Big changes are coming to the old strip mall in Clinton as several art galleries and other businesses are making the area come alive. The area is now known as the Clinton Arts District and it is a fun place to visit going to or from the Clinton Ferry Terminal. Of course, the members of this district want people to come visit the businesses there whether they are traveling on the ferries or not.
The biggest change is the creation of the “Clinton Arts District” which was originally an old strip mall, but is now being revamped to create this new art district. The "Clinton Arts District," is becoming a central place for the arts on Whidbey Island. This new arts district includes the refurbishing of the storefronts to create a new, fresh, and inviting place for people to visit. There are now four art galleries and a yoga studio – Kula Yoga.
Cormac McCarthy Fine Arts, one of the four new art galleries is growing in awareness as more visitors stop by to see what is there. Cormac says “The gallery has never been more popular. I now have art pieces in Portugal, Ireland, Taiwan, and in multiple states around the country. The future is golden.”
There are artists exhibiting their works who are coming from all over Whidbey including
Oak Harbor, Freeland, Langley, Bayview, and Clinton.
Cormac says that being in this new location is also adding to his abilities: “My painting skills are developing and constantly evolving and improving. I am courageous and bold in my efforts to grow and improve. I am dedicated to my craft and I continue to work hard in an effort to bring beauty into people's lives.”
It has been 16 years since Cormac moved to the States, and 13 years since he moved to Whidbey. He notes: “My family now includes three beautiful daughters (12, 7, and 2), three cats, a naughty doggy, a roof over my head, my own business, a supportive and kind wife (now a partner at a Whidbey Island law firm, Kelly, Arndt, & Walker) some amazing friends, and I live in an incredible community of people. I am very proud to now call myself an "islander." I am continuing to look for ways that I can give back to this wonderful place.
Recently Cormac has had 10 public shows his artwork, including one installation at the Yuan Ru international gallery in Bellevue, (he sold a massive, 12' x 5' piece to a collector in Taiwan).
In addition to his own Cormac McCarthy Fine Arts studio and gallery located in Clinton just up from the Clinton Ferry Terminal, his work is currently spread out in various locations across Whidbey Island. He notes: “I believe strongly in putting my work in front of the public in common public spaces. I believe that art should be everywhere, for everyone, and easily accessible.”
Cormac McCarthy’s Fine Arts Gallery is open every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the gallery is also available all week by request. There is nothing like seeing the artwork in person. A photo can never capture the true beauty and experience of a painting.
Come visit the Art Gallery: 4777 Commercial Street, Suite A2, Clinton, WA, 98236
Currently in the Clinton Arts District:
- Cormac McCarthy Fine Art
- Louie Rochon Fine Art Gallery and Studio
- Myra Mae Studio
- Marcie Costello Kula Yoga
- Melissa Koch Art Studio
