Melissa Hines Remembered

Photo of Melissa Hines courtesy of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.

“911 Media Arts Center and the entire Creative Community of Seattle lost an unsung hero of the arts this last weekend.  Melissa always believed in the mission of 911 Media and was instrumental in our participation in the Civic Partners Program at the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.  Below are a few selected comments from the city’s arts blog.

“Melissa was amazing. So supportive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Every communication that came from her felt like it came from someone who really cared. She made the art world a warmer and more nurturing place to be. Peace to her. May her spirit live on in this community.

Jarrad Powell
Gamelan Pacifica
Cornish Faculty

“I am stunned to learn of Melissa’s death. I had no idea she had been ill, though I was recently aware she hadn’t been available to respond to our usual nattering technical application questions with her typical serene, calm solutions. Melissa was a tranquil professional in a world of bureaucratic stress, always present to lend passionate support and advice to arts organizations and individuals alike. She will be deeply missed.

Beth Sellars
Suyama Space

“Melissa was always a patient and wonderful help with all the projects of the Seattle Chamber Players. She also came as a guest to my “Career Development” class at Cornish, wonderful rapport with the students, very encouraging and warm. How lucky we were to have her as an advocate and activist.

Paul Taub
Seattle Chamber Players
Cornish Faculty

“Melissa was a great friend and colleague, generous with her time, devoted to the arts, wise beyond words. I had the privilege to work closely with in her ten years of volunteer service to KCAC and 4Culture, while she simultaneously almost single-handidly kept the Empty Space afloat. I don’t think there is a single theatre company in Seattle, large or small, that hasn’t been influenced by her work. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Jim Kelly
4culture

“Seattle’s arts community has lost a tireless advocate and a passionate leader.

“Melissa was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Seattle. Her advice was golden. I also had the pleasure of working with her through her service on the King County Arts Commission. It was an honor to work so closely with her over the past seven years at OACA. I will miss her wisdom, her tremendous intellect, good humor and generous spirit. She was an extraordinary woman, and will be missed by many.

Michael Killloren
NEA

“Goodbye dear Melissa – we will do our best to soldier on without you, and ensure that your legacy is long remembered. Rest in peace, dear lady.

Fidelma McGinn
Artist Trust

A full tribute to Melissa can be found at http://artbeat.seattle.gov/2011/04/09/in-memory-of-melissa-hines-devoted-arts-leader/