Alexandria Honors Bob Murray's Artistic Legacy with a Special Tribute Event

His galleries shaped Alexandria's art scene for decades. Now, a heartfelt gathering will showcase his work and carry forward his mission of fostering creativity.

, and Administrator

2026 February 25 . 4:42 AM

1 min read

The image shows a large room filled with lots of paintings on the walls, a wooden bench on the... — The image shows a large room filled with lots of paintings on the walls, a wooden bench on the floor, a carpet, statues on pedestals, and lights on the ceiling, all located in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

Alexandria Honors Bob Murray's Artistic Legacy with a Special Tribute Event

A special event will soon honour the legacy of Robert 'Bob' Murray, a respected figure in Alexandria's art scene. Murray, who passed away in January 2023, left behind a lasting impact through his galleries, mentorship, and community events. The gathering will celebrate his contributions while showcasing his own artwork.

Bob Murray's connection to the arts began long before his career. After graduating from Gonzaga College High School in 1953, he earned both a BA and a Master's degree from Georgetown University. His professional journey started with founding The von Brahler Ltd. Gallery, first in Georgetown and later in Alexandria, where he ran it for over 40 years.

At Nepenthe Gallery, Murray became a central figure. He launched the annual Art in the Alley event, which drew crowds and highlighted local talent. Weekly Art, Wine, and Cheese gatherings also became a staple, where he mentored emerging artists and shared his passion. His influence extended beyond events—he introduced many artists to Nepenthe and displayed his private collection of Asian soapstone sculptures there.

Beyond the art world, Murray played a key role in renovating St. Aloysius Church at Gonzaga. His efforts were recognised in 2025, when the church honoured his contributions. Now, dozens of his paintings will be exhibited at the upcoming main event, with sales benefiting his alma mater, Gonzaga College High School.

The event will serve as both a tribute and a fundraiser. Murray's paintings will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting Gonzaga College High School. His work in art, mentorship, and community projects continues to resonate in Alexandria and beyond.