Ray Grasse is a rennasiance artist. ~The Deep Sea~ a musical composition inspired by Debussy is belwo.

 Ray Grasse is a noted astrologer, photography, musician, and writer on metaphysical topics. I admire his body of work, and artist process. Check out Ray's websites, and posts. See the ~Deep Sea ~below. Jamie Forbes

THE DEEP SEA 

RAY GRASSE JUL 1

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Though I grew up mainly on the rock and roll music of the 60s, my mother introduced me to a different kind of music when she played Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” on the piano, and later on, played a recording of his orchestral composition “La Mer” (the Sea) on the family record player.

There was something about Debussy’s work that affected me profoundly. I became obsessed with his compositions, and struggled to express similar feelings of my own on the piano, which I had some lessons in years earlier. I had also been deeply impacted by the soundtracks composed by Bernard Hermann for films like “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Jason and the Argonauts, and those influences couldn’t help but find their way into my efforts, too.

Me at 18 playing the family piano, my father reading the paper behind.

And so was in freshman year during college that I began work on a piece I’d later title “The Deep Sea.” Things progressed slowly, and it took a full four years to complete. Not having an actual orchestra at my disposal, I used the four track recorder I bought from a college classmate to overdub layers of background voices to simulate the effects of string sections.

But it would be over 30 years before I’d actually get into a formal studio to do a fully fleshed-out recording of the piece, at my friend Bill Kavanagh’s studio in Oak Park, Illinois. With the new synthesized sounds available nowadays I was able to create more of an orchestral effect, and finally finished it in 2006.

An important twist in the story happened when I sent a copy of the recording to my old friend Rebecca Romanoff, who had married my old teacher Goswami Kriyananda (of Chicago) and moved to the south of France — not far from my ancestral stomping grounds in Grasse, France, fittingly enough. Rebecca had been playing with the visual possibilities of computer graphics, and in 2012 surprised me with a beautifully executed video to accompany my composition. 

Sadly, she passed on from cancer not long after, but left us with this beautiful work. I hope you enjoy it. —R.G. 

---

Ray Grasse is a writer, astrologer, and photographer living in the American Midwest. He is author of ten books, and a CD of his music is available on Amazon, titled The Sea Within— https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Within-Ray-Grasse/dp/B00PK1WZPW/

www.raygrassephotography.com

https://www.raygrasse.com/

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Jamie Forbes ~Hollyhocks Summer past 2023~ Oh No the houshold deer ate my garden!!!

Jamie Forbes: I am lamenting the fact our "Household Deer" ate all the Hollyhocks for the last three summers. As one of my favorite flowers it's a "bummer"

I live on a creek  where wild life is diverse. Your back yard no matter where you in a live city, suburbs or have a rural landscape is unique.  We all  vote to actively engage with our surroundings through our actions.  Wether or not we use pesticide, purchase vegetables & fruit grown with NON GMO seeds or use nitrates in our family gardens we are effecting the Environment. I encourage you to look around see what everyday choices you may make to change our world daily.  

Find my thoughts on Environmental stewardship and beauty below in the sites !!!

https://sites.google.com/backyardenvironmentalist.com/backyardenvironmentalist/home

https://sites.google.com/view/eco-advocacy/home

rights reserved, Jamie Forbes ~Hollyhocks Summer past 2023~SunStormArtsPub.Co. Inc2026

rights reserved, Jamie Forbes ~Hollyhocks Summer past 2023~SunStormArtsPub.Co. Inc2026

rights reserved, Jamie Forbes ~Hollyhocks Summer past 2023~SunStormArtsPub.Co. Inc2026

 

Not Reat Art & CODAworx Present : Acelebration of Public Art in the U.S.

My Opinion: This is an interesting concept coming of age during the time of AI to forward virtual art presentation. I am wishing Not Real  Art great success. Jamie Forbes, Publisher Fineartmagazineblog.blogspot.com,& SunStormFineArtmagazine.com

NOT REAL ART and CODAworx Present '250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S.'— A Nationwide Art Exhibition for America's 250th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NOT REAL ART, in partnership with CODAworx and Arterial, will launch 250: A Celebration of Public Art in the U.S. Honoring America's 250th anniversary, this landmark virtual exhibition features one public artwork from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 250 invites viewers on an immersive tour of installations in parks, deserts, city streets, and public interiors, showcasing the breadth and diversity of public art across the country. The exhibition will remain open and archived online indefinitely on NotRealArt.com.

