RAY OF LIGHT
Quiet and understated in demeanor, Bill Ray has been at the epicenter of creat- ing educational opportunities in the arts from a young age. The native Klamath Indian Tribal member was placed in the foster care of the descendants of a pio- neer family in Estacada who had originally homesteaded the land in the 1860’s. “We were encouraged to learn the arts and explore singing, dancing and musical instruments,” Ray shared. “Along with that came the rhythm of weaving, a love for textiles and jewelrymaking.” That youthful spirit of exploration carried with him into adulthood. After studying at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, he made a life out of education for the Native American communities as an advocate for tribal Nations. Enabling others to become passionate about the arts frames how he has navigat- ed through his 81 years. His first wife, Eleanor Lieber Ray, was an heiress of the Corning family dynasty. He helped her plan an endowment for an award compe- tition with Portland Opera for young talent auditions which paid special tribute to her late husband, Opera Singer Dean Lieber. He met his second wife Lawretta at Oregon’s Dorchester Conference in 1994. They established Indian Art Northwest in 1998 as a two-day event in Portland with over 200 Native artists. They also acted as Oregon District Directors for the Metropolitan Opera National Council’s Auditions. “Life’s balance should not lopsided,” he smiled. “When you reach my age, you’ve done what you’re able to do and now it’s nice to watch how the contributions play out.”
Fishing at Celilo: A mural backdrop at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel.
Regency | 12
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker