McRay Vision
{August/September 2016}
Whoa! August was a phenomenal month for this fella, Eric McRay. And I love it!
Just as the temperatures jumped towards the 90s, I’ve been busy doing my business of teaching summer art camp classes and holding down the fort that is McRay Studios at Artspace in downtown Raleigh. Somewhere in between, I’m glad I’ve also found time to ignite the creative energy of young students in my classes at the Cary Arts Center with inspiration from some of the greats – Leonardo DaVinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Picasso.
But…drumroll, please… here’s what I’m excited – and quite a bit humbled – to share:
• I’ve been selected for the next curatorial review for the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University! The center engages visitors in “creating unique experiences through dynamic and accessible exhibition, education, outreach and collection programs to champion lifelong engagement with the visual arts.”
• I’m featured in Artist Focus in the Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, the oldest and most read arts and culture publication in Western North Carolina, known for a “journalistic approach to the fine and performing arts in the mountains.” What an honor, indeed.
It’s my first introduction to the art world in that part of the western part of our state – and it’s a cultural hotbed for art enthusiasts the world over.
In other August news, I got word my art will be on exhibit beginning November 1 at The Clayton Center, a performing arts and conference center at 111 E. 2nd St. in Clayton, NC. If you’re in the area, take a peek. If you know someone who will be in the area, spread the word so they can, too!
And because I believe in paying it forward to give it back, I donated 70 signed and numbered limited edition print from my Jazz series earlier this month to fundraising efforts at WSHA-88.9 FM. I’m an under writer for the public radio station, which, in case you don’t know, broadcasts from Shaw University, the South’s first HBCU.
Please don’t mistake this burst of good news as me boasting. I know I’ve got a lot left to do and give, a lot to inspire and accomplish. But I’m celebrating each step closer to reaching my many goals of building an unmatched brand as a visual artist, art educator and art philanthropist.
I take nothing for granted.
Thank for taking the journey with me.
Cheers!
Eric
