"Eric McRay - A Man and His Canvas"

"Gadget Gift Guide: Best Tablets and E-readers"

Gadget Gift Guide: Best Tablets and E-readers: Take a look at the gift lists out there this holiday season and you’ll see one type of product tops most of them: tablets. Ah, tablets. Such a simple word, but, oh, what a confusing area right now. You’ve got more than one iPad, lots...

"Artspace Job Available - Time is Running Out"

Jobs

Director of Programs & Exhibitions

Reports to:  Executive Director
Employment Status:  Full-time
Supervises:  Program Assistant, Preparator, and Program Interns
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Application Deadline:  December 7, 2012

Summary:

Artspace seeks a full-time qualified professional to serve as Director of Programs & Exhibitions. The Director of Programs & Exhibitions oversees, plans, and manages all aspects of Artspace’s exhibitions and educational programming in an effort to engage the public in the creative process, support and present the work of professional visual artists, expose the community to diverse artistic styles, develop new audiences for the visual arts, and help create an environment in which artists of all levels and ages can learn and exchange ideas.

The Director of Programs & Exhibitions reports directly to and works closely with the Executive Director to establish the artistic direction of Artspace. The Director of Programs & Exhibitions supervises a full-time program assistant, a part-time preparator, and program interns. Along with other staff and Board, the Director of Programs and Exhibitions represents Artspace at public events, and works as an effective and proactive team player.

Primary Responsibilities:

Exhibitions Programming

• Curate more than thirty exhibitions per year with emerging and established regional, national, and international artists.
• Receive works of art; contract with artists; install and de-install exhibitions; pack/unpack works for travel.
• Write exhibition essays and educational program brochure text; work with designers and printers to produce brochures and catalogues.
• Provide content for exhibition/programming related press releases, social media, and website.
  • Coordinate Meet the Artist events, artist lectures, and professional development opportunities for artists.
  • Oversee bi-annual newsletter, gathering all content and working closely with designer and printer.
  • Oversee two residency programs for emerging and established artists (five artists per year).  Publicize programs, coordinate review process, interview applicants, select artists, and act as staff liaison for residents. Coordinate end-of-residency exhibitions as well as any educational programs associated with residencies including workshops and classes for youths and adults, Meet the Artist events, and public lectures.
    

Educational Programming

• Coordinate school programs including Process & Product, integrating the fifth grade visual arts and social studies curricula.
• Schedule and oversee the Artspace Summer Arts Program, including 48, week-long youth classes, and approximately 15 evening and weekend workshops for teens and adults. Contract with instructors; finalize brochure content and work with designer and printer to produce course catalog; coordinate advertising; hire and supervise Summer Arts Program Interns; supervise more than 25 volunteers.
• Coordinate two to four Artspace Outreach Programs annually at established service organizations in Raleigh. Coordinate with staff at each location, hire teaching artists, develop, oversee, and evaluate programs.
• Coordinate adult workshops and classes throughout the year.
• Schedule year-round Saturday classes and College Prep programs for youth.

Other Responsibilities

• Supervises exhibition preparator, program assistant, and program interns
• Assist development staff with fundraising efforts, providing content for grants, and coordinating the donation of artwork for fundraiser events.

Qualifications:

A Bachelors degree is required preferably in art history or arts administration and more than five years curatorial and programming experience. Masters degree in art history, art education, arts administration, or related field preferred.

The ideal candidate is someone who shows initiative, is energetic, imaginative, and highly organized. Strong organizational and computer skills are necessary. Competency with Microsoft Office required; experience with online art submission software and wordpress a plus. Candidate should have exceptional communication skills, including experience writing about art. Candidate must handle multiple projects simultaneously, and have an interest in working in an active office environment. Candidate should be knowledgeable of contemporary art and have experience curating exhibitions as well as developing and overseeing educational programs for youth, adults, and diverse audiences. Candidate must be attentive to detail. Involves occasional weekend and evening hours.

Salary commensurate with experience and includes a great benefit package, opportunities for professional growth and development.

To Apply:

Please send cover letter, resume, 3 reference contacts, two writing samples, and salary requirements to:

Director of Programs & Exhibitions Search Committee
Artspace, 201 E. Davie Street
Raleigh, NC 27601

or email mpoole@artspacenc.org.

Applicants without salary requirements will not be considered. No phone calls or email inquiries regarding the status of your application.

"Cyber Monday at McRay Studios!!! Save 25%"

Shop from the leisure of your computer.

Give your car a rest, and save gas!

Jump online and visit mcraystudios.com.

Select your favorite painting, collage, or print by Eric McRay.

Simply call Eric at 919-614-2174 to complete your order.

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

Save 25%. No minimum purchase required.

Offer valid “Cyber Monday” November 26, 2012 only (9am - 9pm).

Looking forward to your call!

"THE GIFT OF ARTWORK - Black Friday & Cyber-Monday"

To say thank you, we're giving a gift from the Studio that only occurs once a year... THE GIFT OF ARTWORK.

Once a year, we make room for new artwork by gifting a discount
to our customers on existing work. This Black Friday & Cyber Monday, enjoy a gift of savings on your in-studio and online purchase of artwork by Eric McRay. Take advantage of savings on all paintings, collages & prints. 

30% BLACK FRIDAY
In-Studio Promotion
To enjoy a savings of 30% on Black Friday, visit McRay Studios between 10am and 6pm to browse the selection of artwork for yourself or enjoy the savings as you plan ahead for holiday gifts.
This offer applies to all in-studio purchases.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 (10AM - 6PM ONLY)
McRay Studios (Studio 205) at Artspace

25% CYRER MONDAY ONLINE-PROMOTION
To enjoy a savings of 25% on Cyber Monday, visit McRayStudios.com between 10am and 6pm to find a piece from the comforts of home. Call the studio to make your order and schedule your purchase pick-up time (919) 614-2174. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 (9AM - 9PM ONLY)
This offer applies to all online purchases.

See you soon, McRay

"McRay Answers Twenty Questions"

1) Q: Where were you born and where were you raised?  A: I was born and raised in N. W. Washington DC. in an area between Howard University and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

2) Q: In your early childhood did you grow up in an environment that promoted the arts?  A: Yes, My family encouraged me to follow my passions as an artist.  My mother and brother were my biggest fans.  Also, Washington, DC is a Mecca for all the arts.

3) Q: At what age/point in your life did you realizes that you wanted to be an artist?  A: In the first grade.  As long as I can remember, I've been an artist and dreamed of being a great artist.

4) Q: Are you a full-time artist?  A: Yes, since February 1999 I have made my living only as a visual artist.  Being an artist has been my life time vocation.

5) Q: If you are a full-time artist was it easy making the transition from having a job to just doing what you love…your art?  A: Ha! Ha! Transitioning from a good job to being a full-time artist is like bungee jumping, a huge drop and an exhilarating rise to the top!

6) Q: Did you go to school for art and if so what did you gain from the experience?  A: I attended the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore.  I developed a strong work ethic and gained a thick skin in art school.  Being an artist is not for the faint of heart.  In an ego driven line of work, you must learn when to take your ego out of it.

7) Q: Did school prepare you to make a living from your art?  A: The various styles, techniques, and skill sets I gained in art school prepared me to be able make it happen.  Art school taught me nothing of the business of art.  Business savvy is what my mom, dad, and brother taught me.

8) Q: How many hours on the average do you spend painting a week?  A: Not enough.  I wear many hats as a full-time artist.  I’m CEO and the janitor in my company.  In other words, I’m responsible for marketing, accounting, sales, and making art too.

9) Q: What advise do you have for other artist trying to get their artwork into galleries?  A: Produce a large consistent body of art to show galleries.  Make at least 30 to 50 consistent works of art.

10) Q: Tell me about your artwork?  A: My art is my diary and my art is as varied as my life.  I love painting in acrylics and creating mixed-media collages.

11) Q: Have you always done landscape paintings?  A: Yes, but not good ones.  In the last ten years my sceneries (landscapes) have become much better.  I painted on average fifty or more large landscapes a year.  Currently, I only paint commissioned landscapes.

12) Q: Where can we find your work…galleries,websites..?  A: My website is mcraystudios.com.  You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Blogger, Zazzle, and Pinterest.  My studio is located in Artspace in downtown Raleigh, NC.

13) Q: When did you first become interested in art and why?  A: In the first or second grade I was esteemed by my teacher when I helped her design a Rumpelstiltskin themed bulletin board. That was the day I realized my art had a value beyond by own personal fulfillment.

14) Q: When and why did you decide to make a living from painting and drawing?  A: Fish swim. Birds fly. I make art. Striving to be a great artist is my life's purpose. That is what God "called" me to be.

15) Q: What was the first piece that you sold?  A: I don't remember. As a child, kids often paid me to draw pictures on their book covers in school. When I was sixteen I was hired by a design firm as a paste-up artist.

16) Q: Describe the different materials you use and what you like/dislike about them?  A: I stopped using oil paints, because they took too long to dry. I paint in acrylics, because they are fast, clean, efficient, fast-drying, versatile and archival.  I create in collage, because it is alchemy. I'm able to make something of tremendous value out of inexpensive materials. It's like making microchips out of sand and turning straw into gold.

