McMenamin's talent was evidenced by winning art awards since she was a child. At 14, she illustrated a text book and painted holiday murals for local businesses. Her artwork was internationally published while still attending high school. She received several awards for her artistic talent and volunteer service, to note a few: the Bank of America Achievement Scholarship, the Ebell Women's Club district-wide scholarship, the School Art Award.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cal. State Long Beach, she began a career in commercial art where she rapidly advanced to Art Director. McMenamin established & directed the art department for one of the largest printing companies in California, then for a multi-national corporation before starting her own company, AdMax Graphics & Advertising. During her 12 years as AdMax, she developed an impressive clientele including: Beatrice-Hunt/Wesson (2nd largest food manufacturer in the world - bought by Conagra), Weyerhaueser, Sony, Calavo. She received a national award for her designs. McMenamin also created artwork for Disney's first animated computer game.
In '93, she begain focusing on the fine arts. In '97 she opened McMenamin Gallery in San Clemente. McMenamin's work established her as one of today's premiere artists. From landscapes, people, to wildlife her works are seen in internationally as: canvas transfers, prints, cards, collectors' plates, needlecraft art and gift boxes.
She has been appointed to, or been involved in various committees & organizations, to note a few: Landmark Task Force, USMC Monument at Park Semper Fi, San Clemente Revitalization 2000, Casa Romantica Steering Committee, Member-National Historic Society, member of the Downtown Business Association, the Heritage Foundation. Leadership San Clemente
General & Mrs. Lehnert, McMenamin & painting "Our Marine Family", Mayor Eggleston, Col. & Mrs. Navarre, 2007. To order Giclees or prints of Our Marine Family, visit www.MarineMonument.com
-------- 
Mary in her studio (above, left). Franklin Mint ad featuring her art (above, right)
McMenamin at the unveiling of her mural "San Clemente Morn" shows the pier from Casa Romantica.
McMenamin was appointed an Honorary Lifetime Member of the San Clemente Historical Society for her artistic contribution. She recently completed a tile mural installed Dec.15, 2001 at the San Clemente Pier. Community members purchased tiles, and painted them under McMenamin's direction. Partial proceeds benefitted the San Clemente Historical Society. Prints are available through this site - see: "McMenamin".
McMenamin was contacted by the White House as to her interest in painting a portrait of the President. She subsequently traveled to Washington D.C. and met with Curator, Rex Scouten, where she received a private tour of the White House collection.
The City of Santa Fe Springs, CA, commissioned her for several murals. An historic railroad box car in Heritage Park received an 8' x 32' classic mural of old California orange groves.
The finished train mural
"Paint Pails & Fish Tales", a 8' x 36' mural at the Child Development Center,
depicts children painting a mural of themselves in a riverbank scene.
Her originals hung in the premier model home at Talega of San Clemente until they sold with the model. One of the remaining artworks is on display at the Lundegaard Gallery in San Clemente.
McMenamin is involved in her community, whether it's painting murals, or sprucing up the town. Her diverse recent assignments include: the Map of San Clemente (below), The Heritage Of San Clemente History Book, serving on two committees dedicated to the revitalization and historic preservation of San Clemente: the Revitalization 2000 Committee & the Casa Romantica Steering Committee, and aiding the Police Services Youth Task Force in putting on the First Annual Chalk Art Festival celebrating cultural diversity. February 1, 2002, she cofounded a new business, Forensic Seminars International (FSI), which provides training & consultation to law enforcement agencies in the Forensic Sciences.
----
1998 and the 2000 San Clemente Maps (above). The 2003 map of San Clemente is now in progress!
Perhaps you've seen Niagara bottles or trucks displaying her artwork
Mary McMenamin believes that she has a special mission to bring joy to others through her art. "If the bustle of adult life makes us lose the child in our hearts, perhaps my art will help rekindle warm memories, revive our sense of wonder & love of beauty. Life is change. As quickly as moments approach us, they disappear, each moment unique and never to be again. Isn't it wonderful that through art we can capture a moment to share with the future; not only as a record, but as an emotion. A held moment in time, yet its message will change... generations come and go, but the art remains."
copyright 1994, Mary Angela McMenamin
1997 McMenamin Gallery Grand Opening in San Clemente, Calif. (above).
Mary McMenamin & Artist Peter Max (below).
Ms. McMenamin accepts commissions for: murals, portraits, graphic design, commercial art, fine art, and paintings of almost any style,topic, or medium.
 |
McMenamin Gallery & artebiz.com