Dr. Ray became Professor of Art at Lambuth College in 1966. In 1993, he became the Dean of the School of Arts and Communication of Lambuth University, specializing in the history of architecture and interior design. For years, he directed the annual Lambuth University fine arts tours to New York and the overseas Lambuth University January interim tours. He retired from Lambuth University in 2010, and in 2011 the Lambuth Board of Trustees awarded him the title of Emeritus Professor of Art and Design. Dr. Ray’s art has been on display at numerous exhibitions, and he sculpted the over-life-size bronze bust of Dr. Womack, Lambuth College’s first president, which may still be found in the R.E. Womack Memorial Garden on campus. Dr. Ray has been an influential leader in the city of Jackson, TN, serving as president of the Jackson Art Association and many terms on the board of the Jackson Arts Council. Two of his watercolor paintings, “Shepherd of the Oranges” and “Psychic Energy,” are on permanent display at the Lambuth Library.
Lendon Noe was Professor of Art at Lambuth University for 28 years. She continues to be active on campus by working with the University of Memphis Art Museum to host events and workshops that current students, faculty, staff, and community members may enjoy. She has also been an influential leader in the city of Jackson, serving as the Director of the Jackson Arts Council. Lendon’s work includes oil painting, original prints, mixed media, and installation, including the award-winning Alice at Finnegan’s Wake. She enjoys creating site specific thematic shows that may include drawings, paintings, collage, image transfer, and assemblage, and her work has been featured at numerous events. Her painting “Gerbera Daisies” is on permanent display at the Lambuth Library.
Dana Groff attended Lambuth College, studied under Dr. Larry Ray and received a BA in Fine Arts. His paintings have been on exhibit at various shows, benefits, and festivals over the past 50 years. Groff describes his renderings in acrylic, oil, and mixed media as contemporary realism. He prefers to call his work freestyle: a blend of applications, technique, and diverse subjects. His painting “Miami Icon” is on permanent display at the Lambuth Library.