As an icon of the Trenton and regional art scene approaches a milestone birthday, the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie has prepared a fitting celebration. “Mel at 90,” a series of exhibitions at the museum and invited partner sites, celebrates painter Mel Leipzig’s 90 years, beginning with an exhibit at Ellarslie titled “The Revival of Realism.” An opening reception takes place Friday, October 24, form 6 to 8 p.m.
Leipzig has been a mentor, teacher, catalyst, and keystone in the greater Trenton arts community since his arrival here in 1968. “The Revival of Realism,” a title suggested by Leipzig, attempts 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. The exhibit 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.”
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 “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.
Additional events that are part of the “Mel at 90” celebration include:
Painting in the Park, a community event sponsored by the City of Trenton on Sunday, October 26, in Cadwalader Park at a time to be announced. All ages welcome to paint outdoors with Mel Leipzig.
“Paintings & Politicians,” an exhibit curated by former U.S. arts editor Dan Aubrey, will be on view in Trenton City Hall from November 3 through 26.
“The Architects,” an exhibit of Leipzig’s paintings of famous architects, opens at the Lobby Club at 17 East Front Street, Trenton, with a reception on Friday, November 7. The curators John Clarke and John Hatch, both of the Trenton-based architecture and planning firm Clarke Caton Hintz.
An exhibit of Leipzig’s portraits of tattoo and street artists, curated by Liz Aubrey, will be on view the gallery at Trenton Free Public Library, 120 Academy Street, from December 11 through March 21, 2026. An artist talk is scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
“Generation Mel,” an invitational exhibition featuring works by artists who are all former students of Leipzig, takes place in the Gallery at Mercer County Community College on its campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, runs from January 12 through February 27, 2026. Tricia Fagan and Janis Purcell serve as curators.
The Revival of Realism, Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Trenton. Opening reception Friday, October 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Museum hours are Thursdays through Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Free admission; donations welcome. Register required for opening reception. ellarslie.org/mel-at-90 or 609-989-1191.
