Carlyn Ray Designs

05/26/2026

From Gathered Radiance at Abilene Heritage Square to her exhibition at The Grace Museum, Carlyn Ray’s time in Abilene has been shaped by so much more than the artwork itself.

Throughout this experience, Carlyn has had the opportunity to meet community leaders, artists, museum partners and local supporters who care deeply about the future of Abilene and the people within it. One of the things that has impacted her most has been meeting individuals who truly lead with their heart: people creating meaningful change through connection, collaboration and support for the arts.

A special thank you to the , especially Dr. Jodi Hierholzer, John Nichols, Katie Alford, Doug Peters, Will Dugger and Gerardo Duarte, for the warm welcome and thoughtful conversation during last week’s board meeting. Carlyn also wanted to extend an extra special thank you to John Nichols and all those connected to Dyess Air Force Base for their dedication, service and continued impact on both the Abilene community and our country.

Thank you as well to everyone who has been part of Carlyn’s Abilene experience along the way, including Jane Beard, Jay & Laura Moore, Judy Deaton, Mayor Hurt and so many others who have made this time so meaningful. 🤍

And thank you to for involving us in the Abilene Heritage Square project to bring Gathered Radiance to life!

05/21/2026

Carlyn Ray Designs was honored to partner with the 2026 Las Colinas Home Tour, creating custom hand-blown glass pieces for the homeowners featured throughout this year’s event. 

More than just a showcase of beautiful homes and design, the tour continues to grow into a meaningful community tradition, raising funds for several Irving-based organizations including Irving Cares, Irving Schools Foundation, Many Helping Hands and Church of the Incarnation while highlighting the unique lifestyle and character of Las Colinas.

Thank you to the entire Home Tour Host Committee for including us in such a special event and for supporting local charities through this incredible initiative. ✨

05/19/2026

What a meaningful day celebrating the opening of Abilene Heritage Square and the unveiling of Gathered Radiance.

Created over years of dreaming, planning and collaboration, the installation was designed to reflect the light, stories and spirit of the Abilene community itself. Suspended through the library atrium, the piece includes 400 hand-formed glass elements, with 100 of them created by community members who each left a part of themselves within the work.

Thank you to the City of Abilene, The Grace Museum and every person who helped bring this vision to life. Watching the community experience the piece together inside a space built for learning, creativity and connection was something truly special. 💛

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

What a night! I was so honored to be included in Shelton School’s 50th celebration and even more excited to be the last live auction piece which raised $120,000 for the school! I will be making an entry piece for the school, hopefully involving many of the students. As a learning different person, I know how easily one can feel in the dark, but as I tell each student group that comes in ‘are any of you dyslexic or ADD? It’s okay if you aren’t, but if you are you shine in creative atmospheres like my studio!’ Shelton helped me find that inner light and confidence in myself and I’m excited to share back!
Thank you for all you have given and continue to give to kids like me! You truly make a difference, I felt believed in and like I could do it~ maybe just a little differently. And I’m still doing it~ just a little differently!

04/01/2026

During a private workshop at the Grace Museum, participants were invited to cut and inscribe strands of glass as an intimate act of reflection, release, and renewal.

After a meditation, each person cut glass from the piece Becoming and wrote what they were ready to let go of, placing it gently on the ground. They then named what they were inviting in, paired with a color, which Carlyn incorporated into the illuminated work.

This process transforms personal moments into a collective piece, shifting from shadow into radiant color.

There is power in healing together, in choosing to be in the light, and sharing our light with the world.

11/14/2025

Don’t forget to stop by this year’s Kips Bay Showhouse! Our custom table in collaboration with can be found in The Parlour, a stunning space that blends mid-century influences with contemporary art and color-forward design 🕯️

The glass pieces can be rearranged anywhere on the table, letting the vase travel wherever inspiration strikes!