Press Clippings

Redding Pilot "Dance in Fairfield", October, 2015
Redding Pilot "Marc Mellon's Ballet Sculptures on View at Fairfield University", October 2015
Fine Art Connoisseur "Marc Mellon & Babette Bloch Sculpting Their Own Way", July/Aug 2015
Wall Street Journal "Picture, Picture on the Wall", April 2013
Redding Pilot "Mellon's Portrait Bust of Elie Wiesel is Unveiled", November 2012
Fine Art Connoisseur "Today's Masters, Busy Season Ahead for Sculplture", October 2012
American Artist Workshop: Professional Practices, "Welcome Home: The Artist as Resident", 2012
American Artist Studios, Babette Bloch and Marc Mellon: Sculpting and Artist Marriage, 2011
American Celtic Ball Program - Waldorf~Astoria, Oct 20, 2011
Redding Pilot, "League Offers Tour of Local Artists' Studios", Oct 13, 2011
Greenwich Post, "Sunday Tour a Benefit: Artists Open Studios on Oct. 16", Oct 13, 2011
March of Dimes Sports Luncheon Program - Waldorf~Astoria, Dec 1, 2010
Redding Pilot, "Mellon Completes Statue of Eastman", Nov 12, 2009
International Artist, "A Day in the Life of Sculptor, Marc Mellon", Oct/Nov 2009
The Indianapolis Star, "Simons Dedicate IU Cancer Center", Aug 22, 2008
Fairfield Homes, "The Art Department", Feb 2006

Congratulations Steph Curry on your second NBA MVP Trophy
and for being the first athlete unanimously chosen for this coveted prize!

Bust of Pre-eminent Author and Journalist
Tom Wolfe

LeBron James Wins Fourth
Maurice Podoloff Award (NBA MVP Trophy)

On May 5, 2013 Lebron James received 120 out of 121 first place votes from the eligible sportswriters and broadcasters to win his fourth NBA MVP Trophy, and his second while playing with the Miami Heat. His previous two trophies were won while with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The award, loosely based on the NBA’s logo, was sculpted by Marc Mellon in 1986. The first recipient was Larry Bird, who in 1986 won the third of his three MVPs.

Marc creates new bronze casts of the award each year for the NBA, and has also provided the WNBA with the WNBA MVP Trophy since the birth of the successful women’s league in 1996.

The artist also has provided the NBA with the Drazen Petrovic Trophy which has been used in international play. He is currently working on a new NBA Award, to be unveiled in June 2013. Stay tuned!

Bust of Bart Kaufman Dedicated
at new Bart Kaufman Field
Indiana University - Bloomington

A bust of Bart Kaufman was featured at Indiana University, Bloomington's new state of the art baseball field on April 26, 2013 on the occasion of the stadium's formal dedication.

Bart Kaufman graduated with a B.S. in business from Indiana University, majoring in life insurance, in 1962 and with a J.D. from the School of Law in 1965. He went on to become one of the foremost life insurance salespersons in the United States, and has supported numerous fund-raising efforts at IU.

Bart has been a major patron of Marc Mellon's portrait works in bronze. He commissioned Marc to create his personal choices for a "Millennial Series of Greats of the 20th Century" with busts of Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan. He has also commissioned Mellon portrait busts for IU's campus, recognizing great "university builders" including Dick Johnson, who led in establishment the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship at the Kelley School of Business, and Curt Simic, President Emeritus of the IU Foundation.

President Michael McRobbie applauds as lead donor Bart Kaufman receives "key" to the new Bart Kaufman Field.

Legendary Dodger Carl Erskine leads the crowd at Bart Kaufman Field in the National Anthem.

Bart and Judy Kaufman celebrating the moment.

Bart and Marc with the newly installed bust.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus
Honored with Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award

Quinnipiac University presented its Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award to Muhammad Yunus, who founded the practice of microcredit as a means to combat global poverty before his March 6 lecture at the university. Yunus, who was awarded Quinnipiac's most prestigious humanitarian award, also accepted an invitation to join the Albert Schweitzer Institute's honorary board.

