Community Corner
Meet an Artist: Frank McKoy
In a small studio on Pass-A-Grille Way, Frank McKoy has created acrylic and mixed media artwork for over 45 years. Frank and his wife Patsy do no advertising, except for a small hand-painted sign on the wall. They only sell to the occasional visitor who p
Driving around the end of the Pass-A-Grille area, there is a small neighborhood facing the Intercoastal. It is a strip of Florida-style homes; a quiet place at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach.
On a white cinder-block structure hangs a small-hand painted sign—Art by McKoy.
After parking on the gravel driveway off Pass-A-Grille Way, you walk up to the front door. A sign asks visitors to "please ring bell."
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After a moment, Patsy McKoy greets you at the door. She is a cheerful woman who is happy to let you in for a visit.
Frank McKoy, Patsy's husband, has used this front room as his art studio and gallery for nearly 45 years. The gallery walls are filled with brightly colored acrylic on canvas and mixed media pieces. You can tell the various styles that have influenced McKoy over the years—including abstracts and nudes.
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In the center, sits a wooden chest with splattered with paint. Next to that is his easel, holding what is to be Frank McKoy's latest work.
"You can tell he has painted over something," Patsy says proudly.
The pair lives very quietly, entertaining several repeat customers. In the spring and winter, their clients are mainly "out of towners." However, more locals have come by lately, Patsy says.
"We have never advertised," Patsy McKoy says. "This is the sort of thing that we do."
Originally, the McKoys came to St. Pete Beach from Chicago in the early 1960's. Frank was chief graphic designer for Montgomery Wards. Patsy is a native Floridian.
For a while before that, the McKoys were ballroom dancers in New York. Black and white photos of the couple sit on top of the workbench. They are posing in full dress outfits in a dance position.
"Can you imagine those photos are over sixty years old?" Patsy says.
Since moving to Florida, Frank McKoy was highlighted in several judged art shows, including at the Ringling Museum. He was also featured in the South Coast Art Shows in Sarasota in 1961, 1962 and 1963.
"It was back when art was art," says Patsy.
All the works in the gallery are one-of-a-kind, and are all priced affordably.
"We are very reasonable," says Patsy. "It is all original, too."
For a look at the studio of a working artist, visit Art by McKoy at 1000 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach. Hours are daily, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Don't forget to ring the bell.