Melissa Salgado

My artist name is “Melicha”, I am a Mexican American artist born and raised in Chula Vista, working all throughout San Diego county. My primary medium is oil and acrylic paint on canvas and wood panels. My work explores themes of vulnerability, nostalgia, the nuances of the human experience and identity. I derive inspiration from nature, anatomy, and my culture. To express the depth and nuances of each piece I create portraits and still lifes with surrealistic symbolism as my subjects. My color palette consists of contrasting cool and warm tones to reflect the duality of subjects and themes being portrayed. The majority of my work explores my roots and delves into what past foundations; physical, mental and emotional, build the self. My hope is that the paintings evoke something within the audience and comforts those who interact with my artwork. I believe art is a language of connection between people, places, and emotions and I strive to express this in my paintings.

  • SDSU Alumni 2019

    BA: Fine Art

    Hilltop High School, Chula Vista

    • “ Espinada “ Solo Show at Casa Casillas - March 2026

    • Casa Casillas  - Artist in Residence - October 2025 - April 2026 

    • Chula Vista Art Fest - Live painter - September 2025

    • The Study Barrio Logan - Solo Show - April 2023

    • Chula Vista Block Party - July 2022

    • Logan Ave Galeria de Arte - October 2022

    • House of Unboxing Art Show - October 2021

    • Art Crossing Barrio Logan Art Show - February 2021

    • La Bodega The Last Saga Art Show - December 2019

    • Art on 30th C-Note Art Show - November 2019

    • SDSU Galleries Futures, Past and Present Art Show - February 2019

    • La Bodega 5 Year Anniversary Show - January 2019

    • SDSU Galleries The Gun Show Student Art Show - December 2018

    • San Diego Art Institute C-Note - November 2018

    • MCASD 25 and Under Art Show - June 2018

    • SDSU Galleries Reflux Student Art Show - April 2018