
Jose R. Mendez is a self-taught artist, educator, gallery coordinator, curator, and co-founder of Day of the Dead Lake Worth Beach & Taco Fiesta. He collaborates with nonprofits, government agencies, and private organizations to coordinate and promote art, cultural events, and activities. Mendez works with leading cultural institutions including the Norton Museum of Art, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Children's Service Council of Palm Beach County, Arts 4 All Florida, Village of Palm Springs, Kravis Center, City of Lake Worth Beach, and LULA Lake Worth Arts, among others. In these organizations, he serves primarily as a facilitator, adviser, and teaching artist for children and adults.As a lead photographer, Mendez specializes in events, family portraits, and landscape photography. His twenty years of experience as a community liaison and exposure to various art forms have enabled him to successfully engage with and serve less accessible communities.Mendez has been invited as a guest speaker at Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach County School District, sharing his research on the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead. His signature event, Day of the Dead Lake Worth Beach, drew over 6,000 attendees in 2024, while Taco Fiesta attracted more than 4,000 participants in its inaugural year. Both festivals continue to grow annually.From 2017 to 2024, Mendez served as gallery coordinator at Hatch 1121, where he organized and oversaw daily operations and exhibits. His responsibilities included providing administrative support to the Marketing Program Manager, working with artists and staff, promoting exhibits and events, and managing artwork installation and storage. This experience has significantly expanded his artistic network.Inspired by his work across these organizations, Mendez plans to open his own afterschool art program by 2027. His long-term vision includes establishing a South Florida museum by age 55 that will highlight the Hispanic subcultures of the tri-county area.
Community
With over 20 years of experience as an engaged liaison and advocate, Mendez has established himself as a vital bridge between cultural institutions and South Florida communities. As the co-founder of signature events like Day of the Dead and Taco Fiesta, he has created platforms that bring thousands of people together to celebrate diversity. His work as an outreach coordinator with Community Partners demonstrated his ability to engage underserved populations, particularly focusing on families with young children. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, churches, and volunteers, Mendez has successfully implemented community-building events that foster cultural understanding and connection. His role in the Staff Diversity Committee at Norton Museum of Art and as a community adviser further emphasizes his commitment to representing underserved communities. Mendez's ability to coordinate diverse efforts, manage large-scale events, and build lasting community relationships has made him an influential figure in Palm Beach County's cultural landscape.
Signature events include:
Nuestra Cultura at the Norton Museum of Art (Co-Founder)
Day of the Dead in Lake Worth Beach (Co-Founder, Creative Director)
Taco Fiesta in Lake Worth Beach and Village of Palm Springs (Co-Founder, Creative Director)
Education
Mendez has developed and implemented innovative educational programs that make art accessible to diverse audiences. His work spans from creating engaging lesson plans for K-12 students to leading museum tours using the See, Think, Wonder method. Through his role with R. Dot Arts & Creative Agency, he has expanded his educational impact by developing programs like "Spray Paint & Sharpies" classes and partnering with Arts 4 All to teach adults with disabilities. His collaboration with the Children's Service Council has resulted in successful public art summer programs, where students create installations while learning different media techniques. Mendez's approach to art education emphasizes cultural awareness and hands-on experience, making him a sought-after instructor and workshop presenter at events like the ELITE Summit.
Mendez has partnered with the following organizations:
Arts4All
Norton Museum of Art
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
Children’s Service Council for Palm Beach County
Latinos In Action at John I. Leonard High School
Culture
Mendez's cultural contributions have significantly enriched South Florida's artistic landscape. As gallery coordinator at Hatch 1121, he has curated and managed exhibitions that showcase diverse artistic voices. His creation and direction of the annual Day of the Dead celebration, which grew from 300 to 5,000 participants, demonstrates his ability to authentically present and celebrate Latin American traditions. The "Viva La Vida" ofrenda exhibit, representing over nine Latin American countries, exemplifies his commitment to cultural preservation and education. As a Spanish-speaking spokesperson and community adviser, he has broken down barriers between cultural institutions and Hispanic communities. His vision extends to establishing an afterschool art program and eventually founding a museum highlighting Hispanic subcultures in South Florida, underlining his dedication to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.