Mel Shull, who was born and raised in Adams County, passed away in March of 2018. Mel’s husband Lee Baer Shull worked tirelessly with the ACAC to secure paintings from family, friends, and other collectors of Mel’s works. The selected works represent various stages of his life, and will be on loan for the duration of the exhibit.
Mel Shull was a graduate of Biglerville High School and attended Messiah College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and later attended Messiah’s campus at Temple University in Philadelphia. He met his partner in life, Lee Baer-Shull, after college, and moved back to his beloved Adams County in 2002. Many of his early paintings depict the beautiful scenery of Adams County, including the orchard country surrounding Arendtsville and Upper Adams. Mel also painted portraits of family members, friends, and beloved pets. The exhibit showcases many of these works, as well as some scenes featuring the New England coast.
A long-time supporter of the ACAC, Shull served on the board as treasurer from 2004-2009, drawing on his many years of experience working in the banking industry. He was also a Juried Art Exhibition co-chair in 2007 and 2008, and a member of the Arts Education Center Capital Campaign Committee in 2010 and 2011.