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Austin Art Gallery McLennon Pen Co. Opens West Fifth Location With Debut Exhibition ‘Tenfold’

The gallery moves from East Austin, adds public hours and launches its first official artist roster with new group show

The exterior of McLennon Pen Co.’s new West Fifth Street gallery, which opens to the public with the group exhibition "Tenfold" on Thursday, June 5. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
The exterior of McLennon Pen Co.’s new West Fifth Street gallery, which opens to the public with the group exhibition "Tenfold" on Thursday, June 5. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

After two years of programming out of a house gallery in East Austin, McLennon Pen Co. is relocating to a 2,300-square-foot space at 1114 W. Fifth St., Suite 202, and launching its first formal roster of represented artists.

The gallery will open to the public on Thursday, June 5, with “Tenfold,” a group exhibition featuring ten artists now officially represented by the space: Rosie Clements, Andy Coolquitt, Lindsey Lascaux, Peter McRury, Patrick Quinn, Slater Reid Sousley, Audrey Rodriguez, Ben Siekierski, Ashley Swarts and Alexandra Valenti.

(Top row, from left) Audrey Rodriguez, Alexandra Valenti, Ashley Swarts, Peter McRury and Ben Siekierski; (bottom row, from left) Andy Coolquitt, Patrick Quinn, Lindsey Lascaux and Rosie Clements, nine of the 10 artists represented by McLennon Pen Co. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)
(Top row, from left) Audrey Rodriguez, Alexandra Valenti, Ashley Swarts, Peter McRury and Ben Siekierski; (bottom row, from left) Andy Coolquitt, Patrick Quinn, Lindsey Lascaux and Rosie Clements, nine of the 10 artists represented by McLennon Pen Co. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)

“This moment of moving into a full-fledged gallery space seemed like the perfect time to solidify some of the relationships with artists that have evolved naturally over the last two years of putting on shows together,” said founder Jill McLennon. “These ten artists are essentially the artists that have begun to shape the identity of the gallery. They are the thinkers and makers I’m most excited and equipped to support and see evolve in the next decade.”

Founded in 2023, McLennon Pen Co. has focused on contemporary work from emerging and established artists, organizing exhibitions that reflect a personal, often intuitive curatorial style. The new West Fifth location near Clarksville offers higher visibility, easier access and a dedicated space to expand the gallery’s programming.

The gallery’s new facade features a custom neon sign by Evan Voyles of The Neon Jungle, referencing the Chicago pen shop McLennon’s grandfather opened in 1934. Inside, the mid-century modern space includes a reception desk designed by Gianni Yarto of Mean Boy LLC.

Artists represented by McLennon Pen Co. pose outside the gallery’s new location at 1114 W. Fifth St., which is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)
Artists represented by McLennon Pen Co. pose outside the gallery’s new location at 1114 W. Fifth St., which is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)

A personal vision

“I didn’t have an architect. I drew this, basically, on a napkin,” said McLennon, who managed the lease, buildout, and design process herself. “It’s not like just renting an apartment. It’s a big commitment. I’ve never planned my life five years in advance. Like, that’s kind of scary,” she said, laughing.

Previously open by appointment only, the gallery now welcomes walk-in visitors during regular hours: Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Free parking is available behind the building on Sayers Street.

“It doesn’t feel real yet,” McLennon said. “West Fifth feels like a main artery into the city. Traffic will literally be just stopped right in front of here.”

The gallery opens its doors on Thursday, June 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. for the debut of “Tenfold.” More information is available on their website.

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