Forward Thinking Print

Mary Gallagher Stout is a vibrant artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who is celebrated for her expressive painting and sculpture that interweave personal narratives. Originally from Philadelphia, she graduated magna cum laude in Philosophy from Rosemont College. Stout began her artistic journey in decorative art, creating murals while coping with postpartum depression. After positive feedback encouraged her to launch a decorative painting business, she studied under renowned artists like Pierre Finkelstein and joined the International Decorative Painters League. However, feeling unfulfilled, she transitioned to creating meaningful art inspired by abstract expressionism and Dadaism, leading her to a graduate residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. In 2012, Stout co-founded Studio 4 in Old Town Alexandria, VA, a gallery focused on social change, recognized as the “BEST Gallery” by the Washington Post Express. Her commitment to addressing social issues is evident in her collaboration with Food for Others on the “Have a Heart” project. Now a resident artist at Studio 18 Art Complex in Pembroke Pines, she creates custom pet portraits featured in the UncommonGoods Catalog. The inspiration for these portraits came from a deeply personal experience; after her cousin lost her lifelong pet, Stout painted a happy, expressive portrait of the dog, Mattie, to honor its memory and aid in the healing process. This public display of her work at the Workhouse Arts Center garnered interest from onlookers, revealing a desire for art that celebrates the lives of beloved companions. Motivated by this response, she contacted UncommonGoods with a proposal to share her artwork. She recognized the limitations of her local reach and sought a platform aligned with her commitment to the community while offering national accessibility. Stout’s artistic philosophy emphasizes honesty and connection, inspiring others to embrace their unique journeys and find beauty in every moment, demonstrating that even the commercial side of her practice is rooted in using art as a healing tool.