plant, long abandoned and site of various and sundry “illegal
activities.” In the short time since taking possession of the
property in 2009, a total transformation has taken place. Visitors
enter the expansive 8,000-square-foot campus directly into
gallery space that houses not only McClellan’s work, but the art
glass of masters of the craft from around the world.
piece, and the sheer quality of the work appeals to all who come
in. How much you know about art, glass making, or design is
and lasting.
The studio opens out to a very inviting and comfortable patio
space where patrons can lounge, listen to music, take glass
etching classes, or just be part of the crowd enjoying the wildly
popular Second Saturday ArtWalks. The venue is even available
for private events. Sounds amazing, I know, but there’s more!
Beyond the patio is a path that winds through an immense
71 StPeteLifeMag.com January/February 2020
SPOTLIGHT
is delving into horticulture, another passion, as he works to
perfect a means to help orchids literally grow ON trees. I could tell
you more, but it’s top secret…
Did I mention that McClellan and his beautiful wife, Irene, live
on the premises? “It’s either a gallery, a home, an educational
complex, or a three-ring circus. We’re still trying to decide,” he
jokes.
Several years after acquiring the original building, McClellan
purchased the property next door and, along with right hand man
Petersburg. The magic happens here as a team of artisans, led by
Stout, work in precisely timed tandem to oversee each phase of
the glass blowing process. McClellan compares them to a “surgical
team working in concert.”
“Timing is critical to glass blowing as any cooling can make it
impossible to move to the next phase,” he explains. Interest in the
workings of the hotshop grew so much, that McClellan and his
team have developed a mobile hotshop that travels to schools and
events in our community to demonstrate how art glass is made.
PHOTOS/DUNCAN MCCLELLAN GALLERIES