SOMA Living May 2024

orchestras around the country. She is eager to be “Home for the Holidays” this year with a show opening at SOPAC in December. While Mandy pursued her performing career, Douglas Melini represented by the Miles McEnery Gallery, made his name in the visual arts. Melini’s paintings are combinations of patterns and opticality. He often extends his patterns and vibrant colors across the frame, adding a third dimension to the work. Recent solo exhibitions include the Miles McEnery Gallery in NYC and the Schneider Museum of Art in Ashland, Oregon. His work is also featured in private and corporate collections around the world. In 2023, Douglas ventured into set design, contributing to Darrell Grand Moultrie’s “Salsa ‘Til Dawn” for the SMUIN contemporary ballet company in San Francisco. “My husband is my greatest partner. I am so lucky we live here near his family. Aside from how much we both work, family is the root of everything we do. Our daughter Maribelle is amazing. I’m so proud of the way she pursues the performing arts. She goes to classes five days a week at a local studio and takes it very seriously. As a 12-year-old middle schooler, she is really focused on school and performing. She has so many friends and families in South Orange and Maplewood that support her and her passions.” Despite the demands of their everyday lives, Mandy, Douglas, and Maribelle make time for each other, often bonding over their love for food. Mandy says, “Sometimes my daughter has Friday night rehearsals and we get to go to Lorena’s for a drink and a little dinner before pickup. We also love to go to La Villa on Irvington Avenue. We got to know Mario who takes very good care of us. We also love the Reservoir for their pan pizza. You just can’t beat it!” The Gonzalez-Melini family is truly at home in South Orange as an active part of the artistic community living here.

MAY 2024 | SOMA LIVING 9

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