It was with great sadness that Moose Jaw’s artistic community acknowledged the death of artist, poet, and close friend John Ross Melanson on March 2nd following his battle with cancer.
Melanson’s career brought him to the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) where he spent 20 years positively influencing countless individuals through his own unique perspectives, inquisitive personality, and his “mind of a philosopher and heart of a poet.”
Christy Schweiger is the education co-ordinator at the MJMAG and has worked with Ross Melanson for her entire career. Their close friendship from being co-workers spanned at least 20 years.
When Melanson first started at the MJMAG, both he and Schweiger were working as gallery greeters.
“He was an artist. He was a philosopher. He wrote articles, he wrote books, (and) he did artwork,” Schweiger said.
“He was well loved by the staff and the community at large that surrounded the (MJMAG).”
After starting his career as a gallery greeter, Melanson went on to teach art classes with his wife who still teaches at the MJMAG’s art classes. From there, he moved into an administrative role encompassing a wide range of jobs including the curatorial assistant.
His last role at the MJMAG was to serve as the gallery’s operations manager and Schweiger noted that his work supported much of the background behind the gallery’s success.
One of Melanson’s last projects was his research role for the 1954 plane crash exhibit which will be on display at the gallery this April.
Before his passing, the staff at the MJMAG put together an exhibition in honour of his work at a time when he was still on his journey through cancer treatment. Melanson was able to attend the reception and share in the commemoration of his work and his life while being “surrounded by art” – a setting that meant the world to him.
“He loved art (and) he loved working with people. There are so many people that have reached out and shared their love and admiration for him,” Schweiger said.
“He was a good mentor and colleague, and he was always very caring,” she added. “He always carried a smile and a positive attitude in his life and (with regard to) everything around him.”
His influence went far beyond the gallery’s staff and included many in Moose Jaw’s art community.
“He was a champion to artists and really encouraged not only professional artists, but up and coming artists (as well).”
Currently, there are no confirmed plans to honour Melanson in an upcoming exhibit or other commemorative gesture. This could change, Schweiger noted, as many in the art community remember him fondly and his contribution positively impacted many lives.
Out of respect for Melanson’s family, any such gestures will be given their approval and planning isn't being rushed.
For the time being, the gallery has a condolence book at the front desk for anybody who wishes to leave a few remarks in his memory. To leave a message in the book, guests are asked to speak with the front desk receptionist.
Schweiger noted that many names in the book and comments on the MJMAG’s social media pages are from people she recognized during his 20-year career.
“He’s left an impression on each and every one of those people.
“There’s an empty spot that we have here at the (MJMAG) for him,” Schweiger said with a heavy heart. “We do feel his presence here, every day (and in) every moment.”
The deepest condolences from the MJMAG, Moose Jaw’s art community, the Moose Jaw Express, and the wider community go out to the family and close friends of Melanson.
To visit the gallery and sign the condolence book, the MJMAG is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-692-4471.
To donate to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre on behalf of Melanson, his family is asking anyone interested do so at CancerFoundationSask.ca/Donate.