250 highlights site-specific installations, sculptures, murals, bridges, archways, and multimedia experiences, shifting the conversation about art beyond traditional venues and into the public realm. Curated by Virginia-based arts writer Kirsten Bengtson-Lykoudis, 250 celebrates the artists who transform everyday environments into places of beauty, protest, reflection, and wonder, and reminds audiences that art is for everyone.

All artists and artworks featured in 250 are curated in partnership with CODAworx, the leading platform for the public art industry based in Madison, WI. Since 2014, CODAworx has connected all segments of public art and championed innovative public art worldwide. The artists, designers, architects, fabricators, and artisans they collaborate with have contributed to a remarkable selection of installations that celebrate community, creativity, and collaboration across the U.S.

250 is part of NOT REAL ART's First Fridays virtual exhibition series, which celebrates independent artists globally and introduces new thematic exhibitions on the first Friday of every other month. The exhibition is sponsored by Los Angeles-based arts nonprofit Arterial, whose mission is to democratize and amplify art in public spaces by sharing contemporary stories about the visual and performing arts.

Projects submitted by leading artists, design firms, fabricators, engineers, and government arts agencies are located in every state: (Alabama) Stephen Whyte's Sculpture Studio, (Alaska) Daniel Roache, (Arizona) Creative Machines, (Arkansas) Erin Ashcroft Artistry LLC, (California) Ilan Averbuch, (Colorado) Denver Arts & Venues (Connecticut) Svigals + Partners (Delaware) Chiodo Art Development, (District of Columbia) OxmanStudios, Inc. (Florida)  Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (Georgia and South Dakota) Christopher Weed Sculpture Inc., (Hawaii) Glasmalerei Peters Studios / Peters Studio U.S. (Idaho) David Carmack Lewis, (Illinois)  Ignition Arts, LLC, (Indiana) Torey Dunne, (Iowa) KenyonZubko Collaborative Beau Kenyon +Natalia Zubko, (Kansas) Ball-Nogues Design Studio, (Kentucky) Bollinger Atelier, (Louisiana) Marcus Brown, (Maine and Mississippi) Transformit, (Maryland and Wisconsin) RE:site, (Massachusetts) MASARY Studios, (Michigan) Formed For/Brodin Sculptures,(Minnesota) City of Bloomington Creative Placemaking, (Missouri) Matthew Mazzotta, (Montana) Jessica Bodner, (Nebraska) James Tyler, (Nevada) Davis McCarty, (New Hampshire) Lyubov Muravyeva, (New Jersey and New York) Mayer of Munich, (New Mexico) Lordy Rodriguez, (North Carolina) MARC FORNES/THEVERYMANY, (North Dakota) Anne Labovitz, (Ohio) Cliff Garten Studio, (Oklahoma) Narduli Studio, (Oregon) Ray King Studio, (Pennsylvania) Ava Blitz, (Puerto Rico) Pseudo Mero, (Rhode Island) Peter Diepenbrock, (South Carolina) Laurel Holtzapple, (Tennessee) Blessing Hancock, (Texas) Metalab, (Utah) Gordon Huether + Partners, Inc. (Vermont) Stephen Rhoades, (Virginia) WMATA Art in Transit Program, (Washington) Sarah Helen More, (West Virginia) Humanity Memorial Inc., and (Wyoming) Elizabeth Best, G. Brown Design Inc.

About the Curator

Former New York gallery director Kirsten Bengtson-Lykoudis (she/her/hers) serves as staff writer, archivist, and curator for NOT REAL ART. She enjoys rambling through NRA's vast digital archive of contemporary artworks and getting to know the people behind them. After growing up in the Twin Cities, Kirsten traveled between Florida, Russia, Sweden, New York, France, Italy, the Aegean Islands, and Washington, DC, before landing in Richmond, Virginia. A photographer, student of Russian literature, devout polyglot, and nonfiction writer, she is currently plotting her next trip to Greece.

About First Fridays

First Fridays is an online exhibition series celebrating independent artists nationwide. This bi-monthly feature of NOT REAL ART, an online platform based in Los Angeles, helps people discover today's contemporary artists. Since its debut in 2023, First Fridays has showcased 766 artists and 1,045 artworks across 39 exhibitions, featuring painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, and more. Upcoming exhibitions include The Art of Resistance (September 4 – November 5, 2026), which explores art as defiance, dissent, and solidarity—works that speak truth, challenge power, and refuse to look away; and Southern Gothic: Artists Working Below the Mason-Dixon (November 6 – December 31, 2026), a curated look at artists, aesthetics, and stories rooted in the American South—its mythology, contradictions, and unique creative voice.

