About
The Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is named after the esteemed artist, educator, and past resident of Silver City, NM–Francis McCray. It hosts five exhibitions per year and is located on the beautiful WNMU campus. Deepening the understanding and appreciation of art is the at the heart of this teaching and research gallery.
The McCray Gallery also operates as the repository for WNMU’s permanent art collection.
Visit the Silver City Art Association to browse our past exhibits.
Gallery Hours
Gallery Hours – Beginning January 31, 2025
Opening Night Reception January 30, 2025 at 6pm – Juried Student Exhibition
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
(All hours subject to change at anytime during the semester.)
The Gallery will not be open on the following dates:
Spring Break, March 10-14
Spring Holiday, April 18
Current Exhibit
Expressive Arts Juried Student Exhibition
January 30–February 20, 2025
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Opening Reception: 6 PM at Francis McCray Gallery
Award Announcement: 6:30 PM
Francis McCray Gallery, together with the Expressive Arts Department, proudly announces the Western New Mexico University Juried Student Art Exhibition. This annual showcase will feature an array of student creations across various mediums, including sculpture, drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. We extend an invitation to all WNMU students enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year to participate in this annual event. Experience an exhibition that highlights the innovative spirit, imagination, and inspiration of our student artists. Awards will be presented at the opening reception.
2024 Juried Student Art Exhibition
Upcoming Exhibits and Lectures
Elizabeth Gerdeman—Artist-In-Residence Exhibition
March 20 – April 10, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 20, 2025 6 PM
WNMU Expressive Arts Department Artist-In-Residence Program
elizabethgerdeman.com
The WNMU Expressive Arts Department is delighted to introduce this year’s Artist-In-Residence, Elizabeth Gerdeman. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Elizabeth has been primarily based in Germany since 2011. During her residency at Western New Mexico University, she will embark on projects that blend atmospheric sciences with traditional nature-based practices rooted in weather lore, utilizing the local environment and community insights. This exhibition will present artwork created during her residency at WNMU. Elizabeth’s art is inspired by the intersections of nature and culture, and her interdisciplinary approach—encompassing painting, installation, and site-specific works.
Exhibit Schedule Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Erin Wheary
September 5 – October 3
Lois Duffy
October 17 – November 14
Andrea Polli – Artist Lecture
October 11
Juried Student Art Exhibit
January 30 – February 20
Elizabeth Gerdeman – Artist in Residence
March 20 – April 10
BFA Exhibit
April 24 – May 8
Watch all of the Edwina and Charles Milner Lecture Series Here.
Mission of Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art
Be a premiere gallery in Silver City that hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops showcasing student, regional, national, and international artists.
Introduce artists whose high-quality exhibited work inspires and challenges the viewer, is innovative and/or experimental, and engages ongoing dialogue about issues and ideas.
Attract diverse artists and encourage candidates of all underrepresented groups, such those who identify as BIPOC artists, as well as artists identifying as LGBTQ+.
Develop programs in conjunction with the Expressive Arts Department, that will enhance students’ overall education, expanding their appreciation for art and giving them practical and professional development experiences.
Collaborate with community partners in offering the gallery as a creative space to host events and programs, expanding and enriching the arts in Silver City.
Operate as the repository for WNMU’s permanent art collection.
Contact
Jill Winburn
Email: Jill.Winburn@wnmu.edu
Phone Number: (575) 538-6517
Location: McCray Building