James McLean (NC, 1904-1989), Before the Morning Sun

Oil on panel, 1963, signed at lower right, retaining, artist and collection labels to verso, framed.

Frame dimensions 35 x 30 in.

From the Collection of the late A. Everette James, Jr., M.D., J.D., Chapel Hill, North Carolina


Born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, James Augustus McLean left an indelible mark on the arts of his home state. After studying at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, McLean returned to North Carolina in the late 1920s. In 1929 he founded the Southern School of Creative Arts in Raleigh. He was instrumental in the founding of NCSU's School of Design and the offering of art classes at UNC-Chapel Hill.

McLean championed all arts - performance, sculpture, painting, and dance. He was one of the founders of Raleigh Little Theater and served as the theater's first president.

Slight age cracking, otherwise good estate condition.