About CODAworx

CODAworx is on a mission to demonstrate the power of public art to change the world. As the public art industry leader, the company provides creative professionals a platform to showcase their work, connect, and find opportunities. Powered by a database showcasing thousands of projects with a collective budget of over $13 billion dollars, CODAworx leverages live events, awards programs, publications, data, and digital tools to empower public art in the experience economy.

About NOT REAL ART

NOT REAL ART is a free, independent platform for discovering today's contemporary artists. The site helps working artists tell their stories and promote their work through exhibitions, podcasts, grants, and editorial coverage. NOT REAL ART is owned and operated by Crewest Studio LLC, an independent media company dedicated to creative culture and the arts. Follow @notrealartworld and visit NotRealArt.com.

About Crewest Studio

Crewest Studio LLC is a mission-driven, independent media and entertainment company dedicated exclusively to the visual and performing arts. Based in Los Angeles, Crewest develops, produces, publishes, and distributes television shows, movies, documentaries, podcasts, events, books, and blogs serving creative arts and culture. Crewest has worked with ABC/Disney, A&E Networks, PBS, Instagram, Microsoft, and the U.S. State Department, among others.

About Arterial

Arterial is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to telling contemporary stories about the visual and performing arts. Based in Los Angeles, Arterial sponsors and funds arts-related media projects across film, television, podcasts, and digital formats. Since its founding in 2024, Arterial has supported NYC filmmakers Logan Hicks and Jeremy Chilnick in completing their documentary, The Underbelly Project, and SoCal PBS for the Emmy-winning show "Art Bound." In 2025, Arterial became the fiscal sponsor for the unscripted television show "Arthouse," raising nearly $50,000 for its pilot. In 2026, Arterial will syndicate 50 hours of arts educational content to one million incarcerated people via the Edovo platform. Arterial also owns and operates ArtsvilleUSA.com, a digital discovery platform for arts and crafts.

SOURCE NOT REAL ART / Crewest Studio

#notrealart#fineartmagazineblog.blog.blogspot.com#sunstormfinearmagazine.com#artfunchange,

#artfuncreate#artfunvirtual#artfuneasy

In the Long Island Area? The Town of Islip Arts Council hasP open call for artists in all disciplines: See below dates an exhibitions.

STAY CONNECTED BECOME A MEMBER            CLASSES

CALL FOR ART

ANYTHING GOES welcomes all artistic disciplines, media, styles, or subject matter. Whether your work is traditional, contemporary, abstract, representational, or experimental, we encourage you to share your unique vision. There is no size limitation.  All ages are welcome to submit. No size limitation. All media will be considered. Dates to Remember: Submission Deadline: July 21 Artist Notification: July 22, end of business day Artwork Drop-Off: July 25 and July 28, 11am - 4pm Exhibition Dates: August 1 – August 31 Opening Reception: Friday, August 21, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Artwork Pick-Up: September 1 - 5, 11am - 4pm Submission Fee: $25 for members (Become a Member at isliparts.org) $35 for non-members No previously exhibited works in our gallery will be accepted. Please be sure to complete all required information on this form.

SUBMIT HERE

DEADLINES APPROACHING

SUBMIT HERE

AQUATIC ART SHOW at My Town's Cafe The Islip Arts Council will curate an aquatic-themed art show at My Town's Cafe in East Islip July 1 - August 28, 2026. Works inspired by the beauty of the ocean, seashells, aquatic creatures, and beach life are encouraged. Works may range from realistic seascapes and marine studies to abstract or imaginative interpretations of aquatic themes. Media Considered: All media. Works must not exceed 30"x30" and must be for sale with a price limit of $300.00 Submission Fee: $25 IAC Members / $35 Nonmembers SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 26

SUBMIT HERE

Summer Members Exhibition: Color and Light - Works Inspired by the French Impressionists French Impressionism was a radical late 19th-century art movement that broke from traditional, studio-based academic painting. Instead, artists attempted to capture fleeting moments, modern life, and the changing effects of light.  Rather than focusing on sharp details, artists concentrated on how light defined a moment, often painting the same subject at different times of day. Led by artists like Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, Impressionism paved the way for modern art by challenging and eventually overturning established conventions. IAC challenges its members to explore this classic style in modern day terms. Submission Deadline: June 27 Exhibition Period: July 4 - 30  Submission Fee: Free for IAC Members. Become a Member at isliparts.org

