DUNCAN MCCLELLAN

ARTIST & OWNER, DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERY AND DMG SCHOOL PROJECT, ST. PETERSBURG

Ten years ago, McClellan, a nationally known glass artist, converted a 7,800-sq.-ft. former fish and tomato packing plant into an art glass gallery, not only featuring his work, but the work of 60 other glass artists from around the world. In doing so, he helped create St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, a once seedy part of town that now features other art galleries, artist workspaces, restaurants, coffee shops, antique shops and numerous other businesses, including a craft brewery.

McClellan, whose gallery centers around a hot-glass studio where the public can watch artists create glass objects, founded the DMG School Project, which he says is dedicated to bringing arts education to the public, with a focus on school outreach.

“Our DMG School Project gives great satisfaction,” he says. “It is wonderful to see young people be inspired by art. DMG also hosts a number of emerging artists residencies. These give artists a jump start on their careers through free studio time, stipends and mentoring. These are things I could have used starting up, and it’s a pleasure to pass this on to artists who participate in our programs. I am also very passionate about helping other communities develop sustainable arts programming in their communities. I have been asked to speak and consult on projects throughout the country.”