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CSUSM Staff Center

Nicole Mendez

Black and white portrait of Nicole with her cameraArtist Bio

Administrative Coordinator
CHABSS Literature & Writing Studies
Academic Affairs

Art has been a central part of my life for a long time now. I have exhibited my creative work in galleries and museums, received a number of recognitions, and screened my films on five continents. Alongside my love for creating, I have always wanted to teach, and after finishing my MFA in Film at SDSU I had hoped to find a job as a college instructor. Finding few positions open and balancing the need to support my three children, I landed here. I have continued to work multiple jobs while trying to sort out how I can accomplish my dream of being an educator. While I do that, I appreciate having the opportunity to be on a college campus where I can support students in a variety of ways and be a part of their academic journey. The past three years of working at CSUSM has gifted me with many meaningful connections, which makes it hard to think about one day leaving.

Currently, I am trying to slow down and enjoy life. I’m embracing peace, and creating art is helping me to accomplish that. After spending a decade focused almost entirely on graduate school and freelance work, I am now working on my own film projects and beginning to paint again. I’m putting all of my energy towards my children and rediscovering the joy of creating.

Artwork by Nicole Mendez

Fall 2026 Exhbit

"Sunday Afternoon"
Art Medium:

This is from a series of paintings of my oldest daughter, Nora. It was part of a solo exhibition in Texas. My second daughter, Lumiere, was a newborn at the time I was preparing for the exhibit, and I worked on this painting while holding her and took her with me to Texas for the opening. The work doesn’t carry a specific meaning; it was more of a meditation on the boredom and loneliness felt over the weekends during my childhood while living in Vista, CA.

Spring 2024

"95 Months"
Art medium: Acrylic on Paper on Wood

This piece is part of a decade long series of my oldest daughter completed between 2009-2019.  The series followed her development with paintings drawing inspiration from her interests and from my own reflection on her interactions with the world around her.