About the Artist Risa Murray

After graduating from Manual High School in 1981 I attended CU Boulder and I was exposed to Black American artists and authors this was an inspiration to me to learn of African American artists like Romare Bearden's collages, Charles White's pencil and charcoal drawings, "The Banjo Lesson" a painting by  William Tanner and Contemporary artists  Charles Bibbs, Annie Lee, and John Toms a local Colorado painter, entrepreneur, and sculptor and friend. Before attending college I received a Big Heart scholarship from the Art Student League of Denver.  I was able to take many different classes such as printmaking, painting, pottery, and mixed media.

 At the age of 52, through Redline, I received a scholarship to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and graduated in 2018 as an art educator. I now work for Kelly Educational Services as a substitute teacher working with a diverse student body in Aurora Public schools and charter schools throughout the Metro area. Oral tradition, poetry, music, and writing have greatly influenced my family and the African American community. It is through these experiences that I desire to use the talents God has given me. I want to capture the emotions and feelings of people, places, and moments in time. When I create works of art or a painting I am giving them an opportunity to experience a sense of community and family.