At the Duncan McClellan Gallery we pride ourselves on featuring an incredibly diverse range of glass artists and artistic styles. As a premier artistic destination in the thriving St. Petersburg Warehouse Arts District, we feature nationally and internationally renowned artists from all over the world, showcasing works of more than eighty artists.
Our upcoming fall exhibit will showcase the works of two incredibly talented glass artists: Jen Violette and Claire Kelly.
Jen Violette developed her passion for art at a young age, learning to sew from her mother, and learning drawing and woodworking skills from her father. Growing up she was inspired by the art and lifestyles of her paternal grandparents, who worked as studio artists at their Maine home. She chose to pursue art after high school, attending Alfred University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with honors in 1994.
She has continued her pursuit of glass art through her adult life, studying at many acclaimed institutions including The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, Rhode Island School of Design, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Pilchuck Glass School, and Penland School of Crafts. She has studied under numerous renowned glass artists, including Pino Signoretto, Lino Tagliapietra, Dante Marioni, William Morris, Randy Walker, Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen, and Richard Marquis.
Jen’s works often focus on incredibly lifelike depictions of simple objects from the natural world, frequently in the form of fruits and vegetables. She and her husband John Gerding live with their two young sons on a small farm in Wilmington Vermont. They live in an old farmhouse, with her studio in connected barns. She is an avid gardener, drawing inspiration for her glass art from the vegetable and perennial gardens on their land, and from the rustic environs of their home.
Private collections around the world include Jen’s creations, as they bring timeless simplicity and elegance to any decor. She has won numerous awards for her glass art, mixed media sculptures, and exhibits, and her works can be found in many fine art galleries across the country.
Our fall exhibition featuring Jen’s works will run from October 12th through December 9th. As always, there is no admission fee to visit the gallery, but donations benefiting the DMG School Project are accepted.