Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Mcclellan
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a lifelong Akronite with deep roots in the local arts and culture community. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Akron, studying photography and arts administration. During grad school, I interned with Crafty Mart, where I helped develop an in-depth entrepreneurial curriculum for artisans and makers. This experience led to my role as Director of Education, and eventually, in 2019, I became the Executive Director, continuing to support the arts community in exciting and innovative ways.
Around the same time, I connected with my now-business partner, Elisa Gargarella, while working as her Graduate Assistant. Together, we helped launch Art Bomb Brigade, a university program that empowers students to become thought leaders through public art, guiding them from concept to installation in collaboration with community partners.
In 2022, I fully committed to Sabertooth Public Art alongside my Art Bomb co-director. At Sabertooth, we advocate for, educate about, create, and curate public art, using it as a tool for positive community change. My journey has always been about leveraging art to inspire and engage the community, and I’m excited to continue that work in new ways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe that curvy and bumpy paths shape who we are. Through all my experiences—both the highs and the challenges—I’ve learned invaluable lessons. Navigating the complexities of leadership, especially in the arts and nonprofit world, taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my vision. Every setback was an opportunity for growth, and those experiences have made me a more empathetic leader and a stronger advocate for the arts community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m still getting comfortable in my role as an artist and designer, largely because much of my professional career has been dedicated to supporting other artists and their visions. It’s been an exciting journey of rediscovery and self-expression.
I’m drawn to florals and botanicals, often weaving in symbolism and deep research to add layers of meaning to my work. I love bold colors, vibrant patterns, and an illustrative, approachable style. Right now, I feel a lot of freedom to experiment with different mediums and techniques, which keeps my creative process fresh and exciting.
Ultimately, I want my art to spark joy and energy. Whether it’s a mural that transforms a public space or a smaller, more intimate piece, my goal is always to create something that resonates with people and brings a bit of brightness to their day.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve always felt like Akron is a fantastic place to try new ideas. There’s an incredible support system here, filled with creative and inspiring people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Our city has so many organizations working hard to create opportunities and retain local talent, which is something I truly admire and appreciate.
On the flip side, I could definitely do without all the potholes! I don’t think I’ve ever encountered so many in my life, and they seem to be everywhere. But, if that’s the biggest complaint, I’d say Akron’s doing pretty well overall!
Pricing:
- Indoor murals start at $3,000
- Outdoor murals start at $5,000
- Commissions start at $1 per square inch
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sabertoothpublicart.com
- Instagram: sabertooth_public_art
