ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mel Ristau, whose background is replete with creative accomplishments, has recently turned his attention to large-scale mobiles. Like the rest of his work, they are witty, whimsical, and brightly colored. Air Garden 1.7, consisting of 300 steel and aluminum parts, spanning 16 feet and hanging 24 feet, was installed at Audelia Creek Elementary School near Dallas in August of 2003.

Ristau's playful side is also revealed in smaller packages. He is the creator of Light-Bugs™ (2003), fun critters that introduce all ages to beading and wire craft, and Tickelopes® (1999), keepsake envelopes with colorful foam graphics that elicit a delightful surprise from recipients. The fresh and fun product has sold through outlets across the U.S. and Canada, including Target, the National Gallery of Art, Barney's and Neiman Marcus Direct.

In 1993 Ristau founded MediaGarden, Inc., to design and promote constructive educational products. He developed The Learning Station, an extensive curriculum that combines software, multi-functional mini-computer and related robotic modeling components. Its technology is used by middle and high school students across the U.S. to enhance systems thinking.

Ristau's early focus was in identity graphic design, publication design and typographic systems. He holds an MFA in information design from the University of Kansas (1983) and a BFA in painting and drawing from Abilene Christian University (Texas), where he later established the graphic design program. His work has been exhibited in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

A native of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Ristau lived in Texas for nearly two decades before settling in Colorado in 2001.

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