BRUCE MURRAY COLLECTION by SHAWN MURRAY
BRUCE MURRAY COLLECTION, LLC
Timeless Works of Two Generations
of True American Photographers
Bruce Murray, Sr. (1893 -1969)
Bruce Murray, Jr. (1919 -1991)
Since 1991, Shawn Murray, the grandson of Bruce Murray, Sr., has been publishing and marketing his grandfather’s photo artwork. For over four decades, “The Master” photographer, Bruce Murray, Sr. (1893-1969) has captured amazing images of sports legends, historical figures and Americana.
His son Bruce Murray, Jr. followed in his footsteps and was a press photographer for the Evening Bulletin before and after his time in the service in W.W.II. He learned his skill from his father, and had the foresight to preserve whatever existing photography of Bruce Sr.’s that survived. He passed on the skill and photography to his son, Shawn (almost Bruce III). Shawn has proudly preserved the legacy and committed his life to publishing his grandfather’s (and father’s) work. Shawn prints these photographs directly from the original glass plate negatives that were handed down to him. The baseball photographs feature the true legends of the game and are done in a numbered limited edition. The final number photos are now part of the permanent collection of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. These archival silver gelatin photographs are perfect for corporate gifts or office and home decor.
In April of 2003, Shawn opened an art gallery in Center City Philadelphia called “Twenty Two”, located on 22nd Street between Locust and Spruce Streets. There he exhibits many of his grandfather’s photographs, as well as different local and national artists’ work. He has an art opening with artist’s reception on the “Second Friday” of every month from 6 to 9 PM. The gallery is open 5 days a week: Wed. to Sun. Noon to 6 PM or by appointment. For more info call 215-772-1911 or visit the website at www.twenty-twogallery.com .
Over the years Shawn has succeeded in getting his grandfather’s work in the public eye. Bruce Sr.’s work was included in the Sports Illustrated book “20th Century Sports – Images of Greatness.” The photo collection has been featured nationally on QVC, the Yes Network and Fox Television networks. The photos have been auctioned at many charity fundraising events for such organizations as the Red Cross, ALS, Alzheimer’s Assn., Aids Coalition and M.S. Society. The photos are also part of the permanent collections of such institutions as the Thomas Edison Museum, the Babe Ruth Museum, the Franklin Institute, Haverford College and the International Boxing Hall of Fame. They are part of the private collections of many notables such as Reggie Jackson, Tom Hanks, Larry King, Gary Sinise, Les Paul and John Goodman. Homegrown collectors include former Phillies Larry Christensen and Don Money, and Phila. D.A. Lynn Abraham. “I’m always happy to to shake hands and talk about my grandfather’s work,” Shawn said. “Even though they are both gone, this keeps me very close to them…I’m proud to do it.”
ROBERT A. NELSON “NEW EGGS” HELD OVER THROUGH DECEMBER with 35 NEW PIECES ADDED
I have been head-over-heels in love with Bob’s art since I first laid eyes on it. He is an icon and I have truly enjoyed the many stories shared from those who studied with Dr. Nelson, admire him and his work, or who have the pleasure of collecting. It has been a real treat getting lost in this exhibit for hours on end. Standing in the gallery, with 32 pieces surrounding me, I am in pure glory.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1925; Dr. Nelson studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where he received his B.A.E. degree in 1950, and his M.A.E. degree in 1951. He taught at his Alma mater as well as the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and the University of North Dakota, before returning to school at New York University where he received his Education Doctorate in 1971. The next year he began teaching at Cleveland State University, where he stayed until 1975, when he joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then joined that of Millersville University and in 1997 Millersville University granted him the rank of professor emeritus. Nelson’s art is included in the permanent collections of many major museums: the Smithsonian Institution~ Washington, DC, the University of Texas, the Seattle Art Museum, Ohio University, the Walker Art Center~ Minneapolis, DeCordova Museum~ Boston, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The Museum of Modern Art owns three of his lithographs and two of his collages. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Purchase Prize in the 31st National Exhibition of Boston Printmakers and was awarded the Cezanne medal from the government of France, in 1961.
You can see the things that influence Bob including: past Presidents and historical figures, the Wizard of Oz, Flash Gordon, and classic fables. You can also find some of the many animals from his homestead in Lakeside, Oregon which he shares with his lovely wife Louise.
*the New Eggs exhibit runs through November 31st.
Join CityFolk and 8 fabulous artists for our “JUST CITY FOLKS” Exhibit
What happens when you contact 8 busy artists and ask them to embellish wood letters you bought a year ago while doing a photo shoot with FIG magazine? How about when you add that this is not a paying gig, and that they will be donating their work to “your” social mission partners?
The conversation sounds something like this:
… Based on last year’s “City Authentic” art issue, done by FIG magazine, I believe it deserves an encore performance. I would like you to take one of the wood letters from the CityFolk name and make it art and then donate it to one of my 4 social mission partner’s. Doing this will allow you entry into the 8 artist, 2 month show, and you may show 4 or 5 pieces of your art for being so generous. You will also be on display in the upcoming issue of FIG; and be able to compete with your fellow artists on October 19th, from 5-7, at a champagne auction of the letters.
There was no silence on the other end of the phone, there was no hesitation, there was no “hmmm let me think about it.” Everyone jumped at the opportunity and jumped through hoops to make deadline. — I must add these are incredible works of art and the talent runs deep. The competition is fierce for who can raise the most monies.— I am very grateful to work with such a creative and supportive group of artists. I have asked much of the many artists who show here, and have chosen to give some of them a break this go ’round. Never once have I gotten a “No.” I can only say that we truly are just city folks, trying to balance our lives of promoting art and beauty, with reaching out to other folks who need support. I love the thought that as your home is transformed in to a place of beauty with their art, that they will help a life be transformed somewhere also.
So hand in hand we go…
“C” Seth Cluley “I” Jac Johnson “T” Adrienne Trafford “Y” Marc Daniels
“F” Eric Fausnacht “O” Jeff Himes “L” Joe DeLuca “K” Kathleen Stoltzfus
Water Street Mission / waterstreetministries.org (F, l)
The Humane League of Lancaster County / humaneleague.com (y, o)
4-more / 4-more.org (t, k)
Island Dog / islanddog.org (C, i)
***Click on thumbnails for larger image. ( l-r: Tiny-Jac Johnson, The Cherry Blossom-Adrienne Trafford, Green Pear- Marc Daniels, White Polish Rooster- Eric Fausnacht, The Bird Watcher- Jeff Himes, Folk Art Vanity- Joe DeLuca, Abigail Pictured Herself Quite the Performer- Kathleen Stoltzfus, One Two Tree- Seth Cluley.)