The Curators 12
The Second Appointment
Created to recognize artists, makers, collectors, and creative voices whose work reflects the spirit of Mélange Paints, The Curators 12 is more than a giveaway.
It is an annual invitation into a select circle of individuals whose perspective, creativity, and insight help shape what comes next.
While Field Notes celebrates curiosity and discovery, The Curators 12 celebrates influence, craftsmanship, and creative vision.
Twelve individuals will be selected for appointment to The Curators 12 Class of 2026.
What Curators Will Receive
Each Curator will receive:
✦ One Quart of Morphose by Mélange Paints
A quart of our signature furniture paint in the color of their choice from the complete Metamorphosis Collection.
✦ Studio Oval Brush
Our flagship brush selected for furniture painting, decorative finishes, and creative projects.
✦ Hand-Painted Color Chart
A hand-painted Mélange Paints color chart featuring all 27 colors of the Metamorphosis Collection.
✦ Curators 12 Composition Journal
A composition journal chosen exclusively for members of The Curators 12.
✦ Curated Naturalist Ephemera
A collection of keepsakes, paper goods, and discoveries inspired by museums, archives, specimen collections, and the Cabinet of Curiosities tradition.
✦ Early Access to the Mélange Paints Website Relaunch
Curators will receive access to shop the website before public opening, allowing them to explore the collection ahead of launch day.
✦ Entry into the Studio Transformation Grant Drawing
Each Curator will remain eligible for selection as the recipient of the Studio Transformation Grant.
✦ Eligibility to Discover the Golden Moth
Every Curator's package remains eligible to contain the hidden Golden Moth appointment.
An ornate, gold-colored, rococo-style picture frame with intricate floral and scroll details, shaped like an oval, set against a plain background.
An ornate, gold-framed oval mirror with intricate floral and scroll designs at the top, bottom, and sides, set against a brown background.
An ornate, gold frame with intricate floral and scrollwork embellishments surrounds an empty blue oval space.
An ornate gold picture frame with floral motifs and decorative scrollwork, empty with a blue background.
An ornate, gold-colored, oval picture frame with intricate floral and scroll details.
Ornate, gold, Baroque-style oval picture frame with intricate floral and scroll details against a dark background.
An ornate, gold, oval picture frame with intricate floral and scroll details, empty blue background inside the frame.
An ornate gold picture frame with intricate floral and scroll detailing, oval shape, empty with a blue background.
An ornate, gold, empty picture frame with intricate floral and scroll carvings, set against a brown background.
An ornate gold picture frame with intricate floral and scroll designs, set against a dark background with a blue placeholder inside.
An ornate, gold, oval picture frame with intricate floral and scroll details on a wooden background.
An ornate, gold-framed oval mirror with elaborate floral embellishments on a dark background, reflecting a blue space with a small silver plaque in the bottom right corner.
The Curator's Circle
The appointment extends beyond the prize package itself.
Members of The Curators 12 become a group of trusted voices whose perspective may help inform the future direction of Mélange Paints.
Curators may be invited to:
✦ Preview future collections ✦ Test new products before public release
✦ Participate in color trend forecasting ✦ Share feedback on concepts and product development
✦ Help shape future collections, educational content, and creative initiatives
When we ask, "What's next?" these are among the first voices we may turn to.
The Featured Curator Program
Each member of The Curators 12 will be featured on The Curators 12 page of the Mélange Paints website.
Throughout the following year, Curators may be highlighted through dedicated feature spotlights
showcasing their work, creative process, artistic perspective, and personal story.
These features may include:
✦ Personal introductions and creative biographies
✦ Written interviews
✦ Galleries of furniture, artwork, and creative projects
✦ Links to websites, portfolios, and social media platforms
✦ Promotion across Mélange Paints social media channels
Our goal is simple: to celebrate the creators who inspire us while helping
introduce their work to the broader Mélange Paints community.
The Path Forward
The Curators 12 is one of the highest appointments within the Cabinet of Curiosities, but the journey does not end here.
Each Curator remains eligible for:
✦ The Studio Transformation Grant
✦ Discovery of the hidden Golden Moth
As the Cabinet unfolds, each appointment builds upon the last, leading toward the final discoveries still to come.
Why the Curators 12 Exists
The Curators 12 was created to recognize the artists, makers, and collectors whose curiosity,
craftsmanship, and creative perspective embody the spirit of Mélange Paints.
The people who understand that creativity is built through observation, collection, experimentation, and thoughtful making.
The people who preserve beauty, create beauty, and inspire beauty in others.
They are the curators. The collectors. The makers.
The trusted voices helping shape what comes next.
Twelve Appointments.
One Curator's Circle.
Welcome to The Curators 12. ✦