Artist Bio: I am an artist painter residing in the Bronx. I received my art training at the Art Students League of New York, the School of Visual Arts, and the Art Studio of New York. I have exhibited my work at group shows, solo exhibitions, and art fairs. I teach art to the senior community and adults about the beauty of painting through Healing Arts. As a passionate creative, I have also expanded into weaving on a loom designing, creating, and developing these art pieces have become part of my creative expression. I am excited to have received the following grants and recognition for my work and to be able to continue to teach and share my knowledge with the community from the following organizations: Arts Fund from the Bronx Council on the Arts "The Art of Weaving - a Virtual On-line Series for Seniors”, the Creative Aging Program from the New York Public Library at the Parkchester Library branch “Healing Arts with Evelyn - A Painting Series”, and selected as a panelist member for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund.
Installation Sneak Peak
Artist Statement: “Drawings By Evelyn Ray” is a collection of drawings created by Evelyn Ray honoring the Puerto Rican women artists who planted the seed. These pioneers paved the way to inspire the culture in a variety of creative forms and support of the arts. Evelyn focused on the drawing medium to express her artistic point of view for each of the women celebrated in the collection. Each art piece was developed from a photo reference. Developing this collection was both personal and creative for Evelyn and she learned how each woman featured developed their craft and their contribution to society beyond the island. They are long gone but left a legacy that continues on to this day in the community. Enjoy the collection!
Evelyn Ray Interview
Tell me a little about yourself. What would you like people to know about you as a creative?
I reside in the Bronx. I am an artist painter, weaver, and teaching artist. I teach the senior community in the Bronx. My creative approach is to heal others and bring joy through my art.
What does your art process look like?
I work with oil and acrylic paint on canvas. Drawing is the foundation of any art piece I begin with and develop using graphite pencils, pastels, or charcoal. In addition, I am also a weaver and enjoy working with different textiles to create weaves that are fiber art inspired.
What inspires your artwork?
I am inspired to do art everyday. It brings relaxation to my overall well being. Art is part of me and creativity. I like drawing portraits, painting still life, landscapes, nature scenes, and working with different materials in collage art. Teaching art continues to allow me to grow, enjoy encouraging others, and to develop my craft.
What will you be featuring in the exhibit?
The "Drawings by Evelyn Ray" exhibition is a collection of tribute to Puerto Rican women of the past who paved the way in art and culture.
What do you hope people will find or learn through your work?
I hope that those who visit the exhibition will enjoy my approach of using the drawing foundation as a beginning step to creating art, its beauty, and simplicity. To learn something new about each portrait in the collection and bring awareness of the Puerto Rican women of the past who paved the way in the arts, our culture, and their contributions.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your work, such as upcoming projects?
Please visit my website to view different artworks that I share from my collection https://www.evelynrayartist.com/
Showcase Tours and Events
Exhibit Opening- Friday, May 3, 2024 | 5-6pm
Exhibit Closing- Friday, June 21, 2024 | 5-6pm