‘We shall rise’: Gulfport’s art community in recovery mode

Gulfport’s otherwise-thriving art community suffered major blows when Hurricanes Helene and Milton came to town, but steps are being taken, in haste, to bring things up to speed.

“We’re trying to let people know that Gulfport is open, that we are welcoming people,” said ceramics artist Brenda McMahon. “When you buy art, you support a local business.”

Although the City of Gulfport won’t allow the Merchants Chamber to re-start the monthly First Friday ArtWalk this week (“I think,” McMahon offered, “they’re being cautiously conservative”) many galleries – and even more restaurants – are back in business.

Brenda McMahon.

“A lot of artists in our community, of course, live right downtown,” said McMahon. “In Helene, a lot of artists lost their studios, their supplies, and for some all the contents of their houses.

“Everybody’s in damage control, repair, paperwork, that whole mode. So it was a pretty devastating hit to the arts community. Not only do their lose their possessions and all of that, and all the stress, but the business has been very, very slow.”

Gulfport artists are a tight-knit bunch. “There’s a lot of broken hearts, and everybody is feeling for everybody’s loss,” she explained. “There’s a feeling in town of we’re all strong, and we’re helping each other, we’re loving and joyful – but there’s also a lot of sadness for what everybody’s going through.

“And everybody’s doing a fundraiser – everybody’s donating a percentage of something to someone. Everybody’s chipping in.”

McMahon herself has pledged 10 percent of sales from the Brenda McMahon gallery to hurricane relief.

There’s an opening reception Friday at the gallery (it was supposed to be part of the First Friday celebration, but what can you do?) Jazz artist Henry Ashwood will perform.

Work by Ted Wray.

It’s for artist Ted Wray, who creates three-dimensional sculptures out of old books., using an Exacto Knife and colors.  “It’s fascinating to look at,” said McMahon. “It’s his own little rabbit hole. He just too this idea of carving a book and went so far down … I think his work is really captivating, and I’ve seen of incredible work over the years. He’s really honed his skill beautifully.”

Friday’s reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, 2901 Beach Boulevard S.

Opening Friday at DRV Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S., is Face Value, a solo exhibit from fiber artist Dawn Waters. A reception is scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m., with live music by violinist Rebecca Zapen-Douglas, and guitarist Jim Gilmour. Proceeds will go the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

Work by Dawn Waters.

Waters received the first place award in Florida CraftArt’s 2021 Members’ Show.

Both McMahon and DRV’s Deserie Valloreo will take part in Gulfport’s annual ArtJones Studio Tour Dec. 7 and 8; a total of 22 artists will open their studios for visitors.

Many in Gulfport’s art community rely on sales to earn a living.

“Financially, we need people to come to town,” McMahon said. “Even if they just come to talk to us, and share with us, and bring that kind of vitality – and that love of art, and small town, that Old Florida feel.

“Because that’s what makes community. Seeing and talking with people from outside lifts our spirits, and then we shall rise.”