Beth Shields
Beth Shields is a distinguished abstract artist whose work has captivated collectors and audiences worldwide. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Beth has dedicated her life to artistic exploration, creating dynamic and thought-provoking pieces that delve into the complexities of the human experience. From an early age, Beth felt an innate drive to create, leading her to pursue formal studies in painting, sculpture, and graphic arts at UCLA. Over the years, she has built a successful career as a fine artist, exhibiting extensively while maintaining creative autonomy. She embraces risk and innovation in her artistic practice, seeing each piece as part of an ongoing quest for meaning and expression. Her art has been collected by major corporations, luxury hotels, and private collectors across the globe. She has also been an integral part of Santa Cruz’s vibrant art scene, participating in Open Studios for over 25 years and contributing to numerous exhibitions and community events.
Selected Collections:
Corporate: IBM, TRW, Hughes Aircraft, Visa USA, American Savings, Fidelity Savings, Metropolitan Life, Coldwell Banker, The Sutro Corp., Sitmar Cruise Lines, Brentwood Associates, Mitsu Bank, McCambridge and Dexler, Comptroller of the Currency, San Diego Credit Union, Bailes and Associates, and more.
Hotels: Cable Beach Hotel (Bahamas), Ana Hotel (Tokyo, Japan), Maxims (Palm Springs), The Bel Air Hotel, and Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, and Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
Through her bold approach to abstraction, Beth Shields continues to push creative boundaries, offering viewers a glimpse into the profound and ever-evolving dialogue between art and emotion.
EDUCATION
1976
Bachelor of Arts in Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts
University of California, Los Angeles
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Corporate Collections
IBM, TRW, Hughes Aircraft, Visa USA, American Savings, Fidelity Savings, Metropolitan Life, Coldwell Banker, The Sutro Corporation, Sitmar Cruise Lines, Brentwood Associates, Mitsu Bank, McCambridge and Dexler, Comptroller of the Currency, San Diego Credit Union, Bailes and Associates, and others.
Hotel Collections
Cable Beach Hotel, Bahamas; Ana Hotel, Tokyo, Japan; Maxims, Palm Springs, CA; Bel Air Hotel, Los Angeles, CA; Hilton, Sheraton, Marriott, and Hyatt Hotels in locations worldwide.
Private Collections
Joe Spano and Joan Zerrien; Gary Goldberg and Diana Meehan; Nathalie de la Roziere; Lynni Hutton; Solanges Dione; Dr. Richard Ellenbogen; Diane Lindsay; Mark McGuire; Dr. Joan Johnson; Stilson Snow; Dr. Beverly Dalby; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Eadie; Chris Leone; Christina Floyd; Carolyn Biddick & Alisa Van Dissen; Suzanne Dowling & Marsha Keefer; Debra Duhamel & Martha Zimet; Mary Offerman; Claire Sanders; Gary Reese and Rini Van Every; Anna Oneglia; Lisa Ford; and others.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2025
50/50 Exhibition - Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica, CA
Here to Eternity - MK Contemporary, Santa Cruz, CA
Whatever Show - PVA Gallery, Watsonville, CA
480 Lighthouse Gallery, Pacific Grove, CA
Ongoing exhibition at Gallery 125, Tannery Arts Center, Santa Cruz, CA
2024
Ties That Bind - MK Contemporary, Santa Cruz, CA
Take Aways - PVA Gallery, Watsonville, CA
2023
One Woman Show - Oswald, Santa Cruz, CA
2022
12 x 12 - Cabrillo Gallery, Aptos, CA
Take Aways - Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery
2021
Exhibitionist - Curated Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
Art Salon at The Triton - Triton Museum, Santa Clara, CA
In These Uncertain Times - Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz, CA
2020
Driven to Abstraction - Vargas Gallery, Santa Clara, CA
2019
20/60 Women Artists in Their Prime - Blitzer Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
2018
Abstract Santa Cruz - Blitzer Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
2016
Color! - Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery
Energy and Stillness - Santa Cruz Art League
2015
Elemental: Earth, Air, Water, Fire - Art Ark Gallery, San Jose, CA
2012
Tannery Creative Arts Center Opening
2011
Art Hang - Santa Cruz, CA
Pacific Trading Company, Santa Cruz, CA
2010
Stripe - Santa Cruz, CA
Oswald, Santa Cruz, CA
2009
Pearl Canyon Gallery, Carmel, CA
Many Hands Gallery, Capitola, CA
2008
Art for Art (Group Invitational) - Mill Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz County Bank Arts Collaborative: Abstractions
Lawrence Gallery, Portland, OR
2003
Monterey Museum of Art Juried Exhibition, Monterey, CA
2002
Exemplary Contemporary - Smith Gallery, UC Santa Cruz
2001
Monterey Museum of Art Juried Exhibition, Monterey, CA
2000
Many Hands Gallery, Capitola, CA
1998
Many Hands Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
1997
Pacific Grove Art Center, Pacific Grove, CA
1996
Santa Cruz County Art Museum, Santa Cruz, CA
1995
Galleria Tonantzin, San Juan Bautista, CA
1994
Many Hands Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
1991
Ella Grey Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
1986
Los Angeles City Hall Rotunda Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1984
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, CA
PARTICIPATION, APPOINTMENTS & RECOGNITION
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Rental Gallery
Santa Cruz County Art Museum Rental Gallery
The Splat Art Tour (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
Santa Cruz County Open Studio Tour (annually from 1992–2024)
Art & Chocolate Tour Invitational (2008, 2009, 2011)
Member, Art 4 Art Invitational (2008, 2010)
Santa Cruz County Open Studio Committee (2005–2008)
Tannery Arts Artists Advisory Committee (2006–2011)
Rydell Arts Fellowship Nominee (2008, 2013)
Board of Directors, Pajaro Valley Arts (2015–2020)
Vice President, Pajaro Valley Arts Board (2015–2016)
“ Since my first crayon at three, I’ve known that drawing and painting are my path. Art reveals itself only when I risk searching, and in that search I find my purpose. ”— Beth Shields
“ Since my first crayon at three, I’ve known that drawing and painting are my path. Art reveals itself only when I risk searching, and in that search I find my purpose. ”— Beth Shields
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