News
Press Release | July 30, 2024
Mello named as Executive Director of the Art Complex Museum
The Board of Trustees of the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA announces its new Executive Director, Peter A. Mello. Mello succeeds Charles Weyerhaeuser, who has held the position for over 50 years.
Mello joins the museum from WaterFire Providence, where he has been the Managing Director, co-CEO, and a Board Member since 2011. WaterFire Providence is a public art experience that draws thousands of visitors to the rivers and parks in downtown Providence, RI.
In addition to the large public art event, Mello led the project team that created the WaterFire Arts Center, a 37,000 square foot, multi-use arts center. Mello led the concept development, planning, design, and construction of the center, which opened in 2017. Mello also led the team that develops the exhibitions, programming, partnerships, and revenue generation strategies for the center.
A strong supporter of young artists, Mello created WaterFire Accelerate, a professional development program for artists under 30 and ArtLab@WaterFire, a leadership and workforce development program for underserved high school students.
“I’m incredibly honored to succeed Charlie Weyerhaeuser as director of the Art Complex Museum and to join an amazing team of talented and dedicated art professionals,” remarked Mello. “From the extraordinary collection of Carl and Edith Weyerhaeuser, to the iconic museum building, to the rich community engagement and programming, the Art Complex won me over on my first visit. I’m looking forward to working with the team to bring more visitors to experience this extraordinary art institution.”
Museum Trustee and Board President, Justin Weyerhaeuser, says, “Peter’s passion for the arts, his extensive management background, and his track record of leadership successes put him in a perfect position to help carry forward the work of the museum and build on the decades that Charlie has given to the institution. The Board of Trustees looks forward to partnering with Peter to carry on and expand the museum’s reach.”
Mello begins his tenure at the Art Complex Museum in September, 2024. With a new Executive Director in place, Charles Weyerhaeuser will take on the new role of Chief Historian of the Art Complex Museum. In this role, he will collaborate with the museum’s Collections staff to document the history of the Art Complex, its collection, and additional acquisition details of key objects in the collection.
Press Release | March 1, 2024
Weyerhaeuser to step down as Director of the Art Complex Museum
The Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, MA announces the retirement of its Director, Charles Weyerhaeuser.
The Art Complex Museum opened its doors in June, 1971, housing the personal art collection of Charles Weyerhaeuser’s parents, Carl A. and Edith Weyerhaeuser. Charles, or “Charlie,” as he is known to the museum community, has held the position of Director for over 50 years, assuming the position in 1973, after the death of the museum’s first Director, Ture Bengtz.
A graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Charlie was closely involved with the construction of the museum, and has served as its President.
In his years as Director, Charlie has led the Art Complex and its staff to fulfill the mission of the museum as articulated by his parents: “To create a place that inspires curiosity, where people could gather, enjoy beauty, and learn about the arts.” Over the years, the museum has showcased the works of hundreds of artists in various media—paintings, prints, ceramics, sculptures, and furniture. Exhibits and events reflect changing interests through the years, and the museum continues to acquire new work for its collections. In addition to exhibits, the museum provides many opportunities for visitors to engage with the arts, through its concerts, demonstrations, gallery talks, and educational programs.
Honoring his parents’ intent, it is a testament to Charlie’s commitment that the museum continues to offer free admission to its visitors. Most recently, Charlie saw the museum through an exciting renovation, positioning the museum as an important South Shore arts venue for many years to come.
The Art Complex is never the same place twice, which keeps visitors returning to this unique place. Charlie has always been the museum and staff’s most ardent supporter, and visitors know that they will always see him at museum events.
The search for a new Director has commenced, and Weyerhaeuser will remain in the role until the new Director is in place. At that time, Weyerhaeuser will take on the new role of Chief Historian of the Art Complex Museum, in which he will collaborate with the museum’s Collections staff to document the history of the Art Complex, its collection, and additional acquisition details of key objects in the collection.
