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 – Summer 2026 (The gallery will reopen September 3, 2026)
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
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
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.
Upcoming Exhibits and Lectures
Dina Perlasca
September 3 – October 1, 2026
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Artist Talks: 6PM Light Hall
Opening Reception: 7PM Francis McCray Gallery
Dinaperlasca.com
Greatly inspired by her personal Mexican upbringing, Dina Perlasca’s Ceramic artwork is equally influenced by the folk art of central Mexico where her grandparents settled, and the domestic aesthetics of borderland living between Mexico and the United States. In many of her installations, Mexican brutalist architecture confronts domestic interior design aesthetics. On view through October 1.
Exhibit Schedule 2026-27
Dina Perlasca Exhibition
September 3 – October 1
Dinaperlasca.com
Expressive Arts Faculty Exhibition
October 15 – November 12
Juried Student Exhibition
January 28 – February 18
Artist in Residence Exhibition
March 18 – April 8
BFA Exhibition
April 22 – May 6
Watch the Edwina and Charles Milner Artist Lecture Series and more 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