Local artist J.D. Brayton will present “Ecumenical Oddities”, a solo art show at the beachKraft Gallery in Olney, MD, on view March 7 – March 28, 2025.

The beachKraft StudioGallery of Olney will host an Opening Reception for the artist on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

An associated Poetry Night event, featuring headlining poets, Richard Peabody and Edward Doyle-Gillespe, will be held on Thursday, March 12 from 8:00pm-10:00pm.

J.D. Brayton is a local artist in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area working in mixed media and assemblage techniques. J.D. is also an accomplished musician and writer, he writes historical fiction, short stories and “Post-Gonzo Crime Pulp” novels including “The Clabber Grrrl’s Retreat” and “EYE SKIN”.

J.D. is a master of Venetian plaster Trompe-l’œil painting techniques and integrates this with primitive styles and found objects in his mixed media paintings, assemblage and functional artwork. His catalog of artworks includes paintings on both found-objects and traditional stretched canvas, assemblage pieces which integrate recycled and up-cycled elements with metal work and traditional painting. He also creates a series of functional storage trunks which combine Trompe-l’œil painting of inlay and Venetian plaster with metal tooling and other embellishment.

While J.D. has not had formal training and is self-taught as a visual artist, he regards art as “THE Temple,” and finds himself “constantly fascinated by the classic Arts”. However, he states that he does not “feel compulsion to join in the confines of perfect symmetry or orthodoxy,” noting that “it is not unusual for Artists to wander the earth filling their pockets and workshop with discarded objects, rusted auto parts or lids off soup cans. To the uninspired eye these broken things need to be thrown away, to an Artist they merely need to be included in a frozen moment of transmutation.” J.D. is inspired to create art because “tin can sing. Rust can breathe. “

J.D.‘s work communicates to the unique human experience informed by our contemporary surroundings, but appropriates and re-imagines themes from Classical Western art styles and content.

The beachKraft Gallery is excited to show a selection of paintings, assemblage and functional works throughout the month of March.

See J.D. Brayton‘s artwork at the gallery, Tuesday through Sunday, 12:30 PM to 7 PM.

An opening reception will be held for the artist on Saturday March 7, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Light refreshment will be available to guests.

An associated Poetry Night event, featuring headlining poets, Richard Peabody and Edward Doyle-Gillespe, will be held on Thursday, March 12 from 8:00pm-10:00pm.

Artist receptions at the gallery are always free to attend. Poetry night is free to attend. To be a presenting poet, email thebeachkraft@gmail.com with your proposal.

The beach Kraft Art Gallery is an eclectic, modern gallery that represents the original creations of over 20 local and nationally based artists in a 2500 square ft. open space. The gallery promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion for all guests, artists, and employees. Our mission is to promote art locally as a working studio and classroom in tandem with the gallery in ways that benefit the environment and promote eco-friendly practice.

For more information, visit https://www.thebeachkraft.com/