Exceptional Women Showcased At Gulfport's McMahon Gallery

GULFPORT, FL — Since its debut in 2019, Brenda McMahon Gallery has been a continual source of creative inspiration and artistic education in the arts-loving community of Gulfport.

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the gallery continues to inspire with "Exceptional Women," an eye-catching collection of portraits by oil painter and March’s Artist of the Month, Michel Demetria Tsouris.

"Exceptional Women" showcases portraits of Amanda Gorman, Carole King, Bette Midler, Michelle Obama, Annie Liebovitz and other, lesser-known figures who’ve created and embodied significant cultural waves.

“We’re excited to bring art and history together in this celebration of Women's History Month at the gallery,” says gallery owner Brenda McMahon. “Michel Demetria has created a series of portraits of larger-than-life women who have made profound contributions in the arts and sciences, women of words and song, chemistry and more.”

Arts lovers are invited to the gallery to meet Demetria and learn more about what inspired the series during Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk on March 4 from 6 to 9 p.m., while the portraits will be displayed throughout the month.

“Many of the woman portrayed are under-known or unknown, but they have paved the way for more of us to aspire to reach greater heights," McMahon said.

McMahon also announced plans to continue her passion for educating others during her fifth ceramic workshop in Tuscany, Italy, this September. She's also been invited to teach a 12-day ceramic intensive workshop an hour south of Florence in the town of Certaldo. The school merges ceramic instruction and firing with a traditional Tuscan lifestyle, while the workshop is designed for experienced and beginner clay enthusiasts to study McMahon’s unique style in tile making and glazing. For more information on the September workshop, click here.

"There are so many things I love about this workshop, from introducing people to the joy of clay making and the art of glazing, to celebrating the Italian countryside and the beauty of an artful Tuscan experience,” said McMahon. “Most of my students have dabbled in clay and want to learn more. In this workshop, you are imbued with the experience, and it will leave a mark and a memory that will be unforgettable."

Brenda McMahon Gallery is located at 2901 Beach Blvd. S. in downtown Gulfport.

Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk occurs each month from 5 to 9 p.m.. The streets of this creative town come to life with artists, musicians and art appreciators.

The First Friday Art Walk is a juried event welcoming emerging and professional artists in all media to exhibit and sell in a safe, creative and socially distanced manner. This event is hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber. All safety protocols are met and exceeded to ensure a safe and entertaining night out for the entire family.

Click here for information.