ALL THAT JAZZ: Ray Anthony Mc Cray

Ray @ The Work Shop on Main Street, Santa Monica

Ray Anthony Mc Cray knows jazz.

Artist Ray Anthony Mc Cray is not only an artist with a passion for jazz culture, but also an artist who is able to emulate the soul of jazz through his abstract and emblematic collages. In his jazz-themed collages, Mc Cray uses images of jazz musicians from record albums and magazines. Many of his pieces are layered, three-dimensional compositions. The recently completed “Love that Thing Called Jazz”, is a seven by four foot collage that features drum sticks and piano keys signed by influential jazz artists. 

Lennon, Monroe, Hendrix 2013

Mc Cray’s collaborative work, "Miles and Monk in the Sky" is built around a storied baby grand piano. Built in the 1930’s, the piano is believed to have come from Central Avenue’s Elks Club in L.A. In 1957, it was reborn as a jazz instrument for big bands and smaller ensembles. The keys were signed by headlining performers at the Jazz Bakery. Artist Sam Pace painted the top of the piano with an image of jazz pianist, Thelonious Monk, while Mc Cray splashed the piano and constructed a three-dimensional decoupage in the sound box and inside lid of the instrument. “Jazz Phenomenon”, a six by four foot collage was also displayed at the Jazz Bakery.

Papa's got a brand new bag, 2013

Ray has been recognized by The National Arts Program for the encouragement and development of artistic expression with Community Arts Division Cultural Affairs Department and by the Leonard E. B. Andrews Foundation as the winner, Honorable Mention, in the intermediate classification in January 2000. Mc Cray was also awarded a scholarship to the Lankershim Arts Center. Along with the Jazz Bakery, his pieces have been shown in the galleries of Meridith Baer.
In addition to his jazz collages, Mc Cray is working on a series of four by four foot paper and acrylic abstract paintings on maconite boards. 

Ray's work will be included in the exhibit EVOLVE this August 3^rd 2013 at the galerie 103 in Poipu, Kauai.