Five Years of Artistry at Brenda McMahon Gallery

By James Briggs

In just five years, Brenda McMahon Gallery has evolved from a local art gallery into a prominent regional destination for art enthusiasts. Through monthly First Friday Art Walk events and its accompanying Artist of the Month program, emerging and professional artists have been introduced to the St. Petersburg arts scene, and the gallery’s diverse roster of artists continues to flourish. Owner and ceramic artist Brenda McMahon’s leadership and mentorship of emerging artists have opened new avenues for artists of all ages and skill levels.

“My initial vision was that of a juried art show representing various artistic mediums in a gallery setting. We’ve accomplished that and our vision is expanding,” says McMahon.

The gallery recently announced its expansion into the adjoining commercial space on Gulfport’s Beach Boulevard previously occupied by Custom House Décor, and visitors to the gallery’s fifth anniversary celebration on May 3rd will get a look inside during a soft launch of the new space. The expansion doubles the amount of space the gallery will have to showcase the works of its artists, and exclusive series by some of its prominent artists are in progress for the new space.

The additional space also allows McMahon to showcase larger commissioned works and welcome custom clients into the gallery. McMahon’s custom work remains a driving force of her business.

“My local custom ceramic projects have been growing exponentially in both volume and size since I opened the gallery in 2019. This is probably my greatest joy and surprise,” she says. “A larger space will allow me to create larger works and welcome more custom clients into the gallery where we can take the time to review needs and plan for artwork in area homes. Right now, my personal work is booked out for four to five months and several of my artists are also busy creating custom pieces for collectors near and far."

While McMahon creates in the quiet of her beachside studio in Gulfport, she often recalls time spent in her native home, Rockaway Beach, as an ongoing inspiration for her creativity.

“My earliest memories are of earth, water, and salt air; at night, as I gazed out from the front porch, I saw a shimmering black skyline, not that of Man- hattan, but the vast expanse of the moonlit ocean. Now I use those same elements of earth, water, and salt air to express my life and experience through art.”

McMahon forms soft earth into subtle polished vessels and sculptural wall murals. Instead of using glazes on her vessels, she uses a Raku-alternative firing process and experiments with natural materials, polished porcelain, and the random markings of fire upon earth in a technique known as saggar firing. Like the unpredictability of waves chasing the shoreline, each saggar firing yields surprising results upon the surface of her vessels, meaning no two are ever alike.

Her sculptural wall murals have won awards and been commissioned by collectors from across the country for over 25 years and now adorn the walls of private and public collections throughout St. Petersburg. Before discovering Gulfport in 2008, McMahon built a rising career as an artist by showing her work at art shows across the country, consistently winning awards and building her client roster. The experience and skillful means developed during her art show career serve her well as a gallery owner.

After the opening of Brenda McMahon Gallery in 2019, McMahon began to focus on the opportuni- ties she had available to help other artists advance in their own careers.

“As a gallerist, my vision of helping others make a living by sharing the essence of their art became something I could apply to my work,” says McMahon. “I’ve spent a great deal of time supporting and promoting emerging artists in a fine art environment, believing and showing them that their art can sustain them. Having a gallery has allowed me to help artists experience genuine growth in their careers.”

A series of Creative Pinellas Emerging Artists have had their public profile raised by invitations to show at Brenda McMahon Gallery, including Patricia Kluwe Derderian, Anna Ayres, Zoe Pappas, and Kimberly Engel. McMahon has also mentored multiple winners of Gulfport’s Rise & Shine Emerging Artist Grant program.

“Art is an expression of trust, love, and community,” continues McMahon. “My role as a gallery owner is to create a space that welcomes others to see that creativity is as important as food, air, and water. Our souls need nourishment, just as our bodies do, and art can be that nourishment. It’s important for emerging artists to know that it’s appropriate to feel this way.”

After celebrating five years of fine art and showcasing an expanded art space at the anniversary event, McMahon will spend much of her summer teaching in France. For several years, she’s taught in Italy, and her international workshops serve to renew her own artistic vision.

“Receiving a monthlong residency in France is a way to replenish my spirit of creativity. I will take a month and tap into my deep inner exploration, unencumbered by the marketplace or the demands of another. It is a gift of time and attention,” she says.

Teaching and showing abroad is a trait she shares with many of the gallery’s artists, including renowned Tampa glass artist Susan Gott and painters Christine Di Staola and Patricia Kluwe Derderian.

“One of the most profound parts of teaching abroad is the ability to teach people of all cultures and languages a common love of soft earth and the joys of ceramics. The language of creativity is a universal one unlimited by national borders. Gesture, laughter, and eyes are our guide.”

As Brenda McMahon Gallery celebrates its expansion and its five years as a centerpiece of the St. Petersburg Arts Scene, visitors can expect more award-winning artists, emerging artist showcases, gallery workshops, and themed events. They can also count on the consistency, creativity, and diversity of talent to continue to emanate from the gallery under McMahon’s leadership.

“This I know,” says McMahon in closing. “I love earth, nature, clay, and art, and I have created a life that supports all of that while growing my heart and expanding my circle around the world. And for that and more, I am eternally grateful.” •

Brenda McMahon Gallery is located at 2901 Beach Boulevard S. in Gulfport, FL. Interested parties are invited to visit BrendaMcMahonGallery.com and follow the gallery on social media @brendamcmahongallery for gallery news and events.

Author: James Briggs is the founder of Carroway + Rose, a creative arts agency representing artists, galleries, museums, and creative small businesses throughout the Southeast.