CURRENTLY ON VIEW AT THE GALLERY

En Plein Air Group Exhibition

En Plein Air showcases works done "in the open air," or outdoors. On view now at the gallery June 10 - 30. EN PLEIN AIR FEATURED ARTISTS Steven Behler Susan Herbst Katrina Kuan Genevieve Lambert Monika Maniecki Drigo Morin Silvia Maria Rey Jairo Ortiz Daniela Velez-Smith

PLEINATHON 2026 Exhibition

Pleinathon is an all-day Plein Air Painting Marathon. For our fourth year, participants took a ferry over to Fire Island and painted Sailor's Haven, home of the rare Sunken Forest. On view June 10 - 30 PLEINATHON FEATURED ARTISTS Abby Armada Abigail Bennett Teresa Clark John Clark Rico Ford Maria Jessica Katrina Kuan Genevieve Lambert Justine Woracek

FEATURED ARTIST: MICHAEL GENRICH

On view June 23 - August 1 Artist Reception: June 27, 1-3 pm

Michael is an artist on Long Island. Throughout his life, art has served as a hobby, distraction, safe haven, and a vehicle for self-exploration and healing. He has explored many media and found a love for acrylic paint for its versatility and ease of use. Michael blends diverse textures, materials, colors, and creative techniques to express his inner landscape as authentically as possible.   "Exposure" is Michael's first solo exhibition. It is a collection of abstract acrylic paintings created over a six-year period, offering an in-depth look at vulnerable aspects of his inner life. "Exposure" explores creativity, transformation, raw emotion, spirituality, and culminates in expressive effort, uncovering an important truth.   The nature of the art on display is layered and invites you to stop and gaze at it; to feel what resonates within you and reflects back to you, to recognize forms within the formless, and to connect with Michael on an intimate level. Michael will host his own reception on Saturday, June 27, 1-3pm. Free to the public!

THIS WEEK: CELEBRATE PRIDE AT IAC

Queer Night: Pride Flag Mural Painting and Crafts Celebrate PRIDE at IAC! Join us for a night of community and crafts. We will be painting the Pride Flag at the gallery. Friday, June 26, 6-8 pm. $10 donation will cover all craft supplies, paints, drinks and snacks!

RSVP HERE

SUMMER ART CLASSES

Watercolor For All With Jody Banaszak  Mondays 1-3 PM  Students will learn the basics and advanced techniques of watercolor painting. Step-by-step demonstration will be given alongside personal instruction. Session 5: Aug 10, 17, 24, 31, Sept 7, 14

Oils, Acrylics, or Pastels With Randy Weisbin  Tuesdays 2 - 4 PM Work in oils, acrylics, or pastels painting subjects of your choice in a relaxed workshop environment. Individualized instruction suited to beginners as well as more experienced students. Drawing, tonal value, color theory, composition, technique, and other basic elements of art will be addressed. New students should request materials list upon registration. Session 6: Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Sept 1, 8 

Open Studio With Lisa Carrano  Wednesdays 2 - 4 PM Utilize our space and work independently on your own projects in a relaxed art gallery setting. Come with questions and explore your creativity choosing your preferred media. An experienced Studio Artist will be available for assistance. Session 5: July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12 Session 6: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16, 23

Colored Pencils or Pastels With Marlene Bezich Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM All levels are welcome. This class allows both pastel & colored pencil artists to study their medium of choice. Individual attention goes to both media through separate demonstrations. Session 5: July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14 Session 6: Aug 28, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2 

The Art of Drawing With Marlene Bezich  Fridays 1-3 PM  This course will allow students to select their chosen media while sharpening their skills exploring their preferred subjects. Each media has a basis in drawing; thus, all can be studied together. We will cover all of the various drawing criteria including but not limited to Value, Perspective, Composition and Accurate Rendering. Color theory will also be discussed. The instructor will conduct demonstrations in each media throughout the session to ensure each student receives individual attention to their media of choice. Come join us and expand your artistic journey! Session 5: July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14 Session 6: Aug 28, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2

REGISTER FOR CLASSES HERE

KIDS CLASSES

This 1-hour class will introduce students to Kawaii art fundamentals like color, shapes, and technique. Students will learn to draw Kawaii-style animals and objects, complete with shading and shadows. This class will help to build a foundation for further study of Kawaii art. Tuesdays, 12-1pm Session 1: June 30, July 7, 14, 21 $65 REGISTER HERE

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