Meet Dana McCullough | Sculpture Teacher/Studio Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana McCullough and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has always been important to me; it has played a lifetime role in my well-being. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be an actor and singer; I did musical performances throughout my life. Other art forms such as writing and poetry came naturally to me. I also dabbled in painting and drawing. The theme of my life has been that creativity takes me home to my authentic self no matter where I am in life.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I had retired from teaching ELA in the public high school classroom in 2020. I was been making art my entire life recreationally. I had become a more serious artist through Scupture. I knew that I needed to stop working full-time in order to pursue an artistic life, and I wanted to do it while I was still young enough. I looked around for art jobs in my retirement when Lynn Forbes, my sculpture teacher, called me and told me she was moving to Italy and had decided to ask me to take over the business. I could barely believe my ears! If that’s not the universe, taking care of me, I don’t know what is. It was perfect timing. I knew that it would be challenging, but I believed I could do it, and I have! Having always been a team player. I asked a few longtime artists in the studio for help with studio mechanics. Lynn Forbes had created a great business model that worked well, and I have kept with her design.. I’m changing things a little at a time and very slightly because it works just beautifully the way it is.
Many People travel a distance to come to the studio to make sculpture. It is one of a kind! We have a very flexible schedule, one-on-one instruction, and all the tools and supplies are available in the studio -from clay to firing. Since it’s a teaching studio, it is definitely not a free-for-all. We are teaching sculptural skills with explicit instruction -then student intuition takes over. The studio also has a Zen vibe which supports learning.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the museums in Balboa Park, and I love the beach and the pier in Oceanside. We might take an E bike ride on the strand or the Frazee Park beach walk or hit some of the great restaurants. Mostly, I would take them to my sculpture studio in the center that it sits in which is Village Faire in Carlsbad. This little center is like a tiny slice of Europe. There is patio dining in all different types of restaurants from Indian to breweries and burgers to Italian gelato.. A lovely courtyard fountain sits outside where children run around shouting with glee. Children love the studio and are naturally drawn to art. The sculpture studio is always a great spot to view a beautiful sculpture gallery. There is also an art gallery next-door where local talent show their masterpieces.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lynn Forbes who founded the sculpture studio 15 + years ago saw in me more than an artist. She saw an entrepreneur. Lynn knew that I had my own school classroom for 25+ years and that I was organized, capable, and hard-working. Another shout out to my many former students who taught me how to show up for them. Also, my son, Steven Welty, nephew Eric Yaeckel, and my finance advice for helping with the business end. A special thanks to Laurie Forgy, Lisa Miller, Melanie Marshall, and Fran Mahon who continue to mentor me as a growing artist.
Website: Lynnforbessculpture.com
Instagram: Dana_mccullough_sculpture
Facebook: Dana McCullough Sculpture
Yelp: Lynn Forbes Sculpture
Other: Google Business- Lynn Forbes Sculpture
Image Credits
Lisa Milller- sculptor extraordinaire
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
