FOR KATHRYN GRAY, becoming a visual artist at midlife was a matter of seizing the moment, when in 2006, the VMFA named her husband, Alex Nyerges, as its CEO. Transitioning into this new life in Richmond as the “First Lady of the VMFA”, came with a number of opportunities and expectations, which inspired Kathryn to follow a longtime dream to study oil painting. Enrolling at VMFA’s Studio School that fall set her dream in motion.
Studio art classes there marked the beginning of what has become her ongoing commitment to the practice of oil painting. Initial study with a diverse group of instructors, which included artists David Tanner, Marjorie Perrin, and Sally Bowring, made best use of Kathryn’s previous, extended study of drawing and set the stage for an adventurous exploration of where her creative aspirations could go. Painting from life in a studio setting, then and now, continues to hone Kathryn’s eye and skills as an artist, as does the practice of working from a wide variety of photo references.
Venturing further into RVA’s community art scene led Kathryn to the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, where she served for many years on its board of trustees and chaired the Education Committee. Studio art classes at VisArts also aligned with Kathryn’s interests and extended her creative engagement with instructors David Tanner, Tommy Van Auken, and Dennis Winston. Since 2008, Kathryn has proudly exhibited her work in a number of group shows at VMFA’s Studio School, in VisArts’ Annual [work] exhibition, and the Annual Small Works Show at the Glave Kocen Gallery, in addition to ones organized by The Woman’s Club of Richmond and the Tuckahoe Women’s Club.
Summer study with Laura Loe at Nimrod over the past five years has intensified Kathryn’s dedication to her artistic development, gaining valuable, new insights in ways to approach one’s canvas, achieve vibrant colors, and to appreciate more the journey of making art. For three years now, Kathryn has engaged in studio art classes under the direction of Jane Joyner and continues to enjoy her corner, 2nd floor studio at VisArts, her home away from home.