Ray Sikes, gallery coordinator for the University of Texas at Tyler, will hold an open house exhibition of modern/contemporary paintings and sculpture on Friday, July 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 365 Agate Avenue, Suite B, in Granby.

The gallery will be operated in conjunction with Joyous Skin Care at the same address.

Art featuring watercolors by Alexis Serio, small sculptural pieces by Wesley Stolusky, prints by James R. Pace, oil paintings by Michelle Taff, mixed media by Ray Sikes and collage work by Philana Oliphant will be part of the opening event. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come by for a light snack and a cool drink, but more importantly to view the art collection.

Quotes by the artists explaining their work follow:

Jim Pace

“Artists offer us ways of understanding the human condition. Through their efforts, and our interpretations, we reminisce about what was, we take solace in shared experiences of what is, and elevate our hopes of what can be.”

Pace has exhibited his work nationally and internationally since 1976 and has received numerous awards for his Paintings, Drawings, Prints, and Mixed Media work. His work is found in collections from Los Angeles to New York, from Paris to Punjab.

Philana Oliphant

“The drawings are remnants of a behavioral form that allows my mind to achieve a meditative state.

“The results rely on a physiological statement, which is the first principle of communication. The forms are pieces of an infinite puzzle. They are repetitive, connective, and possess a sense of time measure.

“Searching for grace, the union of drawing and sculpture manifests what I will pass on while releasing what I will not.”

Alexis Serio

“When I started painting from memory rather than on-site, art exploded for me. My artistic vision is rooted in color and illusionistic space.”

Michelle Taff

“I am an observer of this fascinating world. My work invites the viewer to lean in, slow down, and take note of the details that often get overlooked in our day-to-day lives. As someone who has struggled with poor vision all my life, I am grateful for every day I have my sight.”

Ray Sikes

“My art, for the most part, explores social issues using art styles from my native heritage. Social issues have not changed much since my ancestors were shooting bows and arrows. Art can speak to many things with clarity.”

Wesley Stolusky

“My art explores 3D space both in terms of large and small sculpture pieces.”