Dr. Arthur Cunning Rayford (Novmeber 1, 1924 - May 8, 2007)-- born in Ridge Spring, South Carolina,
was a self taught Author and oil on canvas master visual Artist, who came to receive world wide acclaim in the field of art.
His paintings are found in numerous collections, both private and public, and in fact are too numerous to name
in this writing. However, I do want you to know of some of the places where his paintings
are part of permanent collections: the Museum of Arts and Sciences (Daytona Beach, FL), Hunter Museum(Chattanooga, TN), Rail Road Museum (Lake Wales, FL), Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Art (Eatonville, FL), the Baptist House of Stetson University (DeLand, FL), Oakland Memorial Chapel at Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), the Daytona Beach International Airport (Daytona Beach, FL), Bethune Cookman
University (Daytona Beach, FL), University of Maryland, Georgetown University, and the National Education Association.
It should be noted, in addition to Dr. Rayford's numerous accomplishments, and awards that he had received as an
Artist - - at major one man shows, group shows, exhibitions, and art festivals - - he was in fact the inspiration for the
founding of the world renowned Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Art in Eatonville, FL.
For those
of you fortunate enough to have met Dr. Rayford during his lifetime, and for those coming to know his works now, Dr. Rayford's
life mission was for others to respect the arts, and to become involved in the arts; especially kids. Dr. Rayford knew
that art can bring people together.
He gave credit for his talents to God. His paintings were
inspired by such composers, musicians, and writers as Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Shakespeare, Balzac, Samuel Clemons, Charlie Parker,
Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Billie Holiday, and many others.
Dr. Rayford was very special
to many people, including me. In fact, he was my Uncle. For those of you who may not get the chance
to go to a museum to see his paintings, I have posted pictures of a few of his oil on canvas paintings for
you to enjoy.
And don't forget, every May 26th is "Dr. Arthur Cunning Rayford Remembrance Day".
