Melissa Singh Cole

(American, born 1967)

Artist Melissa Singh Cole creates public art, mosaic sculptures, and mixed media paintings. Her main inspiration comes from the natural world via her scuba diving adventures and her past work as a naturalist. She is passionate about involving the public in her art process through community-built public art, which instill a sense of pride and ownership.

Cole earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology at Oregon State University in Corvallis, with electives in sculpture, figure drawing, and painting. She has worked in the Dominican Republic as a Peace Corps volunteer in a village of artisans and basket weavers. She has written over 30 children’s books and travels extensively with her marine photographer husband. She is based in Spokane, Eastern Washington.