Pieces of Silver

Melanie Winstead, revitalized as a fine artist by an inspirational vacation to Sedona, Arizona in the winter of 2006. As a result, she emerged onto the fine arts scene with her premiere solo art exhibit Simple Things in June, 2006/Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and Piscataway, NJ. The exhibit featured Survivor, a work honoring women who have met life’s challenges and overcome. It has since been dedicated to breast cancer awareness and survivors. In direct response to this original work, limited edition prints and hand embellished T-shirts are available.

Ms. Winstead, a native of New Jersey, studied fine art at the School of Visual Arts, New York, NY and received an offset lithography certification at Armat Graphic Arts School, Plainfield, NJ.
As a performing artist, Ms. Winstead has extensive experience in theatre and dance. She received her dance training under the tutelage of Alfred Gallman of the nationally and internationally acclaimed, Gallman's Newark Dance Theatre in Newark, NJ, Broadway Dance Center in New York, NY and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She is the founder and former resident choreographer/director of the Judah Dance Ministry of the Abundant Life Family Worship Church, New Brunswick, NJ.

Ms. Winstead has taught, coached and choreographed at dance schools, community centers, and youth organizations such as the African American Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics (A.C.T.S.O.)/New Brunswick, NJ chapter and The Ebony Suburbanites Cotillion/Somerset County, NJ. Other choreographic works include, Faces of Fox and Home Improvement, locally televised commercials for the FOX 5 TV Network; Reign a ballet and When The Music Stops a musical, both of which she also wrote, directed and produced.

Ms. Winstead’s theatre performances include, The Prayer Dancer/ALFWC, George Street Playhouse/New Brunswick, NJ; Performer and costume designer for Another Chance/Dreams Come True Productions, The Tony Award Winning, Crossroads Theatre Co and the off-Broadway gospel opera, Mama at the historic Lamb’s Theatre located in the Theatre District in Times Square, New York.

Currently, Ms. Winstead is completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management at Eastern University, St. David’s PA.