RAY REISS: THE COLLECTOR 

CurRAYtor has long been a brainchild of Artist Ray Reiss. Acquiring items from antique or thrift stores and local artists known and unknown, his collection grows larger each year. A former professional photographer for 50+ years, in 2005 he decided to buy the building he worked out of and converted his studio into a Bed & Breakfast. Twenty years later, Ray’s Bucktown Bed & Breakfast has become a beloved haven for travelers to stay and admire the plethora of works on display in Chicago, Illinois. Ray’s interest in sharing his pieces with an even broader audience led him to cuRAYtor – a virtual space for people to share in the fun and appreciation of curating an ongoing collection.

With the help of his fellow collaborators, that dream has become a reality. 

MOLLY SHEFFIELD or THE DIRECTOR

An artist and art therapist, our Executive Director, Molly is the co-creator of SAWHORSE, a gallery space in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago. Additionally, Molly offers her creative expertise to expand and develop the collection. A former employee at the B&B during grad school, Ray admired Molly’s artistic sensibilities, and their creative collaboration began.