Open through 11/20/2009
Location: V&V Northside Gallery
Hours: Gallery is open during regular V&V operating hours

CINCINNATI, OH-  August 21, 2009 -    Raymond Thunder-Sky was one of the founding artists of  "Art Thing" which later became known as Visionaries and Voices.  Discovered by Bill Ross in 1999, Raymond was known as the colorful construction clown who traveled around the city of Cincinnati with his hardhat and toolbox filled with art supplies and inspiration. Raymond visited construction sites around the city and produced vivid drawings of wrecking balls tearing down local landmarks and buildings. He became a Cincinnati historian, archiving the architectural past. Raymond was a self-taught, or outsider, artist who stood as a champion for all of the outsider artists at Visionaries and Voices and beyond. His colorful drawings symbolized deconstruction and rebirth with images depicting the breaking down of the old to make way for the new.  Raymond's love for the circus and the clown lifestyle reminds us that we are not only all young at heart, but that change should be welcomed and not feared.  His artistic vision of a better world and his prolific work ethic is a superior example for every fine artist to follow. At Visionaries and Voices, we celebrate his life and commitment to artistic excellence in this exhibition.

A Cincinnati icon Raymond continues to change the artistic landscape of the Outsider Art movement and the Cincinnati art scene.  He passed away in October 2004 and through the efforts of Visionaries and Voices (V&V), his legacy and artwork live on and thrive.

Recently, ArtWorks completed the Raymond Thunder-Sky Legacy Mural on the V&V building at 3841 Spring Grove Ave. in Northside.  The mural was co-designed by Raymond's best friend and another V&V founding artist, Antonio Adams who worked on the project as a junior teacher overseeing the apprentice artists.  The mural captures the creative brilliance and importance of Raymond's artistic style and message.

V&V is celebrating Raymond Thunder-Sky's life and honoring him with an outstanding art exhibition, including dedication of the mural, the Media Bridges story booth for people to share their stories about Raymond, food, music, and the fun of the circus that Raymond loved so much. People all around the city vividly remember Raymond with his hardhat, lunchbox, clown collar, and intricate construction site drawings.  For this exhibition those everyday objects become the blank canvas for artists to share their  inspirations and stories of Raymond.  This process was inspired by construction site visits much like he would do, sharing stories about his life, and looking at his artwork.