Duncan McClellan, Owner, Duncan McClellan Gallery
In an interview with Invest:, Duncan McClellan emphasized the role of murals in St. Petersburg’s thriving arts scene and his gallery’s commitment to the arts through education, including programs for at-risk youth. Looking ahead, he plans to scale down operations and integrate a high-end restaurant into the space, ensuring a lasting creative impact. “The gallery will continue to evolve, and I look forward to seeing how it integrates with the next phase of development in the area,” he said.
How do murals and public art initiatives contribute to the local art scene, and what role does your gallery play in supporting them?
The arts in St. Petersburg are deeply integrated, and murals have become a key part of that. They serve as a cultural outreach not only for international visitors but also for international artists who may not have known about St. Pete before. Interestingly, the mural movement here began as a challenge. A mural was painted on a building next to us, which we helped facilitate, but the city’s graffiti abatement officer initially pushed back against it. It went to the city council, and thanks to a series of forward-thinking council members, they saw the potential of murals as public art. If the artwork wasn’t advertising a business, it was deemed a positive addition to the city.
Since then, the mural scene has exploded, with over 100 murals created by international artists who had never previously been invited to St. Pete. It has become a celebration of artistic expression and an anchor for the city’s broader arts community. While we don’t financially support murals in the way we initially did, we continue to contribute to the local arts ecosystem through educational programming.
What milestones or achievements has the gallery reached over the past year?
One of the biggest milestones for us was finally securing new zoning. For years, we technically weren’t operating as a legal art gallery due to zoning restrictions. Along with many others in the community, we worked closely with the city and county to push for changes, and we now have zoning that allows us to be part of the next evolution of this area.
Our location along the Pinellas Trail presents a unique opportunity. The city wants to develop this corridor into a vibrant live-work-entertainment district that attracts visitors from all over. With our extensive property line along the trail, we’re well-positioned to be part of that transformation. One of my long-held dreams for this space has been to integrate a high-end restaurant alongside the gallery and our hot shop. The combination of art, live demonstrations, and great food would create an incredible experience for visitors, and I’m excited about the potential collaborations that could bring this vision to life.
What impact do your educational programs have on young artists and the broader community?
One of the most impactful programs we’re currently involved in is with SailForward, an organization that brings troubled youth to us for educational experiences. Many of these teenagers have had run-ins with the law, and our goal is to show them that there’s another path. In the short time we have with them, we try to spark an interest in something positive — something that can inspire them to think beyond their current circumstances.
Beyond that, we believe that art education is essential for all kids, no matter their background. Whether they come from disadvantaged or affluent families, they need these moments of creative exploration. We’re not just teaching art techniques; we’re also incorporating math, chemistry, and problem-solving skills in ways that make learning feel relevant and engaging. Those “aha” moments are what we strive for.
How are rising costs affecting local art spaces, and what strategies can galleries use to adapt?
Economic pressures are a challenge for everyone in the arts. Rent costs have skyrocketed — during the pandemic, we saw increases of 60%, and while rents are now starting to come down by about 10%, it’s still a significant burden. Labor costs have also risen, and we’ve always paid at the higher end of our industry, but even that isn’t enough to keep up with inflation.
One way we’re adapting is by offering additional income opportunities for our artists. Through our hot shop, they can create and sell their own pieces, supplementing their income beyond their regular work at the gallery. Glassblowing is one of the most expensive visual art mediums to work with, so finding ways to offset those costs is crucial.
What are your thoughts on the political and economic climate and its impact on the arts?
It’s a tough time for small businesses and galleries, and to be candid, I’m deeply concerned about the direction things are headed. The current administration’s policies have created a level of uncertainty that makes it difficult to plan. Rising costs, regulatory challenges, and economic instability are forcing me to consider other options. I know this isn’t the typical answer you’d expect, but I think it’s important to acknowledge how these broader economic and political shifts are affecting not just the art world, but businesses across the board. If things continue on this trajectory, I believe we’ll see major changes not just in the U.S. economy, but globally.
What is your vision for the future of the gallery, and how do you see your role evolving?
At this point in my life, I’m looking to scale down. The gallery has grown too large, and the logistics of managing it, especially during hurricane seasons when everything must be packed up, have become overwhelming. I currently represent 125 artists and have been curating a new show every month, but that’s too much. Moving forward, we’re reducing our exhibition schedule to about three shows per year and scaling down the gallery by at least one-third.
I’m also turning 70 next month, and after decades of working seven days a week, 18 hours a day, I’m ready to transition to a more manageable schedule. My wife and partner, Irene McClellan, who has been the true backbone of this gallery, has taken on much of the management work, and I’m incredibly grateful for her. She ensures that everything runs smoothly, from client communications to marketing, and I couldn’t do this without her, as well as the invaluable support of our staff.
What are your long-term plans for the gallery space?
One of my main goals is to find the right partner to bring a high-end restaurant into the space. Ideally, this would be a chef from New York, California, or New Jersey who wants to relocate to a lower-tax state and be part of St. Pete’s growing culinary scene. I’d love to mentor someone to take over the gallery while they build out the restaurant, creating a combined experience of fine dining and fine art.
I don’t need to own the business to enjoy what I do. I’ve worked with countless galleries and international shows, and I get just as much joy from helping someone else find the perfect piece of art as I do from selling my own work. I once sold a quarter-million dollars’ worth of art for another gallery in one weekend — not because I had to, but because I was passionate about connecting people with art they loved. That’s where I see my future — less on the business side, more on the creative and consulting side, helping to shape an experience that people will remember.
St. Pete has an incredible arts community, and I’m excited about its future, even as I transition into a different role. The gallery will continue to evolve, and I look forward to seeing how it integrates with the next phase of development in the area.
