POWERGRAMS

7 An artist at heart, finding beauty in a thing isn't difficult for Ray Kersh. As a youngster, Kersh enjoyed sketching and drawing so much, it was a constant pastime. It's no surprise that as Kersh developed his abilities, he gravitated toward a career in art, earning a graphics degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1977. He puts his skills to use creating works in watercolor, pencil, pen and ink, collage and mixed media. Those talents recently won Kersh, a graphics designer in General Services, accolades and special recognition. First, Kersh's paintings were selected for a juried art show by the National Exhibition of the Watercolor Society of Alabama. The showing at Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur featured 75 artists from 21 states. Kersh's juried piece, "New Elizabeth Harbor," features vintage fishing buoys of New England. The painting was displayed from March to April. "The creative process is very satisfying and rewarding," said Kersh, whose work and family life revolve around art. At night, on weekends and vacations, he devotes time to art. During family getaways to Seacrest, Fla., for instance, Kersh begins painting after breakfast, usually for a couple of hours – a "vacation" that results in three or four paintings. His time away includes visits to art galleries and museums. "It helps inspire future projects, as well as the learning process," he said. In March, Kersh joined former Berry High School students in honoring their art teacher, Soon-Bok Sellers. Kersh's favorite watercolor, "Charro in Blue Shirt," was exhibited with the works of 24 other artists at Aldridge Gardens in Birmingham. Kersh has become a recognized artist in Birmingham. Appreciative customers from galleries and art shows commission Kersh, who paints beautifully detailed, ornate crosses made from found objects. He is well-known for house and pet portraits. The kitchen table is where Kersh does his best work with watercolor, his favorite medium. Like the fluid paint that is his specialty, Kersh's works reflect his soft-spoken, easy spirit: The colors blend smoothly, seemingly without effort. In actuality, watercolor requires a skilled hand. "It's a medium not a lot of people do, because you have to paint fast," Kersh said. "It's fast because the paint dries quickly. With watercolor, once you put the paint down, you can't go back and correct it." Kersh's natural ability in watercolor has been perfected through years of practice. Artistry runs through the Kersh family. His fraternal grandmother, Alma, lived in Florida and painted seascapes her entire life. His father, Ed, was a graphics artist for Stockham Valves and Fittings in Birmingham. Kersh's eldest son, Edward, is the graphics designer for Rogue Brewery in Portland, Ore., and his younger son, Julian, uses his creative gifts teaching Spanish at Homewood High School. Like his art, Kersh believes in applying a dedication to perfection in his job at Alabama Power's Print Shop. "I take pride in what I do," said Kersh, who has created signs and graphics for Alabama Power and Southern Company for 34 years. Kersh's artistic touch is present in everything he does. "I get great pleasure from my creative gift," Kersh said, "and as long as I can hold a brush, I'll paint and draw. Art is very therapeutic, and it is an essential part of my life." By Donna Cope Back to the Drawing Board PROFILE Kersh watercolor works include "Charro in Blue Shirt," at top, and "New Elizabeth Harbor." PRINT SHOP EMPLOYEE RECOGNIZED IN ART COMMUNITY Kersh

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