Melina Finkelstein is an Oakland-based non-objective painter and textile designer who paints bold patterns on fabric and wood, weaves tapestries out of old paintings and collaborates with textile artisans in Mexico and Nepal to make museum quality, one-of-a-kind custom rugs. Melina established herself as a leading Bay Area textile designer as the co-founder of Peace Industry which closed in 2018 due to trade sanctions. Casa Muñiz Design is Melina’s solo brand venture and marks her reemergence as a designer and artist.

Selected Bio

• 1992 Received a BFA from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago     

• 2024 Renewal of the iconic Peace Industry ™  brand with an all-woman team in Kathmandu, Nepal trained by Finkelstein. peaceindustryrugs.com

• 2022 Established the Melina Finkelstein Gallery located in Oakland, CA to showcase artwork by Finkelstein and artists who explore textile-based mediums. 

• 2020 Established a partnership with master Oaxacan weaver, Alejandro Gonzalez to produce flatweave rugs designed by Finkelstein under the Casa Muñiz Design, a creative brand that represents all of Finkelstein’s creative projects including paintings, textile art and rugs. Casamunizdesign.com

• 2018 Invited to speak to The Friends of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art NY about the Peace Industry felt project in Iran.

• 2002- 2019 Co-founded and served as the lead designer and creative director of Peace Industry INC, a highly successful rug company that specialized in felted wool rugs made in Iran designed by Finkelstein. Peace Industry INC was shuttered after US/Iran trade sanctions which ended all trade with Iran. Noteworthy collaborators include: Heath Ceramics, Steelcase, Alison Damonte Design. While in operation Peace Industry opened three retail locations in the Bay Area, two stores in Stockholm, Sweden and production facilities in Iran and Turkey. 

• ‘95-2000 Red Hook, NY, Established an art practice and studio while working as a fit consultant to the fashion industry.

• Noteworthy Collectors: Agnes Gund, Jack Hanley, Eleanore Harwood, Barry McGee, Matt Gonzalez