“Two Artists” Makes a Splash at the PMAC Choate Parents, Marc Mellon and Babette Bloch, Debut Their Artwork
By Rachel Kauder-Nalebuff ‘08
News Staff Reporter
“Two Artists,” a show by Marc Mellon and Babette Bloch, parents of Julia Mellon ‘07, opened on September 15th and will remain on exhibition until November 11th. Despite its dull title, the show is original, from the online Facebook invitations that over a hundred of you received to the diversity of the work. The two Paul Mellon Arts Center galleries are split between the two Choate parents: the auditorium gallery mostly consists of Marc Mellon’s plaster busts, while the gallery space is almost all Babette Bloch’s work.
Despite the torrential rain which deterred many from attending, a substantial number of faithful art patrons attended the gallery opening. Whether accompanying the daughter of the artists, Julia Mellon ‘07, or there by force (ushers, security guards, small children), the attendees seemed to fully enjoy themselves. “It’s certainly one of the most interesting shows we’ve had in here in awhile,” said metal-worker and student Loren Olsen ‘08. Paul Tines, head of the arts department, was also extremely pleased with the energy of the evening.
Happiest of all, perhaps, was Julia Mellon ’07, who bravely transcended the typical teenage parental-related embarrassment. “I don’t know how comfortable I would have been having my parents art show here two years ago, but now as a senior, when I regard Choate as my home, it feels so nice to bring out part of my history that I don’t normally get to share, “ said Mellon ‘07, smiling.
Original plaster busts ranging from Pope John Paul II to Mohammed Ali line the auditorium wall and add a sense of historic grandeur to the modern PMAC. While small enough to be personal, the busts are almost three times life size, doing metaphorical justice to the eminence of those portrayed. Mr. Mellon remarked that “in a good portrait, the person and the portrait will merge.” This is especially true of the George Bush Sr. bust, which was sculpted before he was president. The busts are realistic with a contemporary flair. And like all good art, each piece is accompanied by a story worth reading (conveniently provided on small placards next to the sculptures).
The artist couple is excited to exhibit here and speak to the global perspective at Choate. “How often do artists who are not on the cover of Art News get to spread out their work in a space designed by I.M. Pei? This is so special for us on so many levels,” said Mr. Mellon.
Marc Mellon, parent of Julia Mellon '07, sculpts a bronze bust of Tony Bennett. The piece is now on view at the PMAC.
