Prints

Item Description

1975. 15 1/4" x 18 1/2"; Intaglio; Unframed on Foam Core

Donated by the McNamara Family. 

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About the Artist

Raymond E. McNamara, 1923 – 2021

Raymond was born in Chicago, IL in 1923 to second-generation Irish American parents, Alice Fitzgerald McNamara and Raymond E McNamara. Raised in the Hyde Park area on the south side of Chicago, home to the University of Chicago, he was exposed to a vibrant intellectual and socially aware community. To survive the difficulties of the Great Depression, Ray worked at many odd jobs such as selling newspapers to help support his family while attending primary and secondary schools. 

At the start of World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Evarts DE5 in the European and Pacific Theatres. His Navy experience sparked a desire for travel and enhanced his interest in current political affairs. To the end of his life, he kept informed of political, social, and economic trends, having lived through many important episodes of United States history.

During his time in the Navy, Ray decided to pursue a career in fine art and education. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) on the GI Bill where he met his wife of 67 years, Paula, also an artist and educator. Having earned his Bachelor of Arts Education in 1950 from the SAIC, he went on to earn his Master of Arts Education from the University of Michigan in 1957, and a Master of Fine Arts from West Virginia University in 1975.

Ray began his teaching career holding positions in public schools, first in Illinois and then in Michigan. Interested in teaching on the college level, he accepted a position as the Acting Head of the Art Department at West Virginia State College in 1964, now West Virginia State University, where he taught for 25 years.

While raising a family and teaching, Ray continually produced and exhibited his artwork. His mediums ranged from painting and drawing to printmaking and sculpture. He was successful entering and exhibiting in art shows locally and nationally, receiving numerous awards for his work over the years. Besides the many private collectors of his work, his art can be found in the permanent collections of the Clay Center’s Juliet Museum of Art, Huntington Museum of Art, West Virginia State University, Bluefield State College, and the West Virginia State Museum contemporary art collection.

With his wife Paula they had five children, born in the various places they lived. Together, they led their children on many camping adventures across North America, seeing the sites as well as visiting a plethora of art museums. Ray and Paula were able to continue their love of travel and art in retirement through their memberships in Partners in the Americas, Friendship Force International, the Sunrise Collectors Club, and the Juliet Museum of Art Collectors Club. They traveled to over 20 foreign countries enjoying the unique culture of each one.

Item Special Note

Pick-up and Shipping Available

This item can be picked up at the Clay Center or shipped for an additional fee. Following the close of the auction, someone from the Clay Center will be in touch with the winner to coordinate the pick-up or shipping of the item.

Framing Coupon

The winner of this piece will receive a coupon for 50% off framing at the Art Emporium. Please join us in thanking the Art Emporium for their generous support of Carnaval 2023!