On Friday, March 3 at 3 p.m., Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) offers the chance to experience a behind the scenes look at one of North Carolina’s rising artists. John Wilkins leads a free gallery tour and Art Talk exploring the latest exhibit in Gallery I “Contemporary Modernist: The Art of Eric McRay.”

Wilkins first worked with TFAC in 2015, on the popular exhibit Exploring African American Art in the Foothills. During the exhibit, Wilkins realized that work of Eric McRay—though based in Raleigh—was a great fit for the Foothills region.

“I was exposed to Eric’s work in 2005,” said Wilkins, “at which time I had consulted with Dr. Belinda Tate who was the then curator of the Winston Salem State University’s gallery. Dr. Tate recommended three North Carolina artists. Of the three, Eric’s work in abstract, collage and his jazz series appealed to me the most.”

From soul to brush to canvas, McRay’s art overflows with bright colors, expressive styles, and energized designs, which he employs to capture the vibrancy and intensity of his subjects. He is on the road to reinvention; constantly challenging himself, and exploring his visual language.

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, D.C., McRay moved to North Carolina and has been exhibiting since 1987. In November 1998, he was juried into Raleigh’s prestigious Artspace.

McRay’s artistic career has been featured on TV and radio programs, and in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites. The Raleigh News & Observer named him one of the “Artists to Watch.” Numerous times he has been listed among the “Best Local Artist” and “Favorite Local Artist.” McRay has received feature articles in Fortune Small Business, Art Business News, Our State Magazine and Southern Living Magazine.

The Art Talk on Friday, March 3 is free and open to the public. “Contemporary Modernist: The Art of Eric McRay” closes the following day.

– article submitted by Michelle Fleming