About
The Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is named after the esteemed artist, educator, and past resident of Silver City, NM–Francis McCray. It hosts five exhibitions per year and is located on the beautiful WNMU campus. Deepening the understanding and appreciation of art is the at the heart of this teaching and research gallery.
The McCray Gallery also operates as the repository for WNMU’s permanent art collection.
Gallery Hours
Gallery Hours – Spring 2026
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
(All hours subject to change at anytime during the semester.)
The Gallery will not be open on the following dates:
Spring Break, March 9-13
Spring Holiday, April 3
Current Exhibit
Claire Blanchette—Ground Truthing
March 19 – April 9, 2026
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Lecture: 6 PM at Light Hall
Opening Reception: 7 PM at Francis McCray Gallery
cfblanchette.com
Blanchette’s work grapples with the contradiction of caring deeply for the environment while participating in systems leading to its destruction. Using mycelium, fungal spores, kombucha cultures, and found natural items Blanchette creates sculptures, drawings, and prints. By revealing the intertwined relationships between humans and nature, Blanchette’s work promotes a greater comprehension of how our built world has direct and drastic effects on the environment. The process and resulting works illuminate this relationship and highlight how natural organisms will continue to evade human restraint.
Upcoming Exhibits and Lectures
Expressive Arts BFA Exhibition
April 23 – May 7, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Artist Talks: 6PM Light Hall
Opening Reception: 7PM Francis McCray Gallery
The Francis McCray Gallery, in collaboration with the Expressive Arts Department, is excited to showcase the capstone exhibition of our Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors. Join us as each graduate unveils the story that weaves together their artistic journey and academic endeavors, culminating in their final body of work. Before the opening reception, the graduates’ will share insights into their creative process, influences, and art pieces during their artist talks.
Exhibit Schedule Spring 2026
Juried Student Exhibition
January 29 – February 19
Clarie Fall Blanchette
March 19 – April 9
BFA Exhibition
April 23 – May 7
Watch all of the Edwina and Charles Milner Lecture Series Here.
Mission of Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art
Be a premiere gallery in Silver City that hosts exhibitions, lectures, and workshops showcasing student, regional, national, and international artists.
Introduce artists whose high-quality exhibited work inspires and challenges the viewer, is innovative and/or experimental, and engages ongoing dialogue about issues and ideas.
Attract diverse artists and encourage candidates of all underrepresented groups, such those who identify as BIPOC artists, as well as artists identifying as LGBTQ+.
Develop programs in conjunction with the Expressive Arts Department, that will enhance students’ overall education, expanding their appreciation for art and giving them practical and professional development experiences.
Collaborate with community partners in offering the gallery as a creative space to host events and programs, expanding and enriching the arts in Silver City.
Operate as the repository for WNMU’s permanent art collection.
Contact
Jill Winburn
Email: Jill.Winburn@wnmu.edu
Phone Number: (575) 538-6517
Location: McCray Building