Poetry, 2023 issue
Artwork Awaken (top portion) on foot cover; bio and artist statement inside
Apr 2023
Art Meets Alphabet
Book featuring a series of digital media works
Jun 2020
Under One Sky: Leaping Letters
Artwork L is for Leaf featured
Created during Sol Studio summer residency
Book distributed to Rwandan schoolchildren
Dec 2019
New Jersey Department of Human Services 2020 Calendar
Artwork Love Gives Us Wings featured
For receiving a 2nd Place state award in Digital Art in the New Jersey Teen Media Contest
Dec 2019
PRESS
"Volunteer Spotlight: Ben Fernandez"
Matheny Medical and Educational Center website
Apr 2026
"Local Artist Holding Two-Pronged Show in Bridgewater"
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
Mar 2026
Press release for Urgent, with artist bio/statement
Bernardsville Public Library website
Feb 2026
"Artist Ben Fernandez to Present Solo Exhibition 'Urgent' at Bernardsville Public Library"
TAPinto Somerset Hills
Feb 2026
"Bridgewater Artist Holding Exhibit in Warren"
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
Dec 2025 / Jan 2026
“Imagine by Benjamin Fernandez”
Clinton Township Newsletter; September 2025 issue
Aug 2025
“Local artist's exhibitions on display at Hunterdon libraries”
Hunterdon Review
Jul 2025
“The gift of art nurtures faith, builds connections”
The Catholic Spirit, Diocese of Metuchen
Jul 2025
“Bridgewater Resident Holding Art Exhibition”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
May 2025
“Art Honors society works on display through March 1 at Caldwell University’s Mueller Gallery”
The Progress (serves western Essex County, NJ)
Feb 2025
“‘Connexum’ Kappa Pi Group Exhibition Opens at the Mueller Gallery at Caldwell University with Artists’ Talk and Reception"
Caldwell University website
Feb 2025
Press release for Be Still, with artist bio/statement
Bernardsville Public Library website
Jan 2025
“Bridgewater Resident Showing Solo Art Show in Manville”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
Sep 2024
“Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell important influence for student artist”
The Catholic Spirit, Diocese of Metuchen
Jun 2024
“Bridgewater Resident to Host 6th Exhibition at Bridgewater Township Library”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
May 2024
Calyx 2024
Caldwell University literary magazine
Artwork featured
May 2024
“Bridgewater Resident to Exhibit Senior Thesis Project"
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
Apr 2024
“Mixed Media Art by Ben Fernandez on Display at Roseland Library”
Caldwells Patch
Feb 2024
“Bridgewater Artist Hopes to Spark Imagination at Bernards Township Library”
Bridgewater Patch
Jan 2024
“Artist Hopes to Spark Imagination at Bernards Township Library”
Basking Ridge Patch
Jan 2024
“Local Artist Holding Second Art Exhibit at Warren Township Library”
Bridgewater-Raritan Breeze
Aug / Sep 2023
“Local Artist to Exhibit at Warren Library”
TAPintoWarren
Jul 2023
“Student’s work graces cover of college’s annual publication”
The Catholic Spirit, Diocese of Metuchen
May 2023
Calyx 2023
Caldwell University literary magazine
Artwork featured
May 2023
“Bridgewater Resident Holding Fourth Art Exhibit at Township Library”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
May 2023
“Bridgewater Resident Holding Second Art Exhibit at Township Library”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
May 2022
“Bridgewater Resident Holding First Art Exhibition at Town Library”
Bridgewater-Raritan BReeze
Sep 2021
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS
Artist talk for a group of clients from Mt. Bethel Day Program
Urgent: Winged Messengers & Art Meets Alphabet
Bridgewater Library; Bridgewater, NJ
Mar 2026
Artist talk for a group of clients from Mt. Bethel Day Program
Urgent & Be Still
Warren Township Library; Warren, NJ
Jan 2026
Presentation of the gift of a framed serigraph print by Gabriela Desvaldi
Sisters of Christian Charity (SCC) at Malinckrodt Convent; Mendham, NJ
Aug 2025
Artist talk facilitator
Collective: Caldwell University Kappa Pi 2025 Alumni & Student Exhibition
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Feb 2025
Artist talk for a high school art class at St. Dominic Academy
Transfiguration
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2024
Special private presentation for the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell
Transfiguration
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2024
Artist talk
Transfiguration
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2024
Artist talk facilitator
Steve Rossi (with Robbie Wing): Prior Appropriation
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Jan 2024
Sole designated student speaker
Caldwell University Honors Recruitment Dinner
Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Dec 2023
Note: 200+ people in attendance
Artist talk facilitator
Inspire 2023: Caldwell University Department of Visual Art & Design Faculty Exhibition
The Mueller Gallery, Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Sep 2023
Caldwell University Department of Visual Art & Design Student Ambassador
Representative/speaker at various functions
Apr 2021 – Mar 2022
Speaker/facilitator at various functions as a member of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County 4-H
Jul 2015 – Oct 2020
High School Valedictorian
Commencement address
Jun 2020
Four-time “Best in Room” award winner
Rutgers University State Public Presentations
Rutgers University – New Brunswick; New Brunswick, NJ
Jun 2016 – Jun 2019
8th Grade Valedictorian
Commencement address
Jun 2016
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Saint Dominic Award
Caldwell University
Awarded annually to a graduating student who actively practices the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, ministry, and service. Additionally reflects a commitment to truth, wisdom, knowledge, professional excellence, integrity, and leadership. Inspired by the mission of St. Dominic de Guzman and the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, the latter of whom founded the university.
Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2025
B.F.A. in Studio Art Departmental Honor
Caldwell University
For maintaining the highest GPA among all students graduating with a B.F.A.
Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2025
Pass with Distinction
Caldwell University Honors Project
“Discovering the Spiritual in Contemporary Visual Art”
Scholarly research paper; series of three art pieces; defense and presentation
Caldwell University; Caldwell, NJ
Apr 2023
2nd Place State Award, Digital Art
New Jersey Teen Media Contest
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Received during a ceremony at New Jersey State House; Trenton, NJ
May 2019
Note: Selected artwork, Love Gives Us Wings, featured in the N.J. Department of Human Services 2020 Calendar, released in Dec 2019
1st Place State Award, Logo Design
New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference
Mar 2019
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition
Signed by United States Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman
Jun 2016