FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/2/2026:
Simonian Oriental Rug Cleaners celebrates 70 years in business in the Bay Area with a custom rug collaboration with Melina Finkelstein Rugs. All Melina Finkelstein rug collections including: Peace Industry ® wool felt made in Nepal with New Zealand wool, Casa Muñiz flat weaves made in Oaxaca with soft churro wool, and Kush-Up hand knotted rugs made in Nepal with Himalayan wool are available at Simonians now.
After decades of washing Peace Industry ® rugs, Simonian is the felt cleaning expert in the U.S. We are working together to make, wash, and repair beautiful works of art for your floor. Pictured above is a Summit rug from the Kush-Up hand knotted collection getting their signature Refresh!
Melina’s son, Rahim Raissnia has also joined the Simonian team as the customer service manager. When you drop off your rug for cleaning Rahim will show you all of the customizable collections. We will help you order the perfect rug and customize the design to suit your interior.
September 23rd, 2025
CONTACT: MELINA FINKELSTEIN, MELINA@MELINAFINKELSTEIN.COM
MELINA FINKELSTEIN, BAY AREA ARTIST AND RUG DESIGNER TO EXHIBIT AT CARPET DIEM PARIS 2025
23 - 26 October 2025
Espace Commines - PARIS during Art Basel and Design Miami.
CARPET DIEM, an ART & DESIGN event in Paris.
The third edition of “Carpet Diem” will be held in Paris, 23-26 October 2025, at Espace Commines, during Art Basel and Design Miami.
This hymn to contemporary textile creation is open to professionals and the general public.
40 rugs and tapestries will be presented in the form of a labyrinth designed by scenographer Hervé Sauvage.
Independent artists as well as established brands from 12 different countries will reveal their current textile creations, combining various techniques, materials and textures.
Certain exhibiting artists were present to interact with visitors.
A book bringing together all works will be printed for the occasion.
Melina Finkelstein will exhibit two new felt rug designs under her eponymous solo brand, Melina Finkelstein Rug Co.Labs: Carmen and Girlfriend. Both designs are derivatives of original paintings by Finkelstein.
Cover Magazine Issue #79 Women's Voices
Cover Magazine Issue #79 Women's Voices Fearture
Canvas Rebel Interview
Contemporary Art Curator Magazine Profile 2025
Cocoa & Jasmine Magazine Profile 2024
Cocoa & Jasmine Magazine Profile 2024
Cocoa & Jasmine Magazine Profile 2024
California Home & Design Magazine mention
The Textile Eye Designer Profile 2020
The Textile Eye Casa Muñiz Design Profile 2020
The Textile Eye Casa Muñiz Design Profile
Interior Design Magazine Fall Tabloid 2017
Dwell Magazine mention 2013
Rug Insider Magazine feature 2013
Elle Decor UK mention 2017
Cover Magazine Peace Industry profile 2013
An Ancient Craft Goes Fair Trade. Design Within Reach Featured Collaborator. 2008
Dwell Magazine Box rug mention 2013
7x7 Magazine profile 2008
Metropolis Magazine mention 2008
Metropolis Magazine mention 2008
Sunset Magazine 2005 Designer Profile
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