Big congratulations to Dave Murray on his Indie Alehouse poster illustration--Glory & Consequences, selected for the Society of Illustrators' Illustration 57 annual. Last week Dave Murray attended an opening reception of the exhibition at the SOI in NYC. Of this great honor the SOI website says, "the exhibit features works by leading contemporary illustrators worldwide, selected by a prestigious jury of professionals". If you're in New York this month, drop by and check out the show. You won't be disappointed. Details on the show, which runs until January 31, 2015, are on the SOI website.

We caught up with Dave to get his reflections on the experience and share some of his pics from the opening reception:

i2i Art: What comes to mind from the SOI reception in speaking with fellow illustrators and art directors?

Dave Murray: I got a real feeling of community from everyone there. It was my first time at the SOI (and in the annual), so it was a completely new experience. It was pretty amazing just to soak in the atmosphere. I had a bit of a chuckle talking to one illustrator who's work is currently being displayed in the NYC Subway system, but never manages to catch a train that has the work in it. I saw it on nearly every train I took over the few days I was there.

i2i Art: Did any trends or themes emerge for you in looking at the advertising and institutional art on display at the show?

Dave Murray: Themes were harder to nail down - I feel like the SOI does a great job of varying the style of the selections - no one style was represented more than another.

i2i Art: What did you think of the overall quality of the art in the show?

Dave Murray: The quality of the art on display was amazing. Conceptually and technically, pretty much everything blew me away. Going back to the variety of work - there was such a mix of styles and media...Coming home, I feel incredibly re-energized and inspired.

i2i Art: What piece of art by a fellow illustrator was the highlight of the show for you?

Dave Murray: My personal favorite from the show - Andie Dinkins' absolutely unreal "New Years Eve at the Beverley Hills Hotel" piece.

Dave with the poster he designed and illustrated for Indie Alehouse's Glory & Consequences, hanging on those historic SOI walls.

Dave's personal fave, Andie Dinkin's, New Years Eve at the Beverley Hills Hotel.

To see more of Dave Murray's award winning illustration, visit his portfolio here.