Missoula Art Museum celebrates Laura Mellon’s 35-year legacy with dedicated art space

The City of Missoula held a significant meeting on July 15, 2025, to honor Laura Mellon, the long-serving director of the Missoula Art Museum (MAM), as she celebrated 35 years in her role. The meeting featured heartfelt tributes from community members and board members, highlighting Laura's profound impact on the museum and the local arts scene.

The session began with remarks from Andy and Cindy, who expressed their admiration for Laura's dedication to the arts. They announced the dedication of a new art space in the museum, named the "Laura J. Mellon Space," which will serve as a lasting tribute to her contributions. This space is intended to honor Laura's commitment to the community and the arts.

Martin Burke, a former president of the MAM board, followed with a detailed acknowledgment of Laura's achievements. He described her tenure as marked by "victory, gift, and legacy." Burke outlined eight key goals that Laura accomplished during her time, including transforming MAM into a leading regional arts center, launching a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign for renovations, and significantly increasing the museum's collection, particularly of Native American art.

Burke emphasized Laura's leadership during challenging times, such as the pandemic, and her focus on community engagement and equity in the arts. He noted that her efforts have left a lasting legacy, making the museum a vital part of the Missoula community and ensuring that underrepresented artists have a platform.

In closing, Burke encouraged attendees to contribute to the "Laura Legacy Fund," aimed at sustaining the museum's future and honoring Laura's contributions. The meeting concluded with a collective appreciation for Laura's remarkable journey and the indelible mark she has left on the Missoula Art Museum and its community.