Spring 2011 News
April – May News & Notes
Art of the Auction at the NC Museum of Art
Over 500 artists from across N.C. and surrounding states submitted works to a distinguished panel of jurors who then selected the 100 or so pieces to be auctioned off as a benefit for the N.C. Museum of Art Foundation. We were delighted to learn that Murry’s painting Trees #4 was one of those admitted to the show.
The Museum was bustling with over 200 guests, dressed to the nines for the first Auction to benefit the Museum’s Foundation. A DJ entertained, while café tables draped in long red cloths were waiting for us to place our samplings of hors d’oeuvres and wine tumblers. After enjoying several of the delicious tastings we strode over to the gallery displaying the paintings, where Murry’s Trees #4 was on the wall directly opposite the entry.
Seeing his name tag, a distinguished looking fellow in sports jacket and tan slacks introduced himself and his wife, and said “We just bought two of your prints from the Frank Gallery in Chapel Hill. They’re hanging in our living room”. The evening was indeed going very well!
In addition to the silent auction of paintings and photographs, a selection of crafts, jewelry and sculpture was offered for bidding. A live auction of a week in France, a week-end in Wilmington at a private sea-side retreat, and a tour of NYC’s art world with Museum Director Larry Wheeler were some of the special offerings.
Living with Art at Flanders Gallery
A one-man show of Murry’s paintings was held at Flanders Gallery in Raleigh on May 14. Sponsored by Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney, the show was called Loving Art/Living with Art and featured a power point presentation by art historian and consultant Michael Mezzatesta, the Mary and James Semans Director Emeritus of Duke U. Museum of Art. Over 40 invited guests had an opportunity to view Murry’s recent series of multi-panel acrylic paintings, Whimsy in Black and Grey.
Artist Studios at FV Outdoor Salon
The new Organization Artists Studios at Fearrington Village held its first networking social and informal gathering for the many artists living and creating in Fearrington Village, NC. With over 40 artists and craftspeople living in this community near Chapel Hill, the group has as its goal to create an arts destination for the many folks who visit the Fearrington Inn and its gardens, the Fearrington House four star restaurant, and other boutique attractions in the Village. Enid Handler who is serving as facilitator to help the group get started, spoke briefly at the meeting and outlined its aims and progress to date. Open Studios are planned for the fall, along with a juried show at the Granary Restaurant in the Village Center. Visit the group’s web-site here.
Warm regards from the Handler Studio. Hope your summer is a fun-filled time!
If you would like to visit the studio, just let us know and we’ll be glad to have you.
