The Artist
Linda McCray, MFA

Artist Statement
My passion in painting is to take my beliefs and translate them into universal spiritual messages that speak to others regardless of their traditions. While painting, my thoughts turn towards timeless spiritual issues. My goal for these abstract paintings is to communicate beyond words and nourish the spirit. What is important to me is to create paintings that inspire others to reflect on their spirituality. 

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Biography
Linda McCray is a creator of abstract spiritual original paintings, art-and-environment designer, art consultant for sacred space, retreat facilitator, adjunct art professor and advocate for contemporary art in Catholic worship. Her passion in painting is translating the Gospel and sacred realities into contemporary abstract art to draw today’s believers into a deeper relationship with God. As Fr. Ed Hislop said, “Linda’s art fires the imagination and creates the environment for a deeper encounter with the real presence of Christ.”

As an advocate for contemporary art in worship, she publishes The Liturgical Artists Directory and Liturgical Art Today. Several of her articles have been published by Georgetown Center for Liturgy on their online resource EnVisionChurch.org and the magazine Ministry and Liturgy. She is dedicated to her goal of helping bridge the gap between mainstream contemporary art and sacred art. As H. Rafael Chacón, Ph.D., Professor of Art History and Criticism at The University of Montana wrote, “Linda McCray steps into the breach that exists between contemporary art and the faith community with her paintings. McCray uses light, color, and texture in her powerful, abstract compositions to create emotionally charged images which afford the faithful instruction, the seeker time for reflection, and the pilgrim a place of refuge.”

Adjunct Professor McCray teaches Art Appreciation: Sacred and Secular Perspectives online for the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota and a number of art courses for The University of Montana–Helena. She facilitates art-and-faith retreats and liturgical art workshops. Her genuine understanding of art history, contemporary art and all media in combination with her vast connections with liturgical artists are the foundation of her art consulting for sacred space. She puts her knowledge into practice while creating art-and-environment designs for faith communities and religious events.

She is the secretary of the Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space and a member of Christians in the Visual Arts. Linda graduated from The University of Montana with a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing, and cum laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts.

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