2019-2021 | MFA, DoVA program in University of Chicago

2013-2017 | BFA, American Academy of Art

2024 | Best of Show, 12th Annual Art Competition, Bridgeport Art Center

2021 | SPARK Grant, Chicago Artist Coalition

2018 | Special Merit, 7th Annual “All Women” Art Exhibition, Light, Space, and Time Online Art Gallery

2016 | Honorable Mention Award in American Academy of Fine Art Exhibition

Fall 2016 | President’s List, American Academy of Art

Fall 2015 | President’s List, American Academy of Art

Spring 2015 | Dean’s List, American Academy of Art

Fall 2014 | Dean’s List, American Academy of Art

2024 | Echoes: Weaving Identity & Belonging, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL

2024 | Neither Here Nor There, Side Street Art Studio & Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin, IL

2024 | “We See You: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in 2024, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, IL

3rd Place Winner

2024 | 12th Annual Art Competition, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL

1st Place Winner, Best of Show

2021 | “a forest of signs, goth collage, and aphorisms” Belong Gallery, Chicago, IL

2021 | “Growing Pains” Anthony Gallery, Chicago, IL

2021 | MFA Thesis Exhibition, DoVA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2021 | “Cinco de Mayo” Exhibition and Event, Epic Art House, Chicago, IL

2020 | “Detached Connection” Exhibition, Gallery Cafe, Chicago, IL

2020 | 1st Chicago Art Library Show, Virtual Gallery, Chicago, IL

2020 | “Niñxs Merecen Más Que Mentiras” Illiasca, Chicago, IL

2019 | “Crossroads” Exhibition, Gallery Cafe, Chicago, IL

2018 | “Variable Views” Exhibition, Studio Oh!, Chicago, IL

2018 | “Loved Ones” Exhibition, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL

2018 | Visual Arts Fellowship Exhibition, Union League Club of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2018 | Curator for “The Contemporary Collection”, Roger’s Park Art Gallery, Chicago, IL

2018 | BFA Fine Arts Show, Bill L. Parks Gallery, Chicago, IL

2018 | 6th Annual Art Competition, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL

2018 | 7th Annual “All Women” Art Exhibition, Light, Space, and Time Online Art Gallery

2017 | Fine Arts Show, Bill L. Parks Gallery, Chicago, IL

2017 | Photography Show, Bill L. Parks Gallery, Chicago, IL

2016 | Fine Arts Show, Bill L. Parks Gallery, Chicago, IL

2021 | The Core, The College Magazine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2019 | Frankie Magazine, Online, www.frankie.com.au/item/8096-artist-interview-mercedes-cardenas

2018 | Voyage Magazine, Online, http://voyagechicago.com/interview/meet-mercedes-cardenas/

2018 | Wunderkind Magazine, Online, https://wunderkindmag.com/home-1/2018/5/4/mercedes-cardenas-24

2021 | Visual Language: On Images TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2021 | Topics in Painting TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2020 | Diasporic Practices in Contemporary Art TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2020 | Visual Language: On Images TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2020 | Introduction to Painting TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

2019 | Visual Language: On Images TA, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL