Melina Finkelstein is an Oakland-based geometric pattern painter and rug designer and producer who paints on fabric and wood, weaves tapestries out of old paintings and collaborates with rug makers in Mexico and Nepal to make one-of-a-kind custom wool felt, hand knotted and flat weave rugs based on her archive of original artwork.

Selected Bio

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

• 2024 Renewal of the legacy Peace Industry (R)  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 flat weave rugs designed by Finkelstein.

• 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 boutique 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