Biography

Meléndez was a beloved resident of Old San Juan and had a studio (always with open doors) located at 268 Luna Street, focused on arts and crafts. He was known for recreating the picturesque houses typical of OSJ, and carving religious figures out of wood that he found on his walks. One of his famous pieces was the black Nativity scene he presented in Loíza. However, many categorize him as a painter, for his work on wood depicting everyday reality in Old San Juan and representations of various saints. The artist, who studied at NYU, once served as public relations manager for San Juan mayor Felisa Rincón de Gautier became one of the artisans who marked the history of Puerto Rico and, over time, became one of the most beloved characters in the walled city. (Text from Repeating Islands).