About the Artist 

Melissa Diaz is an artist and a licensed, registered, board-certified art therapist living and working in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a BFA in Painting from The University of Central Florida and an MPS in Art Therapy & Creativity Development from Pratt Institute. In 2010, Diaz founded Open House BK, a community arts initiative that provides free/affordable pop-up art events, exhibitions and therapeutic arts workshops. As a Creative Arts Therapist, Diaz has experience utilizing art therapy, play therapy and mindfulness practices with adults, children and families. She has worked as a therapist and teaching artist in shelters, schools, museums, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Diaz has presented widely on the topic of art therapy application, at institutions including Pratt Institute, University of Central Florida, University of Wisconsin, Health Magazine and Blick Art Materials. In her artwork, Diaz creates interactive installation art as a source of community engagement. In 2015, she was awarded a residency at the Marble House Project, where she explored the integration of installation art, art therapy and environment. Diaz has exhibited widely throughout NYC and nationally, in galleries and alternative spaces. In all her work, she considers space, relationships, and holding environment.