Tony Melendez
The Rad Hatter

Since 1989, the Rad Hatter, Tony Melendez, has been delighting crowds with his unique form of interactive art.

It all began with a flattened paper bag used to play Frisbee in the living room. One wrong catch, and the middle popped up, creating a whimsical and humorous chapeau.

Gracing the lampshade for months, this rad bag hat eventually evolved into a recycled art form. One-of-a-kind designer bag hats soon appeared at San Diego Art Walk and other events around town.

But the magic of the Rad Bag Hat was yet to unfold….
For it was in the gift of sharing this unique creative opportunity that the true essence of the Rad Hatter was born.

Teaching children how to make their own Rad Bag Hat revealed that parents were just as enamored with the creative process as young people.

Now, with baskets full of embellishments and hats full of color, the Rad Hatter brings the creative process to life for crowds of all ages and all occasions.

Blessed with task of making thousands of people happy every year, the Rad Hatter continues to brighten our days and enliven our events with the freedom of playful creativity.

Traveling the nation and the world, he has become a well-known personality often featured in the local and national media including: KNSD, KUSI Channel 51, KFMB Channel 8, Fox, NBC 7/39, MTV, The Harris Live Show, the San Diego Union Tribune, Visions Magazine, San Diego Magazine, Family Press, and more…