Upcoming Exhibit
I’m excited to share that I have another solo exhibition scheduled at The Customs House Museum in Tennessee from mid-July to mid-September in 2028.
Triton Museum Acquisition
I’m honored to share that my painting Beyond the Scales has been acquired by the Triton Museum of Art for its Permanent Collection!
A heartfelt thank-you to the Triton Museum, its dedicated staff, and the generous sponsors of the Museum’s 60th Anniversary Gala, whose support made this acquisition possible.
With deepest gratitude to Leila Ajani, Analyn & Sam Cisneros, Jan Hintermeister, Amy Madsen, Barb Matson, Preston & Kay Metcalf, Therese O’Neill, Priyanka Rana, Daniel Schwartz, and Yael Wagner. Your generosity and belief in the power of art helped make this moment a reality.
Special thanks to Preston Metcalf, Executive Director of the Triton Museum of Art, for his visionary leadership. Despite today’s challenging political climate and ongoing cuts to arts funding, he successfully guided the museum through these turbulent times and made this remarkable, unprecedented gala possible.
From the Triton Museum:
“Beyond the Scales” was a signature piece in Mei-Ying Dell’Aquila’s recent solo exhibition at the Coos Art Museum in Coos Bay, Oregon. This work, along with many others by Mei-Ying, will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Santa Clara Convention Center in partnership with the Triton Museum of Art beginning June 2025.
Solo Exhibition at Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR.
A JOURNEY OF STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE
An Evening with artist Mei-Ying Dell’Aquila
Celebrate Mei-Ying’s breathtaking A Journey of Strength and Perseverance exhibit closing. The night featured an exclusive artist talk with Mei-Ying herself, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about her powerful works of art.
Beyond the Scales (triptych, 2024, oil on canvas, 74” x 141”)
The Watcher
74” x 47”
Oil on canvas, 2023
At the center of the painting, a woman is depicted holding a pair of binoculars accompanied by her dog, suggesting her role as an observer of the world around her. This symbolizes the need for heightened awareness when it comes to the pressing issue of climate change.
Through her actions, she becomes a metaphorical guardian, diligently watching over the planet and its inhabitants and encourages us to imagine and strive for a world where nature can flourish, birds can soar.
My painting, ‘Justice’ has recently been purchased by Mission College, Santa Clara, CA, as an addition to their permanent collection.
Justice
38” x 38”
Oil on canvas, 2008
Lady Liberty, adorned with armor, blindfolded, and holding a sword, symbolizes the tireless pursuit of what is right.
The blindfold worn by Lady Liberty is a symbol of impartiality and objectivity. It represents her commitment to judge solely based on the facts, unbiased by external influences. By obscuring her vision, the blindfold signifies that justice is blind to the differences that divide humanity, treating all individuals equally. In this painting, the blindfold reinforces that justice should be pursued without prejudice, favoritism, or discrimination.
Rising Above Challenge
60” x 36”
Oil on canvas, 2022
The Statue of Liberty is an icon I use to represent the wisdom and intelligence inside each one of us. By doing so, I hope to empower people to take charge and change the world for the better; to be the very same people that we hoped would help us reach the next frontier. Throughout history, men have traditionally occupied this role, so through my work, my intent is to encourage women to take ownership of this role as well.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic crises, I portray Lady Liberty as a force for good, a source of healing and strength. In this painting, Lady Liberty, who represents the collective “us”, kneels on the Eagle Gargoyle in a determined, confident pose, ready to rise above the challenge.
Tenuous Hope
48” x 48”
Oil on canvas, 2022
This painting is a response to the struggles associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Portrayed here is Kratos, the Greek God of strength and power, who hauls a rope that is entwined with the COVID-19 virus and fitted through a pulley that eventually strangles the neck of an encroaching vulture. The vulture is wearing a death mask which symbolizes suffering and devastation caused by the virus.
