United Arts Council of Raleigh
presents an exhibition entitled
"Jazz: The Classical Music of America" by Eric McRay
March 9 - May 25, 2006
WakeMed Heart Center, Raleigh, NC
WakeMed Heart Center, Raleigh, NC
"I feel that both jazz and blues play an integral part in American history. The Blues is the secular derivative of the old Negro spirituals, which were born out of oppression, and even goes back to slavery. Out of Blues sprung jazz and other sounds. It was the impetus for all other American musical styles we hear today, from Rock 'N Roll and R&B to Hip-Hop." - Eric McRay
McRay's 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."
More About The Artist:
As a young child, Eric McRay dreamed of being the greatest artist in the world. Today he is as passionate as ever.
McRay received a BFA degree at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he earned a four-year scholarship for his artistic talent. A native of Washington, DC, he moved to North Carolina, where he has become a major force in the NC art community.
McRay has been exhibiting in North Carolina for over 18 years. In November 1998, he was juried into Raleigh's prestigious Artspace. Since opening his Artspace studio in downtown Raleigh, McRay has become one of the most exciting artists in the Triangle. 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.
McRay has been featured on TV and radio shows, 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, "Carolina Living - People & Places" Edition. Also, he has consistently participated in and supported many charitable art exhibits and other community art events.
Some of McRay's corporate collectors include Capitol Broadcasting Company, NC State University, Central Carolina Bank, Duke University Medical Center, SAS Institute, UNC - Chapel Hill, and Western Wake Hospital, as well as many private collectors locally, nationally and internationally.
McRay received a BFA degree at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he earned a four-year scholarship for his artistic talent. A native of Washington, DC, he moved to North Carolina, where he has become a major force in the NC art community.
McRay has been exhibiting in North Carolina for over 18 years. In November 1998, he was juried into Raleigh's prestigious Artspace. Since opening his Artspace studio in downtown Raleigh, McRay has become one of the most exciting artists in the Triangle. 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.
Some of McRay's corporate collectors include Capitol Broadcasting Company, NC State University, Central Carolina Bank, Duke University Medical Center, SAS Institute, UNC - Chapel Hill, and Western Wake Hospital, as well as many private collectors locally, nationally and internationally.