Installations

Melinda’s largest installation to date was featured during the fall 2020 Paper Works exhibition at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. The large scale paper sculpture installation titled “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” was nearly a life-size installation that depicted a delightful, nostalgic afternoon setting on the back porch of a Victorian house, complete with a wicker table and chair.

Visitors to the house could enjoy a cup of tea surrounded by the family cats and dogs. Meanwhile, the porch was surrounded by beautiful flowers, fluttering butterflies, bees, and insects. The entire scene — which was 18 feet long, 12 feet high and 3 feet deep — was made out of paper and paint. Of course, Melinda even included a hidden object game to play while visitors enjoyed the scene!

Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat

Melinda’s paper sculpture installation received rave reviews, including a mention in the Washington Post, both online and in print. The Post’s review of the “Paper Works” show read, “The standout among the latter is Melinda Fabian’s large installation of a Victorian garden, populated by a menagerie of 3-D paper animals.”

On June 26, Melinda sat down with Strathmore's Gabrielle Tillenburg for two virtual art talks , one for adults and one for kids. Melinda had a great time talking about her artistic process, and even gave viewers a sneak preview of what's to come in her "Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat" installation.

Click the buttons below for the virtual art talks.