The passing of Judge John Merrick is a passing of an era. He was a true gentleman who helped build the foundation of Malibu.
I was fortunate to meet Judge Merrick a few years after his retirement. We shared the fact we were both from the east coast, but his support of the arts was the thing that we spoke about the most.
Judge Merrick launched the Malibu Art Association (MAA) in 1963 and began Malibu’s “Public Art Program” by encouraging MAA members to exhibit their works in the court room where he judged. The program continued for the next 48 years, until the economy forced that division to move to the Santa Monica courthouse last year.
It’s ironic that Judge Merrick passed during this time of craving venues to exhibit/perform, and the formation of the first Malibu Arts Commission. He’s passing the job on, a man of true dignity.
What a full life!
Thank you, Judge Merrick.
Alessandra DeClario