Seattle, WA — Tuesday, February 18, 2025 — Cornish College of the Arts is proud to announce the opening of Folklore, an exciting new exhibit by celebrated designer, illustrator, and muralist Víctor Meléndez. A 2006 graduate of Cornish’s MFA in Design program, Meléndez has since forged an illustrious career blending traditional and contemporary artistic practices. The exhibition is in partnership with MEXAM NW and the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Meléndez draws deeply from the cultural richness of his  heritage. His work merges influences from indigenous traditions, folklore, and handcrafts with  inspirations from his experiences in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With bold lines, vibrant  colors, and organic forms, Meléndez’s distinctive style brings together the real and the surreal,  the familiar and the fantastical, in a captivating fusion.  

Folklore offers a window into Meléndez’s creative vision, featuring an array of masks, costumes,  and characters that pay homage to the storytelling traditions of his native Mexico. Through these  pieces, Meléndez reimagines cultural rituals and traditional dances, inviting viewers to explore  the connections between past and present, personal and collective identity. This exhibit is not only a celebration of heritage but also a testament to the power of art to preserve and reinterpret  traditions across generations.  

“Víctor has seamlessly fused the essence of the Mexican spirit, blending traditional, local, and contemporary motifs. His invaluable contributions to Mexican art and culture establish him as a distinguished ambassador of Mexican heritage and in the vanguard of dialogue of what it means to be Mexican-American” stated Head Consul Godoy.

Meléndez’s career includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Starbucks, REI, Target,  and USPS. His work spans disciplines, from intricate illustrations to large-scale murals, earning  him recognition for his unique ability to transform cultural narratives into visually compelling  experiences.  

Cornish College of the Arts is honored to host Folklore, a vibrant exploration of Meléndez’s artistry and a reflection of the college’s commitment to nurturing creative talent.  

The exhibit will open on Friday, February 28th, and run through Friday, April 4th, at The Behnke  Family Gallery, on 1077 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 9812. Admission is free and open to the public.  

Cornish College of the Arts is a nonprofit college in the heart of downtown Seattle, offering a range of undergraduate degrees in the fine arts, including music, theater, visual art, animation, game arts, dance, and design, among others. Its mission is to provide students aspiring to become practicing artists with an educational program of the highest possible quality, in an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity, while preparing them to contribute to society as artists, citizens and innovators. For more information, visit Cornish College of the Arts.

Press Kit

Consulate of Mexico in Seattle Press Contact: Victoria Galindo at prensaconsea@sre.gob.mx

Cornish College of the Arts Press Contact: Justin Gonzales at communications@cornish.edu