Michael A. Mennello who co-foundered the Loch Haven Park art museum that bears his name, died December 18, 2020 after a brief COVID-19 related illness. He was 87.
I once had the honor to sketch Michael in his home, Casa Bianca. I was working on a mural for the Mennello Museum of American Art and sketched people from life to be added to the wall. Michael wanted to be included in the mural so he invited me to sketch him at home.
The visit was thrilling. He has such an amazing collection of Ash Can era paintings that were right in line with my love of art being used to capture everyday life.
In Orlando, Michael and his wife Marilyn whom he met in Winter Park, established the Mennello Museum in 1998 after donating 35 paintings by folk artist Earl Cunningham to the city. Marilyn died in 2006 leaving him bereft. A gold statue of her is in the Mennello Museum collection.
As I did this sketch Michael told me about a lavish holiday party that is hosed in his home each year. He suggested I should go to the event to do a sketch. There is a balcony overlooking the room where I could sit to look down and sketch the lavish spread. Unfortunately I never did that sketch. This year’s party was canceled due to COVID-19. Life is short but art endures. I was honored to have me Michael and to have seen his amazing art collection first hand. In 2018 Michael donated additional paintings and sculptures, valued at $8.75 million, to the Mennello Museum of Art.
The Mennello Museum of American Art is slated for a 20 million dollar a 40,000 square-foot expansion by architects Brooks + Scarpa & KMF. Michael Mennello said in 2019, “My late wife, Marilyn, and I opened the museum in November 1998. We were avid art collectors who had a dream to create an intimate cultural gem. Never in a million years did I dream I would be alive to see our museum become a global destination for world-class American Art for all to enjoy.” I am sure construction was delayed due to COVID-19 and unfortunately Michael didn’t live to see it open. Ars longa, vita brevis. His legacy of sharing art will outlive us all.
