Kenneth A. Melendez

His traditional, cultural, mask exhibit at the Smithsonian Institute was one of the highlights of Kenneth Melendez’s career. Born in Puerto Rico, Kenneth’s family moved to Lorain where Kenneth attended Southview High School. At the age of 10, while living in Puerto Rico, he performed professionally on the drums with local bands. This self-taught musician then began his formal music training at the School of Fine Arts in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

A 1988 graduate of Southview High School, Kenneth continued his education in college, majoring in Graphic Arts. In 1990, Kenneth returned to Puerto Rico where he became involved in the art and music scenes. He recorded with major Salsa bands and folklore groups. He collaborated with musical groups that received Grammy Award nominations. He has played with various musical groups such as The Roberto Ocasio Jazz Band, Los Pleneros de Ponce, Pedrito Guzman’s Jibaro Jazz and Pleneros del Barrio. Performing on national and international stages, Kenneth has appeared with Costa Brava, Tommy Olivencia, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tanon and Grupo Mama.

While maintaining a vigorous performance schedule, Kenneth promotes and teaches art and music at various schools, organizations, and universities. Currently Kenneth is teaching individuals the importance of their Puerto Rican heritage through his Masks and Rhythms Workshops. Kenneth has been asked to conduct his Rhythm and Music Workshops in Chicago, Dallas, and Dayton. His Mask Workshop has been offered in Puerto Rico, Cleveland, Lorain, and St. Croix. He also teaches traditional Puerto Rican mask making at various venues. These traditional masks are created from such diverse materials as coconut, burlap, wood, palm paper mache, gourds, plastic and wire mesh.

The Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. has exhibited Kenneth’s artwork. He has also had exhibits at the McDonough Museum of Art in Youngstown, the Jazz Gallery in San Francisco, the Museum of Art in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and the Museum of Puerto Rican Culture located in San Juan.

Another highlight of Kenneth’s career was filming the segment of traditional mask making from Puerto Rico for “American Culture for Children” hosted by Phylicia Rashad. Other highlights include representing Puerto Rico as a Cultural Ambassador at worlds fairs in Fitur Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany. Kenneth has endorsement deals with Remo and Toca Percussion Companies, and he created the cultural mask for the Miss Universe contestant representing Puerto Rico.

During his years at Southview High School, Kenneth played for the soccer team and was a member of the Weightlifting Club. Kenneth says he admired two teachers who planted the seeds of knowledge that helped him become the man he is today. They were OWE teacher, Ollie Glass, who taught how to maneuver a career, and Stephanie Ilcisko who encouraged and nurtured his love of art.

Kenneth A. Melendez's Induction Speech