PRESS RELEASE

August 15, 2009

In 2006, Ray Sokolowski began his pilgrimage of art on a surprise, month-long vacation to Italy with his wife Kathy Rooney. Having immersed himself in the world's most fabulous living museum, and recently retired from the Carnegie Museum of Art as Installation Specialist, Ray returned to his native Pittsburgh bursting with new material for self-expression. His journey to Italy resulted in a new dedication to his art in the form of two distinct painting series.   While creating, Sokolowski reflected on the rich tapestry of Italian architecture.  That process triggered deeper memories within the artist of his life in Pittsburgh including his South Side Slopes childhood. Thus began the journey “From South Side to Italy and Back.”

The Artist states: “I worked for 24 years at The Carnegie Museum of Art. I lived 8 hours a day, 5 days a week looking, touching and breathing art at the same distance as the masters. At times I also met with and assisted famous contemporary artists when they came to install their works. I appreciate all artists and art styles. I can always find something to enjoy in every piece. I favor the Ash Can School artists mainly because they painted the every day life that they were a part of.”

Since the transformative trip to Italy his medium of choice is oil on canvas or oil on board. “I let my feelings determine the subject & outcome. I generally work on 3 or 4 paintings at one time in my studio.”  Two of Ray's paintings depicting pilgrimage sites in Italy are now included in the art collection at St. Bonaventure University.

Ray Sokolowski is a prolific painter and sculptor. Prior to his 24 years at the Carnegie, Ray graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh then honed his meticulous figurative sculpture and painting skills for 12 years as an exhibition artist & sculptor for F. W. Kestle Display & Sculpture Co. in Pittsburgh where he designed unique retail displays for many distinguished venues.

A recent significant sculptural achievement is a detailed cast replica of a vintage 23-member football team, “The 1923 Hope Harvey Football Club" which was the first team managed & owned by the legendary Art Rooney. The sculpture is now part of the Hardy Family Art Collection at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa. A second casting of the sculpture is on display at Heinz History Center Sports Museum in Pittsburgh. Although his sports sculpture is not included in this exhibition, the variety and quality of Sokolowski’s work is indicative of his perpetual, creative passion.

In addition to the Heinz History Center, Nemacolin Woodlands and the Hardy Family Art Collection, Ray’s work is included in numerous private and corporate collections including that of Art Rooney, Jr. and St. Bonaventure University.

He is also a partner in Rooney & Ray Arts, Inc. with his wife, Illustrator, Kathy Rooney.

Since 2000, their company has successfully combined fine art, graphic design & Illustration, satisfying the multiple art needs of corporations, from dynamic branding to corporate art.

Exhibit Information:

Where: Father Ryan Arts Center

http://fatherryanartscenter.org/

Phone: 412- 771- 3052

420 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks, PA

When:   October 16 – November 25, 2009;

Opening Reception: October 16, 6:30 – 9 pm

A portion of the sales will benefit Father Ryan Arts Center.

Rooney Ray Arts, Inc.
Art That Works

Web site:  http://www.krooney.net

Email:  me@krooney.net

Phone:  412 -344 1331