RayHarveyArt

PRESS RELEASE:
It was announced today that HarperCollins Publishing of London, England has selected a painting created by Washington artist Ray Harvey for usage on the cover of its new novel “Dancing Backwards” by author Salley Vickers. Helen McFarland, Picture Editor at Harper- Collins, notified Mr. Harvey that his art had been chosen for the initial hardback printing of the new novel this June. The final choice was between Harvey and one other artist but the author eventually made the decision in favor of Harvey’s work. “I just love it,” remarked author Salley Vickers.
The painting was originally a spec painting Ray Harvey had completed for display in his wife’s restaurant Choco L’Art. The painting was eventually sold but the usage rights were retained. “It came as a surprise that someone completely not connected with the Midwest USA contacted me for this project” said Harvey. “It shows that when images go onto the internet they are exposed to the world.” The company purchased one time usage rights of this art for this book only.
The book is titled “Dancing Backwards”. This is Ms. Vickers fifth novel. Two of her previous novels are “The Other Side of You” and “Mr. Golightly’s Holiday.” When she is not writing she divides her time between London and Venice. She is primarily a psychologist who still lectures on the connection between literature, psychology and religion.
This story involves the main character Violet Hetherington and her transatlantic voyage to America to visit a close friend Edwin. She has not seen this friend for over thirty years and confronts her feelings of the past including regret and the power of memory. She meets a passenger named Dino whose intentions are murky but through their Ballroom dance lessons releases her in a newness of life.

On Palm Sunday over thirty new pieces of art were displayed at The Art Center in downtown Washington, MO. Dave and Jane Arnold are presenting “One Way” an all christian exhibit just in time for Resurrection day 2009. The exhibit will be on display for one month beginning Palm Sunday. A large crowd was on hand to view the new collection and to hear a brief commentary from each artist. My specific piece was titled “King of the Jews” and will be posted on this site very soon.

Today marked the finish of the latest Victorian Manor mural project in Sullivan, MO. The series consisted of five paintings…one vintage Route 66 Gas station, an Alpine snow scene, three Big Top circus scenes. Photos will follow soon.

The original painting “One Touch” was awarded the Purchase Prize at the eighth annual Christ in Art Festival at the Kirkwood United Methodist Church. This painting was one of seventy-two original pieces of art including all mediums. The Church has the option of purchasing one of the entered pieces to add to thier own private collection. The purchase prize awarded this year was in the amount of $2,000. The art “One Touch” will continue to be on display during this exhibit for the next month and then will be hung permanantly in the sanctuary area of Kirkwood United Methodist Church. Below is the artist’ devotion description of the art:

Where is Hope?
I recently visited Sarasota, Florida and found myself at the Ringling Art Museum. Yes, this is the same John Ringling that is famous for his circus, but in Sarasota his art collection is known for being the largest display of Baroque style paintings in the world. There weren’t many visitors there that day and fortunately for me I had many of the galleries to myself. I must at this time confess a terrible, despicable, and shameful act. While in the Tapestry Gallery standing in front of what must have been a twenty foot square weaving by one of my favorite artists Peter Paul Rubens, I had a thought, a dreadful thought. Seeing beautiful, famous and world renowned works of art is truly an experience but at this time, in this place it didn’t seem like enough. What would it be like to hold the palette of Van Gogh I wondered, or the brush of DaVinci? Or more realistically, what would it be like to touch the original work of a Rubens? This was my chance. To touch a work of this master was going to be as close as I could ever get to being with him. I looked around…no one. Do I dare? I did. Ever so slowly and carefully I reached out my finger and brushed the edge of the art. It was at about this time the alarm sounded. I backed away with arms behind my back as if to ask what all the noise was about. And as fast as the alarm started it stopped. A guard came around the corner, saw my innocent enough pose and walked away with nothing more than a shoulder shrug. I had gotten away with the crime. To this day I can still remember the feel of the Rubens masterpiece.
This reminded me of the Galilean woman who had suffered for twelve years with a bleeding disease. She had tried it all, seen the doctors and tried all the advice. Nothing worked. All hope certainly was lost! Then she heard about this Jesus. She had heard all about the miracles and signs. Water to wine, great fishing, but how is he with my problem? Maybe if I could get through the crowd. And maybe if I can put my arms around him. Or maybe, just maybe if I could only reach out ever so slowly and carefully and lightly touch him. Maybe. I know he could heal me. I know he can make me well. He is my only hope. But do I dare?
You know the ending. She did get through the crowd of holy men. She found a way to reach through the despair, empty promises and pain. And she touched him. The power went out of Jesus with such strength it even got his attention. She was healed. Jesus wanted to know, “Who touched me?” When she fell before him and declared how she had been instantly cured he said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Where is hope? For many its money, power or position. For others it’s as simple as one touch of the master.

The latest senior housing complex, Victorian Manor in Sullivan, begins today. Victorian Manor has commissioned me to create original works of art in their latest project. This residence will contain at least four original murals. among these will include a vintage gas station scene, an Austrian Alps snow scene, a Circus Wagon scene and a amusement carousel ride scene. The project is expected to take up to four weeks. The largest painting will be approximately thirty feet long and ten feet high. watch for updates!