Wray family art includes painting, photos, woodwork
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Arts Center’s September gallery exhibit, “Generations: An Exhibition by the Wray Family,” features coastal paintings by Lindsay Wray, handcrafted woodwork by Charles Wray and nature photography by their daughter Meredith Wray.
It opened Aug. 31 and runs through Sept. 27. A “Meet the Artist” reception is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. The Arts Center is on the second floor of the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave.
Lindsay Wray is a self-taught abstract painter who has progressed from photography to impasto-like painting. Her creative journey began while pursuing a business degree at Rider University, where she took a photography class which tapped into her creative side. As a photographer, Lindsay’s work was selected over a dozen times for AtlantiCare facilities and hospitals as part of the Healing Arts program permanent collection. A frequent summer visitor to Cape Cod, Lindsay became intrigued by the style of Cape regional artists, especially the late Steve Lyons, who has been credited with creating sculptural painting. Lyons took impasto to the next level by using various palette knives to work thick media and gels into textured, sculpted waves and seascapes. The effect on Lindsay was immediate. Her work is diverse, but reflects a strong coastal influence.
Charlie’s interest in woodworking was sparked by a favorite Collingswood Junior High School “shop” teacher who encouraged his interest in non-traditional designs. After a 38-year career in journalism, Charlie reconnected with that passion once again. Working out of a garage workshop in Egg Harbor Township, he was soon making custom creations for friends and family, always hoping to deliver a smile and defy categorization. His creations range from display and coffee tables to whimsical fantasy guitars and dolphin mobiles, all made of unstained hardwood.
Meredith is a third generation artist following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She is an alumna of Albright College where she earned a BA in digital studio art and photography. As a South Jersey native and lifelong animal lover, Meredith’s work is greatly influenced by the intricacies of nearby beaches, marshes, forests, and wildlife.
Photography is ultimately the driving force behind her advocacy and admiration for nature. She hopes to spread awareness and appreciation for native wildlife through her photos. She is a featured photographer at Peace of Wood in Ocean City and frequently submits photos to be shown at galleries in the area.
Arts Center hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
For information, call (609) 399-7628. Check out the Ocean City Arts Center’s website at oceancityartscenter.org and/or on Facebook and Instagram.
This program is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.