Exhibiting Artist

Clifford McDonald

Clifford McDonald was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. He is a painter and the founder of the nonprofit Art 4 change. McDonald began drawing at a young age but didn’t realize he had a gift until, one day, his mother found a drawing he had made in school. After seeing the look on his mom’s face, Clifford knew his artistic ability was something special.

Once he got to middle school, he started taking art seriously and later joined Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program, where he also played basketball. He fell in love with the sport, and it eventually became his number one priority. After playing college basketball, he was focused on playing professionally and played one season in South America.  

Clifford returned home in 2012 and didn’t pick up a paintbrush again until 2016 after he started teaching art in Bradenton, Florida. McDonald became inspired by his students and the idea of making art to create positive change. His paintings today focus on culture and other topics that address equity, education, and diversity.

To see more of Clifford’s work visit his website at https://www.cliffordmcdonald.com/