In Episode 42 of Inside the Frame Podcast, we sit down with Peter Mello, Executive Director of the Duxbury Art Complex Museum, for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation about art, community, accessibility, and creative placemaking. Since joining the Art Complex in 2023, Peter has energized the beloved South Shore institution with new ideas, programs, and a deep appreciation for its legacy.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Art Complex Museum, founded by the Weyerhaeuser family in 1971, has a rich history rooted in art collecting and community building. Peter took the helm following the 51-year tenure of former director Charlie Weyerhaeuser, and he stepped into the role with a vision to honor the past while activating new engagement strategies.
From expanded public hours to free admission and exciting upcoming programs, Peter’s approach focuses on breaking down the barriers that often intimidate people from visiting museums. “Art should be accessible to everyone,” he says. “We’re trying to eliminate the excuses that keep people from walking through the door.”
Midsummer Festival: Reviving a Legacy Event
One of Peter’s first initiatives was reviving the museum’s Midsummer Festival—a Scandinavian-inspired community celebration that had been dormant for years. After discovering a photo of the original maypole from decades past, Peter and his team found the actual structure buried in storage. They’re bringing it back as the centerpiece of the new festival, which will feature art vendors, food trucks, glassblowing demos, family activities, and even a puppet performance by Big Nazo from Providence.
The inaugural reboot of the Midsummer Festival will take place on June 21 from 12 to 5 PM and aims to bring a wide range of people to the museum’s 15-acre campus.
Expanding Access and Offerings
Peter is passionate about welcoming new audiences and creating opportunities for people to engage with art on their own terms. From Thursday evening hours with oysters and wine to summer art camps and educational programs for local students, the museum is becoming a dynamic space that meets people where they are.
Peter is also exploring a fall speaker series on collecting art, aimed at demystifying the process and encouraging people to support local artists. “Collecting doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be joyful and meaningful,” he shares.
Art, Economy, and Creative Habit
Before joining the Art Complex, Peter served as co-CEO of WaterFire Providence, a city-wide installation and arts event that brought millions to downtown Providence and generated significant economic impact. At WaterFire, he helped launch a 37,000-square-foot arts center and collaborated with public art groups from around the world.
Peter also maintains a personal creative habit as a photographer, taking a photo of Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett nearly every day since 2011. The ritual has resulted in two published books and a deeply connected online community.
A Living Collection
The museum’s permanent collection, 9,000 objects strong, features remarkable holdings including Shaker furniture, Japanese ceramics, American paintings, and contemporary pieces. Peter is committed to rotating these works into regular exhibitions, while also supporting the curators’ efforts to schedule contemporary shows years in advance.
Upcoming highlights include the 50th anniversary of the museum’s tea hut, new outdoor sculpture installations for America’s 250th birthday, and a PBS mini-documentary airing August 8 as part of the Treasures at the Museum series.
A Collaborative Future
Peter sees the Art Complex as an integral part of a broader arts network on the South Shore. Whether it’s working with Frame Center, joining the South of Boston Art Trail, or collaborating with other museums and associations, his goal is simple: get more people engaged in art.
Frame Center is proud to support local institutions like the Art Complex and the people behind them. As always, we believe art belongs on your walls, and in your life.
