Mildred Gil Parada

Born and raised in Merida, Venezuela, cultural, diverse and University City among the highest mountains of the Andes, gave Mildred Gil Parada an appreciation for the arts from an early age. Started studies in Architecture at the “Universidad de Los Andes”, Merida in 1994. Completed her 3rd year in Architecture, Mildred moved to Eastern Venezuela, in 1998. Puerto la Cruz, a coastal city facing the Caribbean Sea, caused a deep interest in the calcareous, stony, and solid as a means of artistic expression. She followed fine arts studies at the School of Arts “Armando Reveron” of Barcelona, obtaining a degree of Associate of Arts in Sculpture, in 2001. Mildred discovered her passion for the stone under the wise eye and guidance of the Venezuelan artist and master sculptor Valentin Malaver, in whose studio worked from 2002 to 2005. From 2004 to 2007, Mildred had the great privilege of sharing daily evening work and conversations with Venezuelan master sculptor and famed artist, Pedro Barreto. His wise counsel and guidance enriched Mildred’s artistic spirit and technique. During her career in Venezuela, her work was recognized several times, within which we can mention the followings awards and honorable mentions: the “Easter’s One Hundred”, Museum Nueva Cadiz, La Asuncion-Venezuela, 2007, where she was awarded with the “First Prize in Sculpture” for her sculpture “Olas” (Waves); The “First Prize Francisco Narvaez in Sculpture” in the “VII National Biennial of Visual Arts”, Municipal Gallery of Modern Arts, Puerto la Cruz-Venezuela, 2007, with the artwork “Arpa” (Harp); and the “I National Symposium of Sculpture Puente Morillo”, Municipality of Valencia, Valencia-Venezuela, 2009, with “Honorable Mention” for the monumental sculpture “Guitarra en dos tiempos” (Guitar in two times). In 2013 Mildred moved to Mesa, Arizona. In her studio, she is currently working in her creative work on marble, granite and limestone, and investigating and experimenting with Arizona stones and materials for her artwork as well. Since 2015, Mildred has been participating in the Southwest juried arts show circuit especially in California and Arizona. Mildred has presented her work at galleries in Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix as well.