2026 Artmaker of the Year: Derek Donnelly

This year, The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall started a new arts education and community engagement initiative titled Artmaker of the Year. The inaugural artist selected is the award-winning St. Petersburg muralist, Derek Donnelly. This new program aims to uplift and celebrate artists within the local community.

Canvases showcasing Donnelly’s creative process, along with stunning close-ups of his artwork throughout the community, will be on display in the East and West Galleries at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The photographs were taken by renowned local photographers, Chris Urso, Bill DeYoung and Todd Burgess. The East and West Galleries are located upstairs from the Grand Lobby and East Concourse with elevator access available.

“I’m honored and grateful to be named Artmaker of the Year 2026 for the legendary Ruth Eckerd Hall. As a kid, I’d tag along while my dad bartended, learning the music of the place—the hush before the first note, the lobby’s bright hum after the last bow. To bring my work back to a hall that helped raise me is a full-circle joy. I can’t wait to add new color to its story and share it with this community,” said Donnelly.

Before you get the chance to explore the galleries before your next event at Ruth Eckerd Hall, get to know Derek here!