Here and There: Contours Real and Imagined

December 2018,

‘Here and There: Contours Real and Imagined’

Pierce Wharf , Acrylic
Here and There: Contours Real Imagined

“I think of the colors on my palette as the actors in a play,” Murray said. “Each color has a role to play, and every role, no matter how small, is important for creating a reality on the canvas…”

Click here for full press release

A collaborative exhibit by NH Art Association members Janet Tamulevich and Peggy Murray
2 Pillsbury Street, Concord NH
October 2nd through December 28th

Artists of New England Podcast

December 2018,

“I consider myself a full-time artist… I paint all the time. I may not be in my studio, but I’m always looking at paintings. And looking at the world in that way.”

In Episode 7 (July 16, 2018) of Laura Cassinari-King’s podcast series called Artists of New England, Peggy Murray talks about her journey as an artist in the New England art scene. From discovering art for the first time to the current direction of Peggy’s artwork, this podcast gives a very personal introspection behind the paintbrush.

Episode Description: “Peggy’s joyful personality and zest for life is reflected in her paintings of daily routines. Many figures depict playfulness in whimsical scenes with others draw the viewer into contemplative reverie. In this interview she shares how she captures her subjects as well as a glimpse into how this hobby became a career!”

This entire podcast is available for FREE as a download on iTunes, Soundcloud and other online platforms. Above you may download a copy of this episode featuring Peggy, enjoy!

To follow and support this informative series online, click here

Cafe Life Press

October 2017,

My Unexpected Collaborator

September, 2017

In early summer, while working at Ceres Gallery in Portsmouth, a young artist, Sophia, came in with her dad.  Her desire to explore an art gallery when just a few paces down the street was an ice cream parlor heightened my attention to her.  I watched as she gave herself over to looking at the paintings on the walls and then spotted my easel and the painting in progress there.  I told her it was a painting going into an upcoming exhibit at NHAA called Café Life.  She told me she had used many different mediums but never oil paints.  I handed her my paintbrush and told her to go for a spin on my palette and canvas.  No hesitation, she just took that brush and dipped it in the pool of paint and went right to the canvas with bold but delicate strokes.  I believe those strokes remain in the painting on the green-lit wall. 

In August, she returned again to Ceres Gallery and her dad showed me the photo (above) of her painting, and I said, “Oh my, Sophia!  That painting is hanging this month in NHAA!  You have to go see it all finished!!!”  Within the hour, I had received a text from her dad with the photo above and below. 

It is always gratifying to play even the smallest role in awakening a person’s aesthetic response to the world.  I’m grateful for Sophia and her dad for allowing me that opportunity and for allowing me to share this story.

Art Connects NH ‘Connects’ with Chase Home

September 15, 2016,

Carriage Towne News, Kingston, NH

Pictured from left, Chase Home Board President Rob Levey, Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler, Arts Connects Director of Development Virginia Skevington, and NHAA Artist Peg Murray.

PORTSMOUTH —Having placed donated contemporary art pieces throughout Chase Home earlier this year, Art Connects NH recently completed a large painted mural in its dining room with the help of a local artist and kids who live there.

Expressing excitement regarding the project, Virginia Skevington, director of development at Art Connects NH, an initiative of the New Hampshire Institute of Art and New Hampshire Art Association, said she has long been aware of Chase Home.

“I actually first became aware of the services provided by Chase Home in my previous role as Executive Director of Arts In Reach,” she said. “We always had Chase Home teen girls attending our programs. When I became involved with Art Connects, I immediately thought of Chase Home and thought what a perfect space for art.”

Chase Home Board President Rob Levey said he could not believe how the art has transformed the living space at Chase Home. 

“It’s pretty incredible,” he said. “The fact that this mural involved New Hampshire Art Association artist who volunteered her time and some of the kids who live here, too, makes this project even more special. We want anyone who lives here to feel like this is a home. Art Connects has made a powerful difference here and we are very grateful.”

For Skevington, the project underscores the importance of their mission.

“Art and color have the power to transform a space and leave a lasting impact on an agency's clients, staff and volunteers,” she said. “It is our hope that the framed pieces and mural created by Peg Murray and teen residents do just that for years to come."

Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler said the project has already made an impact in the lives of their residents.

“The entire creative process energized our kids and brought them together,” she said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”

Serving 36% of youth requiring intermediate placement in New Hampshire, Chase Home was founded in 1877 and is one of five intermediate level group homes in the state. To learn more, visitwww.chasehome.org. To learn more about Art Connects NH, visit www.artconnectsnh.org.