"Across Water," paintings by Ray Ellison, to open Dec. 1 at Community Arts Center

HANCOCK -- The Community Arts Center in Hancock is pleased to present "Across Water," an exhibition of new paintings by Lansing artist Ray Ellison, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 24 in the Kerredge Gallery. The artist was inspired by a large "X"-shaped lakeside dock structure.

"Across Water" by Ray Ellison. (Photo courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center)

In his artist's statement Ellison explains, "The pylons were at all angles and of different sizes. The slatted planks floated, disappearing into the distance. I grabbed some old cardboard and did a quick sketch. The forthcoming paintings seemed to be more than just a dock. They seemed to be a bridge between two worlds -- or a flyway across the water."

Cynthia Coté, Community Arts Center director, says, "Ray has an interesting way of capturing the essence of his subjects with a wildly energetic brush stroke."

Ellison earned his MFA from Michigan State University in 1976. He has participated in group exhibitions in Lansing and East Lansing and has had several solo exhibitions in local galleries. He and his partner, Deb Karppinen, own a garden design business in Lansing so their seasonal home in New Allouez is enjoyed in the wintertime.*

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy Street, Hancock.

This exhibit is supported in part by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information call (906) 482-2333 or visit the website www.coppercountryarts.com.

*Editor's Note: Deb Karppinen's exhibit of textile sculpture has been on display at the Vertin Gallery in Calumet during November. Click here to see some of her work in our slide show, Calumet Art: Nov. 2011.