Sharing her passion

By Rachel Hellwig

Courtesy artsBHAM

Art is essential to my life,” Beverly McNeil said. “It has taught me to see things in many different ways. Its beauty enriches me every day.” 

That essential element in McNeil’s life led her to open Beverly McNeil Gallery two years ago in the historic Lakeview district on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 28th Street, in the space formerly occupied by Loretta Goodwin Gallery. 

“Beverly McNeil Gallery represents over 35 artists and displays works for purchase,” she said. “I opened this gallery because I want to help people build lasting art collections that will bring them joy over the years and can be passed down to future generations.”

McNeil, a Birmingham native, credits her mother-in-law’s art collection with sparking her love of art 45 years ago.

“I always had an appreciation and interest in art, but it was her wonderful and exciting collection that caught my attention,” she said. “I have been hooked ever since.” 

With the gallery, McNeil’s love of art coincides with a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship.

“I am an entrepreneur at heart and have always looked for business opportunities, starting with lemonade stands when I was about 8 years old,” she said. 

For 30 years, McNeil has combined her interests into working in the business of art. In 1986, she started Portrait Brokers of America. In 2008, she merged Portrait Brokers with Portraits Inc., a company founded in 1942, which she purchased along with Julia G. Baughman. Portraits Inc., whose corporate office is in Birmingham, represents more than 150 portrait painters. McNeil additionally owned an art gallery in Destin, Florida, for 10 years.

Quality, of course, is “first and foremost” when she is selecting art to showcase, she said. Another goal is to feature a blend of local, regional and national artists.

“We aim to have a balanced roster,” she said. “One-third being acclaimed Alabama artists, one-third regionally recognized artists and one-third nationally recognized artists.”

She also added that she values “the use of light” in portraits and paintings. 

Regarding Birmingham’s art scene, McNeil said it’s special.

“This city is unique in that it is very supportive and appreciative of the talent of our artists and is generous in supporting them,” she said. “Birmingham has a lot to be proud of. We have made strides, especially in the recent years, in growing culturally.” 

Earlier this year, Beverly McNeil Gallery collaborated with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Made possible by a partnership with the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, the gallery hosted an exhibit and reception that featured art, traditional Russian food, live painting by Russian artist Timur D. Akhriev and a performance featuring a string quartet of ASO musicians.

“It was fantastic collaborating with the ASO,” she said. “We were so honored to be asked to display Russian and Russian-inspired art in our gallery. The work was breathtaking and helped give a visual picture of Russian culture.”

With 30 years down and many more to come in the business of art, McNeil said she has a vision for the gallery’s future.

“I want to continue bringing quality art to Birmingham,” she said. “I want to help our clients learn more about art and assist them in making educated choices as they add to or begin their art collections. Ongoing workshops, gallery talks and exposure to some of the country’s best artists will help us achieve these goals.”

Most of all, McNeil said she believes in the power of art to touch and transform. 

“More than just appreciating the aesthetics of a beautiful painting or sculpture, art makes us think,” she said. “It can inspire us to make changes or improve the quality of our lives. This is why, in an ever-changing world, art is one constant that has always, and will always, be present and be appreciated.”

Beverly McNeil Gallery’s next exhibit opens Dec. 1.

“This exhibit will feature the incredible abstracts of John Hyche as well as our annual ‘Tiny Treasures,’ which highlights small works from all of our artists,” McNeil said. “This always proves to be one of the most popular exhibitions.”