17) Q: Where does your inspiration come from?  A: My inspiration comes from my passions, my adventures and misadventures. My art is my diary.

18) Q: What artist(s) influenced your style?  A: I think every artist I've ever seen. As Robert Motherwell said, "The intelligent artist keeps the history of art in his head." I'm paraphrasing.

19) Q: What are your future plans?  A: Now that is a broad question. So, I can only give you a broad but sincere answer. As an artist I'm striving to become the best known artist in NC, then throughout the Southeast.

20) Q: Anything else that would be interesting to know about you?  A: I'm in the process of teaming up with other artists, writers, and designers to start a new media company focused on print and web-based comics, animation, and gaming.

"Black Friday!!! 30% Off Any Purchase!!!"

Black Friday at McRay Studios!!!

If you have ever wanted a work by Eric McRay, this is your golden opportunity.  Spend $50 or spend $5000, no minimum purchase required. Receive 30% off any art purchased in the studio on “Black Friday” November 23, 2012 only (10am‐6pm). You must mention this special offer at the time of purchase to receive this benefit.  See you Black Friday!

www.mcraystudios.com

"Black Friday" & "Cyber Monday" at McRay Studios!!!"

Black Friday at McRay Studios!!!

If you have ever wanted a work by Eric McRay, this is your golden opportunity.  Spend $50 or spend $5000, no minimum purchase required. Receive 30% off any art purchased in the studio on “Black Friday” November 23, 2012 only (10am‐6pm). You must mention this special offer at the time of purchase to receive this benefit.  See you Black Friday!

Cyber Monday at McRay Studios!!!

Shop from the leisure of your computer. Give your car a rest, and save gas!  Jump online and visit mcraystudios.com. Select your favorite works by Eric McRay. Simply call Eric at 919‐614‐2174 to complete your order. Save 25%. No minimum purchase required. Offer valid “Cyber Monday” November 26, 2012

only (9am‐9pm).

Looking forward to your call!

"How to Tell If Your Kid Will Become a Great Artist"

How to Tell If Your Kid Will Become a Great Artist

"Collage Creations & All That Jazz at NC Wesleyan College"

Rocky Mount: COLLAGE CREATIONS and ALL THAT JAZZ, Artist Eric McRay Exhibits New Work at Wesleyan College’s Dunn Center Mims Gallery.

By popular demand Eric McRay is returning to Wesleyan College’s Dunn Center Mims Gallery with new work in collage and his familiar jazz action paintings. Opening Friday, November 9 with a 7-9 free reception party for the artist with ambient mood set by the jazz keyboards of “Mac” McLaughlin.  McRay’s exhibition“COLLAGE CREATIONS and ALL THAT JAZZ” involves themes such as family in the African-American culture, spirituality, and music.

Just as McRay has mastered the drip and splash of 20th century action painting in his popular jazz pictures, the artist has recently produced an impressive collection of his collage creations. Collage is considered one of the major innovations of 20^th century modern art and to use cut and torn photographs and scraps of paper from the world around us has empowered McRay to push the boundaries that allow the real world to infiltrate a painting, dissolving the conventions that separate art and life. 

McRay earned a BFA degree at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he received a four-year scholarship. In 1998, he was juried into downtown Raleigh's prestigious Artspace.  Eric has served in the offices of Vice-President and President of the Artspace Artists Association, as well as served on Artspace's board of directors. Please feel free to contact McRay at 919-614-2174 or visit his website www.mcraystudios.com

McRay has been featured on TV and radio, and in numerous newspapers and magazines.  The Raleigh News &; Observer named him one of the "Artists to Watch" for 2001.  He was featured in the June 2002 issue of Southern Living Magazine.  Some of McRay's corporate collectors include American Tobacco Campus, Capitol Broadcasting, Duke University Medical Center, NC State University, UNC Chapel Hill, SAS Institute, and Western Wake Hospital, as well as many private collectors locally,nationally and internationally.

The Mims Gallery is a perfect stop before or after your Friday night out or the Chinese Circus at the Dunn Center. Free to the public we show terrific art and bring in the best live music to enrich our opening art parties. Come meet Eric McRay, enjoy “Mac” McLaughlin’s sounds and take the kids to the circus all in one night.

"Boomtown By Night"

"Buddy's Pride & Joy"

"Pennies From Heaven"

"Plucking Flowers"

"Fall For Art featuring Eric McRay & 20 Plus NC Artists"

Midtown Art Consultants and the Roundabout Art Collective present "FALL FOR ART"

October 25 (today) from 6pm to 9pm at the North Hill Renaissance Hotel, 
4100 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh NC.

