The Artist
Biography
Martina Sophia Phelan, born in 2003 in Riverside, CT, is a contemporary painter based in New York City and Riverside. Her work explores vibrant narratives that are deeply influenced by her personal experiences and interests, which include a childhood spent in pre-professional classical ballet training, a love of the natural world, particularly animal behavior and adaptations, and representations of saints and shrine spaces.
Phelan is currently pursuing an MFA at the School of Visual Arts after recently graduating with a BS from Skidmore College, where she studied fine art, art history, and biology. She began her artistic career in 2022 and has since been included in multiple group exhibitions in Saratoga Springs, including at the Tang Teaching Museum, Schick Gallery, and the Saratoga Arts Center.
Throughout her artistic journey, Phelan has received several notable awards, including the Jesse Solomon Memorial Award, which honors a senior with promise and distinction in painting, and the Schick Gallery Award at Skidmore College's annual juried art show.
Curriculum Vitae
2027
MFA Fine Arts, School of Visual Arts, New York, New York ( Degree Pending)
2025
Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts (painting), Minors: Art History and Biology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NYC
Awards
2025
Jesse Solomon Memorial Award
Schick Gallery Award
2024
Adirondack Trust Award
Exhibitions
2025
Group Exhibition, Senior Thesis Exhibition, Tang Teaching Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY
Group Exhibition, Juried Skidmore Student Exhibition, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs, NY - Juror: Will Hutnick
2024
Group Exhibition, The Juniors Show, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs, NY- Was 1 of 6 juniors selected to show and give a talk on work done in the major.
Group Exhibition, Juried Skidmore Student Exhibition, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs, NY - Juror Wendy Ide Williams
2023
Group Exhibition, 120 Intercollegiate Regional, Saratoga Art Center, Saratoga Springs, NY
Group Exhibition, Juried Skidmore Student Exhibition, Schick Gallery, Saratoga Springs, NY- Juror: Judie Gilmore
Curation
Co-Curator, “Face to Face”, Tang Teaching Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY 2023 – Developed curatorial concept, selected 18 artists, wrote wall and art texts, and talked during opening program.