CHATHAM — Retiring from a 23-year career in product design has given one man more time to focus on his art, which he’ll be showcasing Saturday.
Leroy McCray, 65, retired in 2012, and ever since he’s been filling up his Chatham home with oil paints, pencils and paintings.
“I retired ... but I never lost my art blood, there’s oil paint in my veins,” he said in the past.
McCray has never participated in an art competition, but he has been drawing and painting since he was 9. He held his first private art exhibit last August. After a push from friends and family, he’s finally holding a free public art show Saturday at Tuley Park, 501 E. 90th Place from 2-5 p.m.
McCray has more than 40 pieces for sale in his “Canvas in Black” collection. He said he loves the black canvas look, calling it "unique."
“It just grabbed me, so I’ve done a lot on black canvas now,” he said. “I still do traditional canvas, but the black has really just captured me.”
He’s added some new pieces since the summer.
The artist said that his inspiration comes from everywhere, but the things that motivate him to paint or draw the most are situations and nature. His even painted a picture of his 95-year-old neighbor, Lee Curry, who spends hours helping the block take care of their lawns.
McCray, who grew up in north Philadelphia, said family has been asking him to do a show back home. He’s considering it, he said.
For now, he’s working on a website and spreading his name in Chicago.
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