Left to right: David Ives, director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute; Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate; and Matthew O'Connor, dean of the School of Business

Bust of Hobie Billingsley, Legendary Diving Coach of Olympians, Unveiled at Indiana University, Bloomington

Hobie Billingsley with Bronze Bust

Celebrating the Moment!

Lesley Bush, 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist in Platform Diving, with Hobie and Dick Kimball, a fellow swimming and diving coach and diving champion.

Hobie Billingsley with sculptor Marc Mellon.

Hobie and Amy McGrath Watson, a 1980 Olympian on the Women's Swimming and Diving team.

Rick Gilbert, Hobie's first national champion, 1968 Summer Olympian for Men's Platform Diving.

Rick Gilbert, Hobie, Lesley Bush, and Jim Henry,
bronze medal winner for the 1968 US Olympic Team
in springboard diving.

Hobie Billingsley Portrait Bust in Process

Hobie Billingsley with Curt Simic, President Emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation

Hobie Billingsley with sculptor Marc Mellon and in process portrait bust of Hobie as he looked during his coaching days.

Karl Zacker, Director of Resource Development and Executive Director of I Association with Sandy Searcy, Immediate Past President, I Association

Busts of Elie Wiesel Unveiled

Pictured from left to right: Elie and Marion Wiesel, Marc Mellon, Stacey and Matthew Bronfman,
Cindy and Larry Bloch, and Babette Bloch.

Marc’s bust of Elie Wiesel was recently unveiled at the 92nd Street Y, a major New York City cultural institution and community center, referred to by Professor Wiesel as "my cultural home in New York." The bust was developed from life sittings at the National Arts Club.

"Creating a portrait bust of Elie Wiesel has been a dream project. I came to it with the greatest respect for his core messages to mankind. Ever watchful of our world, he has raised our awareness of violence and genocide across the globe, teaching that indifference to organized hate is not an acceptable moral choice. As he has often said, the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.

I wanted this portrait to reflect the complexity of the man, and hope that over time, this bronze will in a small way lead more people to Professor Wiesel's spoken and written legacy."

For more information on Elie and Marion Wiesel's charitable foundation:
Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies, Boston University
Babette Bloch and Marc Mellon
Unveiled September 2014

Chesterwood National Trust Historic Site Invites
Marc Mellon to be Sculptor-in-Residence

By special invitation, Marc Mellon was Chesterwood’s sculptor-in-residence for the month of July 2012 where he worked in Daniel Chester French’s historic studio, designed by the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, Henry Bacon. Marc and his wife, Babette Bloch, fellow sculptor, have been frequent visitors to Chesterwood over the years and his over life-size bronze sculpture entitled Eve, was included in Chesterwood's outdoor exhibition Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood 1994.

Marc is a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society, where Daniel Chester French was a founding member of the organization.

Visitors to Chesterwood had the opportunity to see Marc work on his new dance series working with live models. "I enjoyed interacting with Chesterwood's visitors, answering quetions about my process, and how sculptors from Daniel Chester French's time to today work with clients on developing important public works.

Chesterwood is the former country home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, including the Minute Man in Concord, MA and the Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. French and his family lived at Chesterwood from 1896 – 1931 during the months of May through October. The Site is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, 11am-4pm, seven days a week. Visit Chesterwood.org for more information about Chesterwood's upcoming special events and programs.

Marc was interviewed on WAMC Northeast Public Radio on July 26th to discuss his experience as Sculptor-in-Residence at Chesterwood.

To hear the interview click here to go directly to WAMC's webpage once there press the blue arrow next to the word "Listen."

MorseLife Senior Campus Unveils Generations
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

In January 2012 MorseLife Senior Campus of West Palm Beach, Florida unveiled Mellon's 10' high Generations in their newly renovated atrium space. "I was very moved," says artist Marc Mellon "to see how the residents and staff of MorseLife immediately embraced Generations." According to MorseLife President and CEO Keith Meyers, "Generations adds a new dimension to our facility, bringing beauty and joy to the families we serve."

