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Museum Memories: Melanie Hall

A white woman with shoulder length, straight, blond hair. She is wearing a grey suit with a white, patterned blouse. Smiling, she's looking upwards towards the camera.
Image courtesy of Melanie Hall

Why I love FWMoA

My relationship with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art began in the 1960s, when it was located on West Wayne Street. My grandmother was the volunteer gift shop manager, and the museum quickly became a family affair—my mother, sister, and I spent many weekends helping alongside her. My first paid role followed soon after, when I worked as the weekend receptionist during my high school years. It’s safe to say the museum has been a meaningful part of my life for as long as I can remember.

As an adult, my involvement deepened through service as a Board member, Chair of the Development Committee, and as a member—then Chair—of the Gala Committee. One particularly memorable moment was chairing the Gala during the Chihuly exhibition. The energy surrounding that exhibit was extraordinary, and the excitement it generated created a true sense of momentum and pride for the museum and the community.

A previous ARTrageous Gala fundraiser event, hosted by the FWMoA. Image courtesy of Melanie Hall.

While I am no longer on the Board, I remain a devoted supporter, visiting the museum at least monthly and continuing to support the gift shop, now known as the Paradigm Gallery. Each visit offers something new to discover, and I consistently find joy in the diversity and quality of the art on display. The Paradigm Gallery holds a special place in my heart—I feel as though I partially grew up there—and I have great affection for the staff who make it such a welcoming space.

Supporting the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and its continued growth is truly a privilege. The museum is an essential part of Fort Wayne’s cultural life, enriching our community and helping to make it vibrant, inspiring, and engaging for all.


To learn more about opportunities to support the FWMoA, visit this link or plan your in person visit!

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