PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAY MATTHEWS, ARTIST FEATURED ON DICK GORDON’S “THE STORY” ON NPR, HAS AN EXHIBIT AT FRAMER’S MARKET AND GALLERY IN CHAPEL HILL ON APRIL 17TH from 4 to 7 P.M.

            Ray Matthews, who won first prize in a juried art show in South Hill, Virginia last May, and whose story was recently featured on Dick Gordon’s THE STORY on NPR, has an exhibit of his naïve paintings at Framer’s Market and Gallery at Ram’s Plaza, Chapel Hill. All are invited to the opening of his show on Saturday, April 17th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
           
            A serendipitous moment brought the painter together with a woman who loves art. Janet Hubbard, who journeys from Vermont each winter to stay with her mother, was walking through the town last March when she was stopped in her tracks by a painting of a South Hill street scene that was propped up in an empty storefront window. She was so impressed that she went on a search for the artist. It turned out that the painter, Ray Matthews, was indigent, and had come to the owner of the shop to see if he would buy the painting, as he did not have the money to purchase medicine for his mother. Owner Jimmy Martin bought the painting.

            Hubbard met a gallery owner in Bracey, Virginia, and the two women decided to give Matthews an exhibit, after going back to his and his mother’s apartment and pulling paintings out of every corner. As a naïve painter, he had gone back in his memory to early childhood memories of growing up in the late fifties and early sixties. He also had landscapes, street scenes, and still lifes, all painted in bold colors. Most of the paintings were sold at the fundraiser. Matthews went on to win first prize in a juried art show in South Hill.

            This year Hubbard sent an essay to THE STORY at NPR, and within a few days the producer called to interview Matthews and Hubbard. They were invited to the studio, and that show will be aired mid-April. In yet another serendipitous moment, Hubbard entered Mary Anne Steinis’ gallery and frame shop at Rams’ Plaza (Framer’s Market and Gallery) and within moments the two women were talking. Hubbard brought in a Matthews painting, and Steinis said on the spot that she would like to donate her time and place for an exhibit for him.  It will be held April 17th from 4 to 7 p.m.
           
            Hubbard sent her version of the story to THE STORY, and the producer called a few days later.  In another serendipitous moment Hubbard went into Mary Anne Steinis’ Gallery at Ram’s Plaza with a Matthews painting in hand. Steinis, after hearing the story, offered to give him a show, with all proceeds going to him.

To purchase Ray's original paintings and Giclee prints of paintings featured, contact: MaryAnne, Framer's Market & Gallery owner via phone 919-929-7137 or email: msteinis@msn.com