Celebrating the first ever manned, powered, heavier-than-air flight MELIA'S ART OF WRIGHTS A TREASURE From Dayton Daily News (OH), March 20, 2003 Written by Dale Huffman, Captain Flight Those Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, altered so many aspects of everyday life in the world a century ago when they taught the world how to fly. Even art. No one could even begin to estimate the number of photographs, paintings, sketches, drawings, sculptures, films or videos that have been created to celebrate the historic accomplishments of Dayton's most famous brothers and the incredible impact of their creative gift to mankind. Paul Melia of Kettering, a distinguished, award-winning artist, is one of thousands inspired by the invention of flight. Capt. Flight found Melia, one of the Miami Valley's best-known artists, busy in the bright open studio in his home in Kettering this week putting the finishing touches on a painting he calls Manned Flight 100, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' accomplishment. At 73, he is a survivor of serious heart problems and is fighting arthritis in his hands. Melia's face, framed by snow-white hair, lit up with a radiating smile as he said, "I've still got it. I'm still able to create." French painter Renoir, who suffered from arthritis, once said, "The pain passes, but the beauty remains," and in Melia's case the words ring true. "I am just so happy that my hands are OKand I still have this gift that I can share with others. It makes me happy to still be at it after the serious medical challenges I have faced." His home, which he shares with his wife, Carole, appropriately showcases a lifetime of his artistic work, with award-winning paintings and portraits on display, mostly watercolor creations. Because of his outstanding artistic reputation, Melia has been invited to lend his completed painting honoring the achievements of the Wright brothers to the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra volunteer association. It will be displayed prominently in the Designers Show House. The Oakwood mansion once owned by Evelyn Huffman Patterson has been acquired by the Philharmonic, and with the help of some of Dayton's best designers and landscapers will become a showcase home open for tours for the group's annual fund-raiser beginning May 4. Melia leaned toward the colorful painting in his home and pointed out features. At the top, on each side, are portraits of Wilbur and Orville. The Wright Flyer is in the center. Swooping out from behind the Wright brothers' plane is a modern jet F-16 and a swirling American flag. Across the lower section are 32 of the most notable aircraft developed in the past century. "It marries the old with the new. It kind of tells the story of flight from the time of the Wright brothers until today," Melia said. "I am having a limited number of prints made and in a few weeks they will be available for those who may wish to make a purchase." In 1975, Melia was commissioned to create a painting honoring the Wright brothers for the Aviation Hall of Fame, and his creations have been associated with many special historical celebrations. One of Melia's most prestigious awards came in 2000 in Vancouver when he competed with 1,400 artists from 33 countries and won first place with a grand prize of $25,000. "It was a validation of my abilities," he said. "It is just such a joy to continue to share the talents I have. And how good it is to be a part of history as we all celebrate Dayton's Wright brothers. "I will continue to paint, to create, as long as I can move. For me, this is life." Copyright, 2003, Cox Ohio Publishing. All rights reserved.