Future Germinator
48” x 36”
Oil on canvas, 2021
This unusual baby is still connected to the umbilical cord, even though the time of birth has long since passed. Despite her underdeveloped condition, she has begun exploring her world through the window of the smart phone. The smartphone has become her babysitter; it has replaced her toys, her friends, and has become her understanding of the world around her. The smartphone is the center of her developing life – the future germinator.
Current & Future Events
- Solo show at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
- My painting, ‘Beyond the Scales’, has been acquired by the Triton Museum of Art for its Permanent Collection
- My painting, ‘Justice,’ has been purchased by Mission College, Santa Clara, CA, as one of their permanent collection.
- Board Member and Treasurer of the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, CA.
- Art teacher at Triton Museum of Art.
Triton Museum, Night of Art, 2014
Biography
As a Taiwanese American artist with a Master’s Degree in Art, living in California, my work is deeply shaped by the intersection of two rich cultures—Taiwanese and American. These dual experiences inform not only the content of my paintings but also the emotional depth and the themes of struggle, transformation, and triumph that emerge in my work. The harmony and conflicts I experience within these cultures are woven into every piece, guiding my exploration of human nature, resilience, and strength.
Having spent years as an art educator, I’ve always been passionate about self-empowerment. I encouraged my students to take control of their futures and contribute to a better world, and this philosophy directly influenced my art. In my paintings, I often depict strong, dynamic figures whose exaggerated muscles and dramatic poses symbolize determination, the will to overcome adversity, and the capacity for positive change. These figures are a reflection of my belief in the transformative power of human agency.
Storytelling has always been a driving force in my work, inspired by my time teaching children art. I’m drawn to myths from a variety of cultures, as they often contain universal themes that speak to the heart of the human experience. These stories fuel my imagination and find their way into my compositions, allowing me to convey narratives that explore the internal and external struggles people face, the transformations that arise from them, and the triumphs that can follow.
Color plays a pivotal role in my work, and I’m particularly influenced by the baroque style. Bold, vibrant hues bring intensity to my paintings, and dynamic contrasts and compositions enhance the drama of each scene. The exaggerated physicality of my figures reflects the vibrancy and confidence I seek to convey, representing strength and the vitality of the human spirit. Every brushstroke, every color choice, is an invitation for the viewer to see the power within, to feel the energy of the figures on the canvas, and to recognize the potential for change in all of us.
Through my paintings, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the strength that lies within each individual. My work is both a personal reflection and a universal message—a reminder that we all have the power to influence the world around us, to face challenges with resilience, and to bring about positive transformation.
Current Roles:
- I am honored to serve as one of the jurors for the 2026 2D Art Competition and Exhibition at the Triton Museum of Art
- Board Member and Treasurer of the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, CA., since 2022.
- Art teacher at Triton Museum of Art since 2022.
