July 2024
Kelly Murray
For this month, Winnipeg River Arts Council features visual artist, Kelly Murray. Originally from Coultervale, Manitoba, she attended school in Melita. In 1982, she moved to Winnipeg where she lived for 12 years. In 1994, she relocated to Powerview.
In 2005, Murray and her family decided they needed more room and ended up on a few acres near Stead. As of this August, she and her husband will have resided in the Eastman region for 30 years. Living in rural settings, she gets inspired by nature, but also finds beauty in other places, specifically “the rarest spots.”
Murray likes to try all sorts of artistic mediums, but, at this time, she is primarily focused on acrylic and watercolour painting with mandalas, landscapes, etc. She also does scrapbooking, card-making, alcohol ink, cross stitch, and sewing. Recently, she started using resin with her creations. She said, “My husband always says it’s easier to say what I don’t do than what I do; the list is shorter.”
Since childhood, Murray has loved making art. Although she has no formal training, she participates in retreats, sketch groups, and workshops. She enjoys taking classes and says she learns something new all the time. As a result, she’s now an accomplished, award-winning artist. Over the years, she taught card-making and will be leading mandala classes in the fall through WRAC. She said, “The best way is via experimentation, just get in there and play.”
Also, Murray has participated in the Eastman Mentorship program. After the Manitoba Arts Network selected her for their Rural Arts Mentorship Program, she worked with a professional Winnipeg artist during the “Momentum” sessions held from November (2021) to May (2022). At the end of the mentorship, all the included artists’ pieces were showcased at Brandon’s Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba, Neepawa’s ArtsForward, and Pinawa Art Gallery.
In 2021 and 2024, she exhibited her art in the Eastman Judged Art Exhibitions. In these events, her work placed third in water colour (2021) and first in pen and ink (2024). Looking forward, she plans to prepare a collection for 2025 Boreal Shores Art Tour and the next EJAE, and exhibit her work in Winnipeg.
Prior to retirement, Murray worked as head librarian at Library Allard, located in St. Georges. After she adjusted to the new phase in her life, and found time to volunteer, she offered to serve as a board member for Winnipeg River Arts Council. Recently, she took on the role of president. WRAC appreciates her artistic knowledge, organizational skills, and enthusiasm for “getting things done.”
Murray’s inspiring words: “Art is a form of therapy for me; I seek it out as a method of relaxation. Making art makes me happy, provides contentment, and is a great outlet of release for stress and busyness. Find what helps you and delve in.”
