Melanie was born in Bournemouth in 1952. She has 4 children and 6 grandchildren and is married to fellow artist Martin Swan RSMA.
She spent time in France in her early 20’s learning to paint from a former student of the iconographer monk Fr Gregory Kroug, Melanie subsequently studied for a degree as a mature student, during which time she had her eldest three children. She moved to the Isle of Wight with her family when her life subsequently followed a different course, with responsibilities as a Carer for family members, including her fourth child.
Melanie re-engaged with her Creative Practice some years later, attending West Dean Short Courses for her professional development. Over the years Melanie’s practice broadened to include teaching and working with community projects. She later became a Founding Director and Project Manager for a Community Interest Company, whose work was recognised by London2012 with an Inspire Mark award as part of the Cultural Olympiad.
Melanie regularly exhibits and is a Quay Arts tutor and studio-holder in the Jubilee Stores, the Quay’s studio and workshop complex in Newport.
Qualifications
2020-2023 West Dean College, Foundation Diploma in Tapestry Weaving
2018-2022 West Dean College; Diploma in Art & Contemporary Craft.
2005-7 Level 3 Advanced Carnival Arts, Certificate in Delivering Learning, Adult Education.
1991-96 RSA Business French, ‘A’ level French, Open University, 1 year – Introduction to Psychology.
1984 CCAT- now Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge: BA(Hons) 2:1
1963-1969 Guildford County Grammar School
Working with Community groups
Drawing Ahead Community Art Group
2014 – ongoing: co-Tutor
Student Exhibitions
2021 Quay Arts, Learning Curve Gallery, post-Covid ‘Relaunch’ , co-curator.
2019 Mall Gallery, RSMA Annual Exhibition, ‘Coast & Tidal River’ display, co-curator
2017 Quay Arts, Clayden Gallery; ‘New Works’ exhibition, co-curator
2015 Quay Arts, Rope Store Gallery; ‘Fragments’, co-curator.
2009-2013 No Man is an Island CIC: Founder Member, Director and Project Manager
No Man is an Island CIC, working with the Cultural Olympiad, was recognized by London 2012 with the Inspire Mark 2009-2012
Exhibitions and events:
Delivering free London 2012 Open Weekend annual creative events and workshops;
2012 Quay Arts, Learning Curve gallery; ‘Make Your Mark for 2012’ exhibition; Curator, exhibitor.
2011 Isle of Wight, International Island Games HQ, Curator, exhibitor
2010 Dimbola Lodge Photographic Museum, ‘The Camera & Beyond’ exhibition; Curator, exhibitor
2009 Quay Arts, Learning Curve Gallery; ‘Textile and Landscape’ exhibitions, No Man is an Island CIC, Curator, Installation.
2009 ‘No Man is an Island’: Heritage Lottery fund awarded.
Exhibitions:
Quay Arts, Rope Store Gallery, ‘Inside Outside’ Artists – Moving On; Curator, Exhibitor, Installation.
2008 Founder member and Project Manager: No Man is an Island community group: delivering creative opportunities to families living with Autism.