Duncan McClellan talks reopening his gallery the ‘St. Pete Way’

The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce presents: Coronavirus Impact Insights. Click the play arrow above to watch the full video.

On this episode, artist Duncan McClellan, founder of Duncan McClellan Gallery (DMG) joins Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Joe Hamilton, publisher of the St. Pete Catalyst to talk about reopening his gallery in the Warehouse Arts District.

McClellan purchased the property for his gallery and home south of Central Avenue in 2009 in what is now known as the Warehouse Arts District. McClellan was a pioneer in the creation of the Warehouse Arts District, the first artist to build a live/work studio in the district. Over the years, he has built his art glass gallery to international prestige, representing more than 100 glass artists from all over the world.

Like many businesses, DMG has had to pivot its business model through the pandemic, turning to digital catalogues, enhanced video production capabilities within the hot shop to stream artists making their pieces, while reaching other customers through e-blasts.

As McClellan looks to reopen DMG, he’s keenly aware that each business has unique opportunities and challenges related to reopening. DMG is large, open air with huge bay doors and exhaust fans, which may be helpful for allowing customers to feel safer. It also has outdoor space suited to classes.

But McClellan is making changes to adapt to the times, too. He’s planning to install touchless sanitation devices, including hand sanitizers, faucets and soap dispensers. He has purchased a fogger to disinfect the air, glass and other hard to clean surfaces. McClellan is also thinking of incorporating a shoe sanitizer.

Though DMG is permitted to open now at 25 percent capacity, McClellan has chosen to stay closed until he has adequate supplies for reopening – which he will do by appointment only, through an online reservation system.