Gross McCleaf Gallery has been a positive and enduring fixture in Philadelphia's art scene for over half a century. With the mission of promoting established, mid-career, and emerging artists, GMG has provided a beautiful space for the exhibition of fine art in a convenient Center City location.  The gallery features monthly exhibits in its three gallery spaces as well as on-site access to its extensive inventory. The welcoming staff at GMG is ready to provide information and guidance as you build your personal or corporate collection.

GMG was founded in 1969 by Estelle Shane Gross. Upon the urging of her friend and mentor Hobson Pittman, Gross opened the gallery in 1970 at 1713 Walnut Street, establishing herself as a second-floor New York style gallery with a stable of artists. Early exhibitors included Fairfield Porter, Neil Welliver, Rackstraw Downes, Red Grooms and his wife Mimi Gross, Jane Piper, Benny Andrews, and Larry Day among others. In 1986, anticipating that 16th Street would be an important pedestrian cross-street between the new Liberty Place and Walnut Street, Gross moved her gallery to 127 S. 16th Street, personally supervising the renovation of an old hotel which would house her new gallery.

Ewing’s message to clients is, “Get to know the local art dealers and artists. You will find that you are able to acquire quality art at less than New York prices. With so many fine art programs in the city, all with faculty and yearly emerging talent, Philadelphia provides a unique opportunity for collectors.”  

In 2020, at the half century mark, Ewing retired and the gallery is currently under the direction and ownership of Rebecca Segall. Segall is an accomplished mixed media artist, and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She continues to be involved with many aspects of the Philadelphia art world as a member of both the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Women's Committee, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art's South Asian Art Committee. 

Rebecca is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (cctckids.org), a private non-profit agency that specializes in delivering behavioral health services to Philadelphia's children and their families. 

"I'm an avid art collector, and very passionate about the meaningful impact of art, not only throughout the world but in each of our lives. I deeply appreciate time spent with artwork in person, an enriching experience (especially when welcoming a new piece of art into my home) that I expressly wish to share with others. I look forward to connecting with Gross McCleaf's longtime base of supportive customers, patrons and art enthusiasts."

Emma Rose Cook serves as the Registrar of Gross McCleaf Gallery. An artist and academic who is rooted in Philadelphia, PA, they hold a Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College of Columbia University where they studied sociology, studio arts, and religious studies, crafting a unique lens through which they view the world. This interdisciplinary approach informs their work at the gallery, where they navigate the dynamic interplay between art’s aesthetic values and its social implications.

Emma Rose’s academic achievements, coupled with their rich experiences ranging from conducting gene therapy research at the University of Pennsylvania to voice-over artistry for children’s books, underscore a commitment to diverse forms of expression and a profound appreciation for creativity’s broad spectrum. Emma Rose honed their leadership skills as Head of the Agnes Irwin School’s Arts Board where they channeled resources to foster and platform emerging student artists and creatives. This passion extends to their role at the gallery, where they are dedicated to the curation and preservation of art that resonates with and reflects the human experience.

“I am passionate about the transformative power of art,” Emma Rose says, “and am eager to facilitate meaningful connections between our artists and the vibrant community of collectors and art lovers welcomed at Gross McCleaf Gallery.”