My name is Melody and I am an artist and writer with over two decades of experience. I work in mediums inclusive of design, drawing, wash painting, illustration, printmaking, and textile arts. I have had my work featured locally as well as internationally in venues inclusive of El Nido Gallery (Los Angeles), Esalen Institute (Big Sur), Minnow Arts Gallery (Santa Cruz), The David Brower Center, Casa Regis (Italy), and the Awagami Factory (Japan). I have participated in residencies with Kala Art Institute, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, The On Being Project, and the Center for Culture and Contemporary Art, Italy. My work has been featured in publications inclusive of Seed Broadcast, The New Farmer's Almanac, the Philosopher, For the Wild, and The Freshwater Review. I am the author and illustrator of a place-based book of poems titled, Reverberations, as well as the author and illustrator of a forthcoming children's book, Water's Song (publication forthcoming by Row House/Wheat Penny Press, 2026). My work often explores themes of interconnectivity, belonging, reciprocity, and change. I have many diverse skills to offer, including thoughtful ideation and conceptual development. I am an ideal fit for projects centered around social and ecological restoration. To learn more about my work visit _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ and/or find me on Instagram _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ I look forward to hearing about your project!

Melody Joy Overstreet

My name is Melody and I am an artist and writer with over two decades of experience. I work in mediums inclusive of design, drawing, wash painting, illustration, printmaking, and textile arts. I have had my work featured locally as well as internationally in venues inclusive of El Nido Gallery (Los Angeles), Esalen Institute (Big Sur), Minnow Arts Gallery (Santa Cruz), The David Brower Center, Casa Regis (Italy), and the Awagami Factory (Japan). I have participated in residencies with Kala Art Institute, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, The On Being Project, and the Center for Culture and Contemporary Art, Italy. My work has been featured in publications inclusive of Seed Broadcast, The New Farmer's Almanac, the Philosopher, For the Wild, and The Freshwater Review. I am the author and illustrator of a place-based book of poems titled, Reverberations, as well as the author and illustrator of a forthcoming children's book, Water's Song (publication forthcoming by Row House/Wheat Penny Press, 2026). My work often explores themes of interconnectivity, belonging, reciprocity, and change. I have many diverse skills to offer, including thoughtful ideation and conceptual development. I am an ideal fit for projects centered around social and ecological restoration. To learn more about my work visit _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ and/or find me on Instagram _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ I look forward to hearing about your project!

Available to hire

My name is Melody and I am an artist and writer with over two decades of experience. I work in mediums inclusive of design, drawing, wash painting, illustration, printmaking, and textile arts. I have had my work featured locally as well as internationally in venues inclusive of El Nido Gallery (Los Angeles), Esalen Institute (Big Sur), Minnow Arts Gallery (Santa Cruz), The David Brower Center, Casa Regis (Italy), and the Awagami Factory (Japan). I have participated in residencies with Kala Art Institute, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, The On Being Project, and the Center for Culture and Contemporary Art, Italy. My work has been featured in publications inclusive of Seed Broadcast, The New Farmer’s Almanac, the Philosopher, For the Wild, and The Freshwater Review. I am the author and illustrator of a place-based book of poems titled, Reverberations, as well as the author and illustrator of a forthcoming children’s book, Water’s Song (publication forthcoming by Row House/Wheat Penny Press, 2026). My work often explores themes of interconnectivity, belonging, reciprocity, and change. I have many diverse skills to offer, including thoughtful ideation and conceptual development. I am an ideal fit for projects centered around social and ecological restoration. To learn more about my work visit Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup and/or find me on Instagram Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup I look forward to hearing about your project!

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Nature-based Community Educator at Gateways School
January 1, 2019 - Present
Designs and delivers nature-based education programs, integrating ecological literacy with hands-on outdoor learning for students and community groups. Develops curricula, trains volunteers, and collaborates with teachers to implement place-based education.
Writer & Co-Founder at Reciprocal Field Press
January 1, 2018 - Present
Co-founded a small independent press focused on artist-led publishing; writes essays, curates content, and helps manage publishing processes and partnerships.
Founding Member at Little Giant Collective Print Studio & Gallery
January 1, 2018 - Present
Helped establish a community print studio and gallery; organized events, exhibitions, and artist residencies; supported printmaking education and collaboration.
Teaching Artist at University of California, Santa Cruz (Book Arts Workshop Series)
January 1, 2017 - Present
Teaching artist guiding students in book arts such as hand-lettering, bookbinding, relief printing, and curriculum development for the workshop series.
Designer at The Humanities Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Graphic and exhibition design for humanities initiatives; contributed to visual identity, print materials, and gallery styling for talks and events.
Lead Teacher at Reciprocal Field School
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
Lead teacher for place-based education programs; developed field-based curricula, coordinated workshops, and supervised teaching staff.
Printmaking Workshop Teacher at Homeless Garden Project
January 1, 2020 - Present
Facilitated printmaking workshops as part of community art programs; supported participants in creating work and developing artistic skills.
Teacher of Outdoor Education at Santa Cruz Kids in Nature (KIN)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2019
Delivered outdoor education experiences; led nature study, ecological literacy, and outdoor skills to youth.
Workshop Teacher at Art of Nature Series, UCSC Arboretum
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Led workshops connected to natural history and art; integrated field observations with hands-on art making.
Teaching Artist at Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019
Teaching artist for school programs and community workshops; created art-based interpretations of natural history themes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of California, Santa Cruz
June 1, 2008 - June 15, 2026

Qualifications

Community Engagement Grant
January 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Peace Studio Fellowship
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Ridell Fellowship for Little Giant Collective
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Individual Artist, Ridell Fellowship Nominee
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Champion Award, “Braiding Mother Corn’s Hair”
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Florence French Scholarship
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Irwin Project Grant
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Gemological Scholarship, Earth Science Dept Award
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Award for Outstanding Leadership, Santa Monica College
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Outstanding Leadership Award, Student Government, Santa Monica College
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other