Ristau has placed his monumental works from coast to coast. In 2006, River Garden 1 — consisting of more than 750 steel and aluminum parts and spanning 50 feet — was installed in the lobby of the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta / Scottish Rite. Other public spaces include schools and corporate facilities in California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas.

Ristau has an extensive design background, ranging from educational, to playful commercial products, to identity graphics.
He holds an MFA in design from the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts (1983) and a BFA in painting and drawing from Abilene Christian University (Texas), where he later established the graphic design program. A native of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Ristau lived in Texas for nearly two decades before settling in Colorado in 2001. He began focusing on his fine arts interests in 2003.

A Psychology of Happiness (solo), Sculpture, Prints, Collage, Lighting
Only Contemporary Art Gallery, Fort Collins, CO

Mel Ristau, Sculpture - Prints,
Composition, Denver, CO

Indoor Sculpture Exhibition, Sculpture,
Steamboat Springs, CO

“Mel's sculptures are graphically clean, spirited and inventive and have "connected" with students, faculty and parents in a way
that is fresh and inviting – creating delightful focal points that have significantly impacted the effectiveness of our learning environments.”
Tony J Guzmam, Managing Architect for Richardson Independent School District Projects

“Mel's work... makes a tangible and powerful addition to any environment.”
David Tidey, AIA, Corgan Associates, Inc. / Dallas, Texas

“Audelia Creek Elementary School won a Dallas AIA Merit Award (almost unheard of for a public school).
Your mobiles were no doubt instrumental in helping the project win this award!”
Joel Efrussy, Corgan Associates, Inc. / Dallas, Texas

“Your playful, yet sophisticated sculpture creates an inspirational focal point that exceeds our expectations.
Both children and adults are delighted by its stimulating effect.”
Dr. Carolyn G. Bukhair, Superintendent, Richardson Independent School District, Texas

“I’d like to sit right up there and just fly away.”
1st grade student, Audelia Creek Elementary School, Richardson Independent School District, Texas

“[Mel Ristau's] pristine works were, clean, serene, gorgeous and popular.”
Dallas Review  — The Dallas Morning News

“Mel’s sculpture exceeds all of our expectations! Even though we received frequent updates during its creation,
the spirit of the work remains captivating. It’s a wonderful addition to our art collection.”
Eric and Jan Manasse, Montecito, California

“Mel Ristau has embraced technology to create an art form that seems to appeal to all. Whether young or old,
an art collector or just a passer-by, everybody is fascinated by Mel’s innovative creations.”
Glenn Konen, AIA The Architect's Studio, Fort Collins, Colorado

“A wonderful sculptor that is incredibly professional and enjoyable to work with. His mobile's coloring coordinated
beautifully with the surrounding environment, transforming the space — an empty glass box — to appropriate scale and atmosphere for a children's play area.”
Amy Thomasson, Interior Designer, ASID, Healthcare Sector, RTKL Associates / Dallas

“We are thrilled with your work. It's bright, colorful and I love the movement. Everyone that has seen has been
impressed. I'm eager to start showing it off to our families and patients. Thanks for your work and creativity.”
Kathy Harper RN, Director of Facility Planning and Design, Children's Medical Center Dallas

“The response has been incredible, it is such a wonderful piece! I cannot wait to see the reaction of the
patients and their families.”
Gena English, RID, AAHID, TAID, Sr Interior Designer, Children's Medical Center Dallas