About the Artist
Give a Penny Designs was created in April of 2008 by artist Mary Kelly Stribling Clary. Mary Kelly was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia where she first learned to appreciate the natural beauty and landscape of the South through the visual arts at the Lovett School. As an avid photographer and fashionista she learned to respect the values of color and composition. She then went on to study at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina where she was inspired by the beautiful coastal environment of the lowcountry. Graduating with a BA in Arts Management and Studio Art, Mary Kelly returned home to create her jewelry business.
Vintage beads, strands of turquoise, sheets of metal and a 35 mm camera are just a few of the many beautiful things covering her work space as she sketches ideas for her most recent line, all of which are named for and inspired by friends and family. Without their love and support, Give a Penny would not be where it is today. Recently celebrating two years of business, Give a Penny has a lot to celebrate with boutique locations all over the Southeast, recognition from various fashion guides, and trunk shows at Bloomingdale’s; Give a Penny is truly thankful.
The name Give a Penny was created in honor of Mary Kelly’s best friend Kay Holland of Atlanta, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in eighth grade and her husbands father, Dr. William Ashmore Clary of Savannah, who lost his life to Lymphoma fourteen years ago. Kay’s strong will to survive, incredible support from doctors, family and friends, and research by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are to be attributed for her success today, celebrating 11 years last April. Give a Penny donates a portion of their trunk show proceeds to the LLS Light the Night program to support their hard work and determination for a cure.