WSOHOIDPS is excited to announce a solo exhibition for one of our board members at SDSU Downtown Gallery.  More info below...

SDSU Downtown Gallery Presents Cathedrals: Jeff Ray

Site specific, multi-sensory installation pairs photographic work with video and original music to explore how large architectural spaces and natural caves can be used to create soundscapes.

 (San Diego, CA) -- The SDSU Downtown Gallery presents Cathedrals: Jeff Ray, April 7 - June 12, 2016, a site-specific, multi-sensory installation by San Francisco Bay-area artist, Jeff Ray, which continues his exploration of the intersection between nature and architecture. Ray reimagines familiar surroundings and structures, such as cathedrals and coastal bunkers, as monuments, taking us on a journey from reality to imagination. After its presentation in San Diego, the a portion of the work will move to the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco for a subsequent, unique installation as part of SonicLabs 7, Architecture.

Cathedrals: Jeff Ray brings together photographic and video works with original music compositions by Jeff Ray, in collaboration with students in the SDSU Composition Laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Waters, coordinator of Composition Studies (Acoustic & Electro-Acoustic). “Its important for everyone to understand why this is possibly my favorite way to show and create my work” says Ray.  “That it reminds me of when I got my MFA at San Francisco State and how collaboration, cross-disciplinary exploration, and practice was so crucial in defining my process.”

“I came across Jeff Ray’s work last year, when he was doing a residency with another local organization” recalls Chantel Paul, Downtown Gallery Program Coordinator. “I was there with friends, one of whom has a teenage son, and we were all captivated. His combination of visual photographs with applied notations and sound create a very layered experience, and when the opportunity came up to do something more experimental at the SDSU Downtown Gallery, I remembered Jeff’s work. The photographs are constructed in such a way that they can be viewed on their own as stunning visual objects and adding to that, visitors can listen to the accompanying musical composition while looking at the work.”

Jeff Ray is a multi-disciplinary artist working in sound and video installations, photography, drawing, painting, mixed media, and performances. His work is informed by the immediate surroundings of his home and neighborhood. In his current work, Ray investigates the notion that nature engenders architecture, influencing our experience of the natural environment. He currently lives and works in Oakland, California. His work has been widely exhibited. In addition to his artwork, Ray is a musician, independent curator, and University lecturer.

Exhibition events include an opening reception on Thursday, April 7, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a musical performance by Jeff Ray; Downtown at Sundown with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), on Thursday, April 21, and Thursday, May 19, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; and a special closing musical performance by Jeff Ray and local San Diego musicians on Sunday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Cathedrals: Jeff Ray is organized by the SDSU Downtown Gallery. The exhibition and events are sponsored by the San Diego State University Art Council. Additional support is provided by the School of Art + Design, the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, the fund for Instructionally Related Activities, and Arts Alive SDSU.

Cathedrals: Jeff Ray runs Thursday, April 7, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the SDSU Downtown Gallery, located at 725 West Broadway, San Diego, 92101. Hours are Thursday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gallery is open to the public and admission is free. For parking info, visit the SDSU Downtown Gallery website at http://art.sdsu.edu/sdsu-downtown-gallery/

CATHEDRALS: JEFF RAY SPECIAL PUBLIC EVENTS

Thursday, April 7: Opening Reception, 6:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

• Musical performance by Jeff Ray

Thursday, April 21: Downtown at Sundown 3rd Thursday Event, 5:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

·       Performance by SDSU Composition Laboratory students, under the direction of Professor Joseph Waters, Ph.D., coordinator of Composition Studies (Acoustic & Electro-Acoustic) in the School of Music and Dance.

Thursday, May 19: Downtown at Sundown 3rd Thursday Event, 5:00 pm – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 11: Closing Event, 6:00 p.m.

·       With musical performance by Jeff Ray and local San Diego musicians.

ABOUT THE SDSU DOWNTOWN GALLERY

The SDSU Downtown Gallery is a part of the School of Art + Design within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at San Diego State University dedicated to engaging students, faculty, artists and the public through innovative and scholarly presentations of contemporary art and design. Located off-campus in metro San Diego, the SDSU Downtown Gallery creates an important link between the School and the art community. A yearly calendar of exhibitions, lectures, performances, and artist-driven programming fosters new ideas and dialogue about art making as a critical facet of society and our diverse cultural landscape. Since 2010, the Gallery has hosted a range of exhibitions highlighting regional, national, and internationally recognized artists working in all media. The SDSU Downtown Gallery continues to focus on programming and partnerships that provide educational and experimental opportunities for collaboration.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, for its 35,000 students. The university offers bachelor's degrees in 94 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 22 areas. Students participate in research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. The university’s rich campus life features opportunities for students to participate in, and engage with, the creative and performing arts, a Division I athletics program and the vibrant cultural life of the San Diego region. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.