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newsletter - winter 2006
Ray's
World: An Overwhelming Look at Ray Ashley’s Passion for Art
January 5 - 28, 2006
Ray's World presents an overwhelming look at veteran Ray Ashley's passion for art collecting. A Vietnam veteran and artist himself, Ray lives frugally, dedicating most of his income to his passion for collecting art. Over the past twenty-five years he has acquired work from local galleries and auctions including MACLA, SJICA, SJSU School of Art & Design, Triton Museum of Art, and Works/San Jose.
Theta Belcher, Assistant Director of the Thompson Art Gallery at San Jose State University had
this to say about Ray Ashley:
"A large portion of Ray Ashley's massive collection consists of works by artists who have some
association with the greater San Jose area. The works he has collected record an incredible history
of this rapidly growing region and its cultural development. He has collected works created from
every conceivable medium. Its vulnerability to the elements never seems to bother Ray as it might
others with concerns about the 'stability' of the medium. It is the fostering of the artistic vision
through the show of support that is the key."
The exhibit includes earlier and rare works by:
…among many others.
Ray Ashley buys what he likes, and he doesn't differentiate between high and low art. In his home, a thrift store piece hangs next to a piece he paid several hundred dollars for. For this reason 2 parts of the exhibit are salon-style hung installations that simulate Ray's home. He is literally immersed in art; it covers walls and doorways floor to ceiling and is visible in every nook and cranny.
This exhibit is the result of more than a year's work of inventorying Ray's collection by a dedicated team of volunteers. We are grateful that this community has such a zealous supporter of artists. May Ray Ashley's example encourage others to likewise pursue their passions.
Sarah Puckitt, co-curator, 2006
works/san josé
451 south 1st street • san josé,
california 95112• 408.286.6800
hours: t,w,f,sat 12pm - 4pm and th 12pm - 7pm
Copyright © 2003/2007 works/san josé. All rights reserved.
