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Born in Brooklyn, NY, USA


BS, Art Education, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Liberal Arts, State University of New York at Stonybrook, Stonybrook , NY

Printmaking, Bennington College, Bennington, VT
"I grew up drawing and painting. Art has always been a strong influence in my life. I cannot imagine living my life without the experience or presence of painting or being involved in art in some capacity. I was fortunate enough to teach art in elementary and junior high school as well as summer camp. I love what I do and the ability to work with children. It's most rewarding to feel their enthusiasm and response when working with them on a project.

My work consists of multiple styles and is expressive of my interest in still life, the use of messages and words, and interpretations of nature. I sometimes approach my work in a graphic, stylized manner. This is apparent in the way I explore color, shape, line and design that incorporates itself expressively within positive and negative space. Other times, if the subject dictates, I work in a free-flowing style. This contrast in style provides me with the satisfying balance that I am seeking to attain in my work.

I work with mixed media, watercolor, inks, gouache, colored pencil, collage and acrylic. I rarely use reference material but digest everything I see and enjoy expressing myself in a creative free-flowing style. I work with a specific color point of view with the goal of pursuing a strong personal aesthetic as well as focusing on formal and technical skills.

My paintings are colorful expressions of what I see and feel. I have exhibited in invitational, juried, and solo shows and have won numerous awards. I am very thankful for the creative gift I have and the ability to share it with others in a positive way. Being an artist has opened many new doors for me and I feel very fortunate to have shared exciting workshops and travel experiences with my artist friends.

I look forward to the next door that opens and the uncharted paths it will lead to. It is a wonderful life experience with many rewards yet to attain. "

Kay Ray, June 2001

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2000: Bellport Lane Art Gallery, Bellport, NY

  • 1999: The Artists Gallery, Greenport, NY

  • 1998:  Shelter Rock Gallery, Manhasset, NY

      Culinary Institute, Hyde Park, NY

      Polytechnic University, Farmingdale, NY

  • 1997:  The Island Artist Gallery, Greenport, NY

      Soundview Gallery, Port Jefferson, NY

  • 1992: Lightworks Gallery, Glen Cove, NY

  • 1990: Hewlett-Woodmere Library, Hewlett, NY

Group Exhibitions
  • 2000:  Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, New York, NY

      Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY

  • 1999:  Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, New York, NY

      Chelsea Mansion, Muttontown, NY

      New York Open Center, New York, NY

      Pathways to Women's Health, Manhasset, NY

      Sid Jacobson JCC, East Hills, NY

  • 1998:  Cork Gallery, Lincoln Center, New York, NY

      Chelsea Mansion, Muttontown, NY

      Polytechnic University, Melville, NY

      Imax Gallery, Huntington, NY

      Guild Hall, East Hampton, NY

      Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY

  • 1997:  Great Neck House, Great Neck, NY

      Prince Street Gallery, New York, NY

      Visual Art Alliance of Long Island, Norwich, NY

  • 1996:  Gerwin Geriatric Center, Commack, NY

      Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY, Winthrop Hospital Art Exhibit

      Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY

      Firehouse Gallery at Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY

  • 1995:  Long Island Univeristy, Hutchins Gallery, Greenvale, NY

      South Nassau Medical Center, Oceanside, NY

      Fine Arts Museum of Long Island, Hempstead, NY

  • 1994:  National League of American Pen Women Biennial, MI

      B.J. Spoke Gallery, Huntington, NY, Invitational Exhibit

  • 1993:  St, John's University, Queens, NY

      Multi-media At Exhibit, Sands Point, NY

  • 1992:  Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, Alumni Exhibition

  • 1990: Lightworks Gallery, Glen Cove, NY

      Town of Hempstead Traveling Art Exhibition, Hempstead, NY

Public and Corporate Collections

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Nassau County
  • Furman, Inc., Nevada
  • Shelter Rock Art Gallery, Manhasset, NY

Selection of works from Kay Ray

Read the guestbook of Kay Ray

Sign the guestbook of Kay Ray

  • 2000:  2nd Prize, Pathways to Women's Health, Manhasset, NY

      Grumbacher Gold Award, National League of American Pen Women, Long Island Branch

      2nd Prize, Watercolor, Art League of Nassau County, Sands Point, NY

  • 1998:  Award of Merit, National League of American Pen Women, Cork Gallery, New York, NY

      Award of Excellence, National League of American Pen Women, Long Island Branch

  • 1997:  Special Show Award, Gurwin Geriatric Center

      Special Award, South Nassau Unitarian Church, NY

      Award of Merit, Art LEague of Nassau County, St. John's University, Queen's NY

  • 1996:  Special Award, Greak Neck House

      Long Beach Art League

      Tri County Art League, Malverne, NY

      Polytechnic University, Huntington, NY