Winter 2011-2012 News
Holiday Greetings and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!
After a glorious and busy fall, The Handlers are in full winter mode.
We’re looking forward to a number of shows already scheduled for 2012, where we hope to see you. Before we tell you about those, here’s a brief recap of our Autumn activities.
In September we hosted our Autumn Studio Invitational for a small group of guests. Murry showed his new works, and gave a brief talk. This was followed by our usual libations of good wine and tasty snacks. About 20 guests enjoyed the evening and were captivated by Murry’s latest paintings, all new additions to his popular Mythica Series. The female figures in mixed media can be seen on his web-site here.
October was a hectic month, with a variety of shows and charitable events. The Annual Carolinas AIDs Services was held in Raleigh and Murry’s donation was purchased at the traditionally lively auction. The event was preceded by the artists preview reception where we were treated to wonderful hors d’oeuvres,wines and the good company of participating artists and craftspeople.
A really fun October activity was Art in the Village, the first outdoor show held on the lawn in Fearrington Village Center. The weather was perfect and we had an eye-popping crowd turnout! There are 50 artists living and working in studios in Fearrington, about 20 of them displayed their works on the lawn and enjoyed brisk sales.
Chapel Hill Magazine devoted a full article and web page to three of the artists, Murry was one of them. There was a great photo of us both in the August issue. This link will bring you to the photo and a Q&A interview featuring me and Murry. www.chapelhillmagazine.com/articles/more-from-the-artist-studios-at-fearrington-village
Corporate Sale in October
One of my favorite pieces from Murry’s “Whimsy in Black and Gray” Series was sold to a biotech corporation in the Triangle. It hangs in the new corporate lobby. The piece consists of 4 48″ x 12″ linen canvases with 5 smaller canvases mounted on them. One has fallen from the metal hook and is illustrated as on the ground in a trompe l’oeil effect.
Another October event was a major show of Murry’s Social Commentary paintings. The reception on Oct. 21 at the Durham Art Guild brought out a large number of friends and many new folks to see Murry’s interpretation of political/social issues of our day. His piece on environmental concerns, ‘Beyond Earth’ was especially talked about, as was the ‘Jewish Jesus’,with its contemporary meaning for stereotyping and bigotry. The piece ‘In Memoriam’, commemorating 9-11 was especially timely since it was the 10th anniversary of that tragic event. We are grateful to Tom and Kathe Dunder for allowing the painting to be on loan and seen by a wider audience.
Upcoming Shows
January 6 through March. Duke Eye Center will exhibit the Attitudes Series of prints, along with Daybreak and a pair of acrylic paintings, Nod to Thelonius.The Duke Eye Center Connector Gallery, between the Wadsworth bldg. and Arie Bldg., is open Mon. through Fri. 7AM-6PM and free to the public.2351 Erwin Rd., Durham.
Mid-Feb. Art and Design Showcase at Briar Chapel Community in Chapel Hill. Newland Builders sponsors this event and reception, which will highlight design trends and feature Murry’s artwork in several model homes. Details to come.
April Saxapahaw Artists Gallery. Under discussion is a ‘feaured artist’ event to coincide with the newly relocated Gallery in the buzzing Bohemia on the Saxapahaw River. Dates will be announced.
August-Sept. Murry will be the featured artist at the intimate, lovely Liqidambar Gallery in Pittsboro. This is a fairly new venue and has had wonderful art and craft work on display. Dates will be announced.