20 plus NC artists featured including Eric McRay.
Abstract canvases and small works (jazz, nudes, hearts, and coffee, etc)
by McRay available for budding collectors and gift giving.

Free Entry. Special Cocktails. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

*Small donations of art supplies will be accepted for Hope Elementary School.

"African-American Atelier Exhibits Eric McRay"

"Trial by Fire" collages and drawings by Eric McRay

Artist's Opening Reception & Art Talk
Sunday, October 21, 3 p.m.

African American Atelier

Greensboro Cultural Center
200 North Davie Street, Box 14
Greensboro, NC 27401

336-333-6885 (phone)
info@africanamericanatelier.org

"Trouble in Paradise" collage painting

"Trial by Fire" Exhibition in Greensboro, NC"

"Trial by Fire" collages and drawings by Eric McRay

Artist's Opening Reception & Art Talk
Sunday, October 21, 3 p.m.

African American Atelier

Greensboro Cultural Center
200 North Davie Street, Box 14
Greensboro, NC 27401

336-333-6885 (phone)
info@africanamericanatelier.org

http://mcraystudios.com/colle%27/default.htm

"Boomtown" collage painting 30x40

"Ayn Rand First Interview 1959 (Full)"

"Passing of NCCU Alumnus and Artist Ivey Hayes"

NCCU announces with sadness the passing of NCCU alumnus and artist Ivey Hayes. Hayes graduated in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in art.

In February of this year, the NCCU Art Museum featured his work in an exhibit, “Ivey Hayes: A Retrospective.” At a closing reception, Hayes was presented with a resolution in his honor.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fYR7hQSXbuM

"Ivey Hayes at NCCU Art Museum 3/9/12"

"Alicia Lyttle on Les Brown's Radio Show"

Opening Reception "Also Known As Trane."

Opening Reception "Also Known As Trane." A celebration in honor of John Coltrane's 86th Birthday Guest Artist:  Eric McRay

Join us for Cake and Champagne!! Meet Guest Artist:  Eric McRay Saturday, September 22nd 3:00pm - 6:00pm Yalik's Modern Art 710 E. Washington St High Point, NC 27260 (336) 989-0047 www.yaliksmodernart.com JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

"Jazz: The Classical Music of America" Eric McRay gives his personal interpretation of jazz, "the classical music of America."   His goal is to cause his audience to "hear the music and feel the intensity." Through his brilliant color, expressive brushstrokes, and improvisational application of acrylic paint, McRay captures the vibrancy and spontaneity of his musical subjects.   These paintings will materialize this auditory art form of jazz, as a two dimensional visual art form, producing a dynamic, "visual rhythm."

"Metro Magazine Presents 2012 Bravo Awards: Best Local Artist"

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks." 

- William Shakespeare

"McRay Now Represented in Wilmington by the Gallery @ Racine"

"New Beginning" acrylic on canvas 30x30

Dear McRay Studios Supporters,

Thanks to the much appreciated patronage and support in North Carolina over the years, I've had the opportunity to make relationships throughout the state. I'm happy to announce one such relationship in coastal N.C. with Michael & Cynthia Golonka of The Gallery at Racine in Wilmington.

Friends and patrons in New Hanover County and Eastern N.C. can now contact Michael & Cynthia for purchases and commissions of my artwork for your home, business and personal collection. I'm confident that you will find the same cordial, warm and professional atmosphere that made me feel right at home in The Gallery at Racine.

Thank you for your continued patronage and support.

Sincerely,

Eric McRay
McRay Studios

 

"Through The Eyes of Eric McRay"

"Summer Artist Speaker Series Exhibition at The Hive until June 20"

"Impression Sunset" acrylic on canvas 36x48 $1800

"Sunkissed" acrylic on canvas 30x40 $1600

"The Capitol" acrylic on canvas 24x24 $800

"Southern Comfort" acrylic on canvas 20x60 SOLD

"Marsh & Clouds" acrylic on canvas 30x36 $1500

"Chelsee's" acrylic on canvas 36x36 $1400

"Glad Tidings" acrylic on canvas 36x48 $1800

Please make time to visit the triangle.com and Capital H. Creative  sponsored "Summer Artist Speaker Series" exhibition at the Busy Bee Cafe (upstairs at The Hive).  The exhibition features my North & South Carolina scenery paintings.

The paintings will be available for purchase and displayed at The Hive until June 20.  Please feel free to contact Heather Allen at info@capitalHcreative.net   concerning exhibition opportunities, commissions, and purchases.

Busy Bee Cafe (Upstairs at The Hive)

225 South Wilmington Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

Hours: 11AM - 2AM Everyday

Phone: 919.424.7817

Email: info@busybeeraleigh.com