Art Show Awards:
(2025) My painting, ‘Beyond the Scales’, has been acquired by the Triton Museum of Art for its Permanent Collection (Santa Clara, CA)
(2023) ‘Justice’ was purchased by Mission College to add to their permanent collection (Santa Clara, CA)
(2022) Best Of Show Award, Coos Art Museum, juried in by Walt Padgett (Coos Bay, OR)
(2018) Chief Curator’s Choice award, Triton Art Museum, juried in by Maria Ester Fernandez (Santa Clara, CA)
(2017) Third Place Award, Coos Art Museum, Expression West 2017 Competition, Juried in by Katherine Chang Liu (Coos Bay, OR)
(2016) Merit award, Coos Art Museum, Expression West 2016 Competition, Juried in by Leslie Kenneth Price (Coos Bay, OR)
(2014) Third Place Award, Triton Museum of Art Statewide painting competition 2014. Juried in by Preston Metcalf, Maria Ester Fernandez & Stephanie Learmonth (Santa Clara, CA)
(2013) First Place Award, Pacific Art League, Breath of Spring National Competition. Juried in by George Rivera (Palo Alto, CA)
(2013) Honorable Mention Award, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, the Summer 2013 National Competition, Juried in by George Rivera (Marin, CA)
(2013) Honorable Mention Award, Santa Cruz Art League, the Black and White Competition, Juried in by Mr. George (Santa Cruz, CA)
(2013) People’s Choice Award, Triton Museum (Santa Clara, CA)
(2013) Honorable Mention Award, Pacific Art League, Fur, Feathers and Fins Competition, Juried in by Mr. Michael(Palo Alto, CA)
(2011) Honorable Mention Award, Los Gatos Art Association Juried in by Kim Lordier (Los Gatos, CA)
(2010) Second Place Award, Art Museum of Los Gatos, juried in by Jeff Brambschreiber (Los Gatos, CA)
Solo Shows:
(2028) Customs House Museum, July to September (Clarksville, TN)
(2026) Santa Clara Convention Center July 2026 (TBA) – (Santa Clara, CA)
(2025) Coos Art Museum, Jan 10, 2025 – April 13, 2025 (Coos Bay, OR)
(2023) ‘Justice’ was purchased by Mission College to add to their permanent collection, (Santa Clara, CA)
(2020) Triton Art Museum Pocket Exhibition (Santa Clara, CA)
(2014) Intel Corporation, (Santa Clara, CA)
(2012) Mid-Peninsula Media Center, (Palo Alto, CA)
(2011) SJCC Gallery, (San Jose, CA)
(2010) Mid-peninsula Media Center (Palo Alto, CA)
(2010) Pacific Art League (Palo Alto, CA)
(2010) Oak Creek Club House (Palo Alto, CA)
(1984) Valencia Street Books (San Francisco, CA)
Group Shows:
(2025) Triton Museum of Art (Santa Clara, CA)
(2025) Vargas Art Gallery, Mission College, “The Gilded Legacies Exhibit” (Santa Clara, CA)
(2023) My painting, ‘The Watcher,’ has been juried into the 2D Competition at Triton Museum of Art by the juror, Cuong Nguyen.
(2021) Triton Art Museum 2D competition 2021 (Santa Clara, CA)
(2016) Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 2016 Competition (Marietta, GA)
(2015) Masur Museum, 52nd National Art Competition (Monroe, LA)
(2014) Customs House Museum “Women Painting Women Exhibit” (Clarksville, TN)
(2014) Haggin Museum, 58thNational Art Competition (Stockton, CA)
(2014) Northwest Area Arts Council, 27th Women’s Work (Woodstock, IL)
(2013) Museum of the Living Artist, 52nd International competition at San Diego Art Institute (San Diego, CA)
(2013) Sequim Museum & Art Center, 2013 National Juried competition (Sequim, WA)
(2013) Triton Museum Gala art show (Santa Clara, CA)
(2012) The Museum of Russian Art (Jersey City, NJ)
(2012) Farmington Museum (Farmington, NM)
(2012) Customs House Museum (Clarksville, TN)
(2012) Sequim Museum & Art Center (Sequim, WA)
(2012) De Young Museum (San Francisco, CA)
(2012) Coos Art Museum, Expression West 2012 Competition (Coos Bay, OR).
(2012) Northwest Area Arts Council, 25th Anniversary Show (Woodstock, IL)
(2012) Rose Shengson Gallery, Triton Museum, LGAA (Santa Clara, CA)
(2011) Triton Museum Statewide painting competition 2011, (Santa Clara, CA.)
(2010) Richeson Gallery, International Landscape Competition (Kimberly, WI)
(2010) Haggin Museum, National Art Competition (Stockton, CA)
Previous experience:
(25 years) Owner and teacher of My Art School (After school art program for students).
(16 years) Freelance computer graphics designer.
(7 years) Chinese school (bilingual language) teacher.
(6.5 years) Volunteer for the school room parent coordinator.
(8 years) Silicon Valley Basketball Team founder, board member, and volunteer.
Master of Arts Degree from San Francisco State University.