Much-loved artist and teacher Mel Leipzig died last week, on October 31, 2025, at the age of 90. He was legendary in Trenton, where he lived and worked for decades, and he was recognized nationally and internationally as a true and important artist. The Whitney Museum of American Art, the White House, the Zimmerli Art Museum and The New Jersey State Museum all own his paintings.

Mel was my neighbor in the Glen Afton section of Trenton and he was my friend. For me, he was inspiring and bigger-than-life. I will miss him greatly. Many times I’d walk by Mel’s house and hear him excitedly call my name from the front door, “Eric, Eric, come see my new painting, I want to know what you think!” Other times he would call to let my partner and I know about an upcoming show or article, or sometimes to just ask if the recycling was going to be picked up on a certain holiday, or to let us know he’d received a neighbor’s mail by mistake. He’s been a presence in our lives for decades.

 

In 2010, I filmed an interview with Mel at his home for what was supposed to be a short State of the Arts feature. The feature soon evolved into a half-hour documentary for NJN Public Television. I’ve never worked on a project that came together so naturally, easily. Strangely, the documentary was our featured program on air last week, the first time it had been broadcast in many years.

Mel’s good friend, Aubrey J. Kauffman, collaborated on the project as videographer, narrator and co-producer, and that was a big help. At some point, a programmer at PBS headquarters in Washington, D.C. saw the show and was so taken by Mel and his art that PBS decided to distribute the program nationally. Mel was so pleased by the numerous letters and messages he received from viewers around the country. A woman in Miami Beach wrote wondering if Mel might be “available!” A young man in prison in Michigan wrote to say he started painting after seeing the documentary and wanted Mel to know how much this meant to him. By all accounts, this is the kind of impact Mel had on many, many people.

Mel Leipzig at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, October 2025 | Photo credit: Jack Turkel

Just a week ago, hundreds gathered at the Ellarslie Museum in Trenton to celebrate Mel at the museum’s retrospective show of his work. How wonderful it was for Mel to be there surrounded by so many friends, students and colleagues! It was a fitting tribute for a marvelous and inspiring artist, and a person we will all miss very much.