Ron Laboray

Ron Laboray is a Professor of Painting and Drawing and Director of the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University. His work bridges pseudoscientific methods with popular culture, creating data-based artworks that blend historical references and mass media elements like TV, movies, and advertising. Exhibited globally in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Budapest, and Taipei, his practice emphasizes the intersection of abstraction, realism, and cultural critique.

• Education: MFA from Washington University; BFA from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Research: Focuses on public art curation, collaborative exhibitions with community groups, and integrating art into civic spaces.
• Teaching: Emphasizes technical mastery in drawing, art historical context, and critical engagement with contemporary culture. Encourages hybrid forms and community projects to foster cultural dialogue.

As Director, Laboray oversees academic programs and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. His studio practice and curatorial work aim to connect historical frameworks with modern societal themes.