History

The Frank L. Melega Art Museum opened May, 1999. Norma Ryan, a long time friend of the Melega family, had the idea for a permanent home for the art of Frank L. Melega. In 1996, Patrick Daugherty organized an art exhibition titled “Coal, Coke, and Art” for PennState Fayette, The Eberly Campus which included Mr. Melega’s paintings. This is how Mr. Daugherty met Mr. Melega and his son Frank R. Melega. The opening for the exhibition was the most attended event on the campus up to that time. This prompted  Ryan to ask Daugherty to set up a show of Melega’s artwork for a weekend exhibition at the historic Flatiron Building in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. This was the first time the artist had a one-person show in his hometown. The success of that exhibition inspired Norma Ryan, Frank R. Melega and Patrick Daugherty to found the Frank L. Melega Art Museum. Through the generosity of the Brownsville Area Redevelopment Corporation (BARC) providing the space, administrative help, and utilities along with a start-up grant from the Eberly Foundation, the dream became a reality. Through continued volunteer support, artwork sales, and donations, the museum continues to serve the community and the artworld.