Artesia Arts Council Presents: Artist Spotlight: Linda Ray
This winter of 2022, the lobby of the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center emanates all shades of blue and lavender from the work of Ruidoso artist and author Linda Ray.
Ray’s artistic expression is the result of a near-death experience 30 years ago. She paints what she experienced during that pivotal time in her life when she teetered somewhere in the balance of life and death. Images of large snowy owls, wolves, lions, and butterflies spring to life against swirling backgrounds of pastel blues and purples in her works of acrylic paint on canvas. Each piece is completed with a diamond dust finish which produces a shimmery effect. The shimmery effect is Linda’s emulation of her ineffable sensation of having glimpsed the other side and communed with God.
The artist details her near-death experience in her book Expect Miracles published by Xulon Press 18 months ago. The book is available at the Ocotillo and is a companion piece to her exhibit on display.
Meet Kandese Green, Director of Operations for the Artesia Arts Council!
Green grew up just up the road in Clovis, NM and moved to Artesia in 2006. She was raised in a family of artists and often finds inspiration from the creative women closest to her. She graduated from Artesia High School in 2009. During her time at AHS, she established the Student Action Group in partnership with the Drug and Crime Coalition, participated in the Supercomputing Challenge, and was active in the theater department.
Green graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Minor in History. After graduation she returned to Artesia and worked at Concho for six years. Eventually she found herself back in the arts when she accepted a position as the Membership and Patrons Service Director with Artesia Arts Council in 2019. Just two short years later, Green took the position as the Director of Operations at the Ocotillo Community Theater.
Green has a passion for creativity and community service. This fervor contributes to her success as the Director of Operations. She attributes her success to the opportunity to combine her passion with her career. Under her leadership, the Ocotillo has begun renovations to create a more functional space for artistic endeavors and educational programming. The lobby is currently under construction to provide a welcoming space and better lighting for its featured artists.
Green has also begun working with local non-profits, day cares, and even the public school system to provide supplies and make sure the youth are being exposed to art.
Looking forward, Green is most excited about the 1920’s Gala happening in July which will introduce the new season’s line up of entertainment and classes. She would like to invite anyone interested to provide input on the types of shows and experiences they would like to see at the legendary Ocotillo Theater. Send an email with your ideas to: kandese@artesiaartscouncil.com.
