BHA Announces 2008 Fall Fundraising Party Artist, Eric McRay

As a young boy, Eric McRay, dreamed of being one of the greatest artists in the world. McRay, a native of Washington DC, received his Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute in 1987. McRay relocated to North Carolina soon after, and since his arrival has become a major force in the North Carolina art community.

It was the artwork McRay allowed the Junior League of Raleigh to use as a fundraiser that caught the eye of 2008 Fall Party Chairman Ann Sloan. “The women from the Junior League gave such high praise of Eric’s art and his personality, that I spent some time getting to know his work, and was pleasantly surprised,” shares Ann. McRay’s vast amount of work of all different styles and imagery, lends to his likeability. “He has a little something for everyone,” states Beaufort Historical Association PR/Events Coordinator Kelsie Kirkland. “Eric’s work ranges from colorful coastal depictions, to jazz, rhythm and blues, to a coffee collection that makes you want to sit down and take it in. His work has been described as not something you see, but something you feel.”

McRay has been sharing his art throughout North Carolina since 1987, and was juried into Raleigh’s prestigious Artspace in 1998. Since his opening at Artspace, McRay has quickly become one of Raleigh’s most exciting artists. McRay is a strong supporter of many local charities, which has allowed him to share his passion while helping others.

McRay’s work has been featured in a number of publications, ranging from regional newspapers to Southern Living Magazine. He was named Metro Magazine’s 2008 Bravo Award winner as the top local artist in the “Standing Ovation” category in the July 2008 issue. McRay has his work in corporate collections that include Central Carolina Bank, Duke University Medical Center, NC State University, SAS Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, and Western Wake Hospital, as well as many private collectors locally, nationally and internationally.

“Eric is a very talented and passionate artist,” says Ann. “He is currently working on a commissioned piece for me of the church my daughter was recently married in.” McRay’s work will be featured at the Beaufort Historical Association’s Annual Fall Fundraising Party October 18, 2008, at the home of Doug and Carolyn Brady at 805 Front Street in Beaufort. Sponsors of this years event will have the opportunity to view and purchase McRay’s work in a private opening October 16, 2008 at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery.

For more information on this year’s Fall Fundraising Party, how to become a Fall Fundraising Party sponsor, or to purchase tickets to the event call (252) 728-5225 or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org .

The Mattie King Davis Art Gallery is the oldest gallery in Carteret County and exhibits the work of over 100 local and regional artists. Gallery proceeds benefit the ongoing educational and restoration projects at the Beaufort Historic Site. For more information on Eric McRay’s upcoming exhibit, contact the Beaufort Historical Association at (252) 728-5225 or stop by the gallery Monday through Saturday, 10 am–4 pm, or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.