The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2024 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Jay Ashrafi
Mixed Media ArtistBio
I started my career as graphic designer after finishing high school. I have studied Architecture and City Planning, and received my Master’s Degree from Ohio State University in 1988. Since then, I have worked as planner/architect in Columbus Ohio.
After years of practicing architecture, I became more interested in artistic aspects of architecture. At some point I started adding the actual materials over my architectural renderings to create three-dimensional images.
Since 2006, I started exploring different materials to create 3D artwork and gradually added found objects such as used auto parts. It always fascinates me to see each object in a different way and bring the hidden beauty into life and make it visually attractive.
I apply cement base mixture to the canvas or wood board and hand shape copper and wire mesh into three-dimensional objects and mount those to the board. The shadow template of the objects and application of different layers of transparent paints adds depth and attraction to the piece
Since 2010, I started exhibiting my artwork in different galleries and art shows in Central Ohio, such as Columbus Art Festival, Worthington Arts Festival, Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts, Dayton Oktoberfest. I won best of show in 2012 Worthington Arts Festival.
My artwork “Cityscape” was the winner of the Greater Columbus Arts Council Community Arts Partnership in 2012. The artwork is on display at PNC Bank downtown Columbus Corporate Office.