Meeting Marcia Wolfson Ray

Posted on: September 22, 2026

Written by Parker Knepper '27

On Wednesday, September 16 we had the pleasure of hosting artist Marcia Wolfson Ray and her work “The Ten Thousand Things” in the Cooley Gallery. Wolfson Ray showcased two- and three-dimensional artwork which reflects her deep affection for nature. The displayed sculptures are composed of burnt and bleached wood that were gathered from marshes in Maryland, as well as willow dowels tied together intersecting the wood stumps. Wolfson Ray describes her asymmetrical artwork as having a progress of evolution and being totally random, giving her a sense of content. She shared with her audience “The importance of art is to explore”.

Alongside Wolfson Ray’s presentation of artwork there was an incorporated message of self-improvement and exploration. She highlighted the importance of how peer feedback from college professors and even a physical therapist helped improve her artwork for the better. “Compliments are great…but do they help you push your work further?”. Wolfson Ray encourages people to explore new directions within their work, leading to new places they wouldn't have thought they could reach.

“The art is very beautiful and so different, especially with the natural materials used. Very interesting and different from what Wilson typically shows” - Riley Braswell ’28