American Artist Magazine Features Artist Couple,
Marc Mellon and Babette Bloch, in Summer 2011 Issue

In an article titled “Sculpting a Marriage,” American Artist Magazine featured interviews with Marc and Babette in their Redding, CT studios for their special “Studios” edition. The article included photographs of Babette’s skylit design space and of her metal finishing space, as well as photographs of Marc’s studio, complete with “sprung floors,” 8’ high mirrors, and 30’ of north light.

The article was by Michael Gormley, Editorial Director at American Artist Magazine

American Artist Studios, 2011

Smithsonian Adds Mellon Medals to Medallic Art Collection

In 2011 two Mellon medals were added to the Smithsonian’s important American Medallic Art Collection. The new additions were a silver medal portrait relief of Theodore Roosevelt, commissioned by the Theodore Roosevelt Association as their TRA Police Award, and a gold 3” strike of the Official 2009 Presidential Inaugural Medal produced in commemoration of the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Also in the collection is Mellon’s 2003 medal for Brookgreen Gardens, America’s oldest sculpture garden, From the Artist’s Studio- To Nature’s Gallery.

Smithsonian Institution Commissions Mellon to Honor
Kenneth E. Behring

In October 2010 Marc was commissioned by the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, to create a bust of major Smithsonian Institution philanthropist Kenneth H. Behring.

The bust was sculpted in Danville California on the site of the Wheelchair Foundation, the foundation Mr. Behring established to distribute wheelchairs to the world's indigent.

Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Hough lead the proceedings to honor Mr. Behring and unveil the bust at the NMAH in June 2011, just before American History Day celebrations, which are funded by Mr. Behring.

The bust joins other works of Marc’s in the Smithsonian’s collection, including his bust of George HW Bush, in the National Portrait Gallery. The NMAH also houses Mellon's 2009 Official Presidential Inaugural Medal (portrait relief of Barack Obama), his Theodore Roosevelt Police Award (commissioned by the Theodore Roosevelt Association), and the 2003 Brookgreen Gardens Medal, From the Artist's Studio, To Nature's Gallery.

For more information on Kenneth E. Behring's global wheelchair foundation: Wheelchair Foundation

Mellon Chosen as Rainey Master Sculptor
Brookgreen Gardens

In 2011 Marc Mellon was chosen by Robin Salmon, Brookgreen Gardens Vice President and Curator for Collections, as a Rainey Master Sculptor. Mellon spent two weeks at Brookgreen being inspired by the American sculptural masterworks in their extraordinary collection and taught a four day class in their Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Center for American Sculpture.

Brookgreen Gardens was founded to preserve the native flora and fauna and display objects of art within a natural setting. In addition, their Lowcountry Trail consists of a beautiful boardwalk that crosses the hillside overlooking Mainfield, a restored rice field of the former Brookgreen Plantation. Along the trail, are sculptor Babette Bloch's four ethereal historic 9 foot Lowcountry sculptures in stainless steel, documenting the history of rice culture.

To see more about Brookgreen Gardens.

To see more about Babette Bloch.

Everett Raymond Kinstler Portrait Bust
Unveiled at National Arts Club

In May of 2011 Mellon’s bust of his friend, colleague, and mentor Everett Raymond Kinstler was unveiled at the National Arts Club in New York. Kinstler dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and working on comic books and magazine illustrations and covers, before launching his illustrious career as one of America’s foremost portrait painters. His credits include almost 2000 portraits, including close to 100 original works in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.

Kinstler recently received his third honorary doctorate, from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. In 2012 a travelling exhibition was launched at The Norman Rockwell Museum (the museum’s first major exhibit of the works of an artist other than Rockwell himself) and is on view at the Bellarmine Museum of Art at Fairfield University through September 28, 2012 .

The bust was produced during life sittings at Mellon’s Redding CT. studio.

To see works by Everett Raymond Kinstler.

