Self Portrait by Mel Leipzig
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie announces "Mel at 90," a series of exhibitions at the museum and invited partner sites to celebrate iconic artist Mel Leipzig's 90 years. Leipzig has been a mentor, teacher, catalyst, and keystone in the greater Trenton arts community since his arrival here in 1968. Leading off the series is "The Revival of Realism," which will be on view from October 24 through January 4, 2026.
“The Revival of Realism”, a title suggested by Leipzig, will attempt to spotlight his career contributions and his position in art historically. Lois Dodd, friend, influencer and currently considered the most important landscape painter in the U.S., will be represented along with a small selection of mentors and students. It will be on view through January 4, 2026.
Joan Perkes, curator of “The Revival of Realism” and the immediate past president of Trenton Museum Society, says of the exhibition and series she spearheaded, “In a sense this show takes us back to the beginning of Mel’s career and through his journey in form and color to his works of today. In the form of exhibited artwork will be a selection of his mutually-influencing friends. Trenton Museum Society is honored to mount this exhibition and to work with our partner sites on a collaboration that reflects Mel’s integral place in art, in the community, and far beyond.”
Dan Bischoff and his Family by Mel Leipzig
Among the artists exhibiting with Mel Leipzig in “The Revival of Realism” is the nationally known potter Alan Bennett, who was Leipzig’s student in the early 1970s at Mercer County Community College. “What made Mel such an extraordinary teacher was not only his passion for painting, which was contagious,” Bennett says, “but also the way he nurtured each student’s unique voice. His combination of deep knowledge, generosity, and respect is what made his mentorship so life changing.”
“The Revival of Realism” will open Friday, October 24, with a reception from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Trenton City Museum.
“Mel at 90” Exhibition Schedule:
The “Mel at 90” series of exhibitions, each with different curators, not only showcases his expansive repertoire but also his deeply humanistic involvement with his subjects.
THE REVIVAL OF REALISM: Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, October 24, 2025, through January 4, 2026. Curated by Joan Perkes. Talks to be announced.
PAINTING IN THE PARK Community event sponsored by the City of Trenton: All ages welcome to paint outdoors with Mel Leipzig in Cadwalader Park Sunday, October 26, 2025; time to be announced.
PAINTINGS & POLITICIANS: Trenton City Hall, November 3 – 26, 2025. Curated by Dan Aubrey.
THE ARCHITECTS: Mel Leipzig paintings of famous architects. The Lobby Club, Front Street, Trenton; Opening Reception Friday, November 7, 2025. Curated by John Clarke and John Hatch.
TATTOO & STREET ARTISTS: Mel Leipzig portraits. December 11 through March 21 in Trenton Free Public Library Gallery. Artists talk February 21, 2026. Curated by Liz Aubrey.
GENERATION “MEL”: Invitational exhibition featuring works by artists, all former students of Mel's. Mercer County Community College, West Windsor Campus. January 12 - February 27
Curated by Tricia Fagan and Janis Purcell.
For reception RSVPs or for exhibition details and announcements: visit ellarslie.org/mel-at-90 or contact 609-989-1191 or [email protected].
Trenton City Museum is housed in Ellarslie Mansion, an 1848 Italianate villa in the heart of Trenton’s historic Cadwalader Park, which was designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted. The building is owned by the City of Trenton and operated by the nonprofit Trenton Museum Society, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The museum’s programming explores and celebrates Trenton’s history and culture, showcases contemporary art, artists, and performers, and offers community events, classes, and workshops for all ages.
Museum and museum store hours are Thursdays through Saturday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. There is no admission fee to view the museum’s offerings, but donations in support of its mission and programs are welcomed.
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