Grand Bohemian Gallery, located in The Mansion on Forsyth Park at 700 Drayton St. in Savannah, Ga., is delighted to announce the opening of “Organic Ephemera,” a new mixed-media art exhibit featuring original work by local artist José Ray.

This nature-inspired exhibit will open on Thursday, Sept. 30 with an artist reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and will be on display through Saturday, Oct. 30. The art exhibit as well as the opening reception are free and open to the public. 

“José’s work keeps evolving, and he’s revisiting many of his earlier themes with a new twist,” said Carmen Aguirre, Art Gallery Director at Grand Bohemian Gallery. “We invite local residents and visitors to view ‘Organic Ephemera’ and to enjoy the work of this talented artist, who is leading Savannah’s art scene with his captivating work.”

Defined by elements of abstract expressionism and layered collage work, “Organic Ephemera” is a mixed-media exhibit incorporating a wide range of media, including watercolor, markers, colored pencils and ink to showcase the inherent beauty within the cycles of nature. Bright flowers serve as a mainstay in the exhibit and act as a conduit for a larger message about life’s brevity and sanctity.

“Just like the fragile spring bloom with its limited debut, the individual plays a short role upon the world’s stage, Ray explained. “But we are part of the larger picture, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Through this exhibit, I hope to encourage people to be present and to remember to breathe.”

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Ray was named Connect Savannah’s Best Visual Artist in 2020 and is a talented muralist whose work can be seen locally as part of the Starland Mural Project and throughout the United States, from Kansas to Florida.

Also an award-winning author and illustrator, Ray has published numerous children’s books -- including “Free Rain,” “Heave Ho!” and “Morty and the Moon” -- under the name José Lucio. Ray has a passion for helping children learn to express themselves through art and volunteers with young writers at the Deep Center in Savannah.

Grand Bohemian Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily or by appointment. For more information about the “Organic Ephemera” exhibit, please visit kesslercollection.com or call 912.721.5007.