Will Barnet Bust on View

May 25, 2012, artist Will Barnet celebrated his 101^st birthday. Will continues to produce new works daily. At a National Arts Club in 2011, Will regaled guests at the “Selected Works” exhibition, works curated by longtime residents Will Barnet and Everett Raymond Kinstler. Will spoke for a scheduled fifteen minutes, rotating through the works with back story on each of the paintings and painters he chose, followed by fifteen minutes by Ray Kinstler on the works that he had curated. Their comments were filmed for the club's archives.

Will Barnet’s bust was sculpted from life sittings at the National Arts Club when Will was considerably younger, 94 to be exact.

The busts of Barnet and Kinstler remain on view at the National Arts Club.

To see works by Will Barnet.

George Eastman Public Art Sculpture Dedicated
October 10, 2009
University of Rochester, River Campus

University of Rochester Trustee Larry Bloch (from left), his wife, Cindy, Trustee Gwen Meltzer Greene, Trustee Tom Sloan, and Chief Advancement Officer Jim Thompson applaud as a statue of George Eastman is introduced on the River Campus.

The University of Rochester has unveiled an 8’ high statue of George Eastman, whose vision and philanthropy helped transform the University of Rochester into a world-class university.

The statue was commissioned in conjunction with the establishment of the George Eastman Circle, a society of dedicated donors to the university. Over 3000 families have joined the GEC since it’s recent establishment.

For the University of Rochester's news release on the statue please click here.

For a short video on the outstanding growth of University of Rochester and the George Eastman Circle, and the commissioning of the Eastman statue, please click here.

George Eastman Bronze Statue, In process

Process photos, Redding, CT

Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology

Commissioned by the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation.

Wallace H. Coulter invented the Coulter Principle and developed the Coulter Counter, revolutionizing medical diagnostics.

Awarded Annually by the American Society of Hematology and the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. In 2013 the WHCF will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Wallace H. Coulter's birth and unveil full-scale galvanos of the medal at universities across America.

The 2009 Official Barack Obama Presidential Inaugural Medal

Link to Interviews:
National Public Radio (NPR)

President-Elect Obama Honored with 2009 Official Presidential Inaugural Medal

Soon after the election of Barack Obama, as the result of a national competition, The 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee approved Mellon's portrait of Barack Obama for the 2009 Official Presidential Inaugural Medal.

Sculptor and medalist Marc Mellon modeled the portrait of Barack Obama that appears on the obverse (front) of the medal. The reverse of the medal is by well-known medalist and former U.S. Mint engraver Thomas D. Rogers, Sr. The medals were struck by Medalcraft Mint of Green Bay, WI, considered to be one of the finest private mints in America.

Sales of the medal raised funds for the inaugural events of January 20, 2009 in Washington DC.

Official Inaugural Medals have been coveted collectables going back to the beginning of the 20^th century. Theodore Roosevelt, feeling that the medal, and all of America's coinage, should reflect the highest standards of American art, asked the legendary sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens to design his medal. Other well-known designers of the Official Inaugural Medal include Jo Davidson, who designed an FDR medal, and Paul Manship, who designed medals for both FDR and JFK.

Mellon medallions have previously served to honor President Jimmy Carter (recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Award for Humanitarian Service) and former US Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell (awarded the Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the United States Michael Smurfit Achievement Award for his work in helping to broker the peace treaty in Northern Ireland).

The artist tried to project a thoughtful and introspective Barack Obama. Says Mellon, “I imagined Barack Obama thinking of Lincoln and of Martin Luther King, of the historic nature of his election, and of the serious challenges he was chosen to face.”

Marc Mellon is known for portrait busts of luminaries around the globe, including bronze busts of Pope John Paul II (The Papal Apartments, The Vatican), President George HW Bush (The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution), former Taiwanese President Lee Teng Hui, and legendary entertainer Tony Bennett. Mellon's work is also well known to sports fans; he is the sculptor of both the NBA MVP Trophy (The Maurice Podoloff Trophy) and the WNBA MVP. His limited edition bronze dancers are widely collected, and have been exhibited from New York to Tokyo.