Eddie Melendrez (Ontario) is a Chicano painter. He uses acrylics to paint on canvases and wooden boards, his work described as ‘bold and decisive.’ Melendrez enjoys painting members of his community, stating “I capture moments whenever I can.”
Bio
Eddie Melendrez (Ontario) is a Chicano painter. He uses acrylics to paint on canvases and wooden boards, his work described as ‘bold and decisive.’ Melendrez enjoys painting members of his community, stating “I capture moments whenever I can.” Growing up between California and Oregon, Melendrez was interested in drawing, inspired by his various uncles and cousins who had great artistic abilities. He wanted to emulate the advanced techniques of his family members, as well as the care that they put into their art. Throughout middle school and high school, Melendrez started growing more comfortable with color work, leading him to get into painting more. He switched over to chiefly acrylic painting in 2015, and since then his skills have only gotten better. Melendrez is especially good at drawing people; he says he likes to paint “folks I hold in high regard,” such as Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and James Baldwin, as well as members of his community. He’s inspired by social change and “folks who commit their life to change.” Melendrez wants to see more folks get involved with the painting, no matter their level or materials: “There’s no excuse not to create art.” Melendrez has achieved numerous recognitions for his art, including the 2024-2026 Fields Artist Fellowship and the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s Support Beam initiative.
