“A Day in the Life” with: Visual Artist Denise Gray

Clients don’t just buy Denise Gray’s art; they feel it. Her pieces carry a warmth and emotional clarity that resonate deeply with people, marking life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a wedding, a family milestone, or a memorial tribute, Denise approaches each creation with intention and care.

She believes stones should convey emotion, not just form. A family (including pet!) gathered on a log, a couple leaning into one another, a child reaching for a parent — these scenes feel alive because she builds them with empathy. She studies posture, proportion, and connection, ensuring the figures look like people who truly love each other.

Her memorial pieces are especially powerful. Using frosted, tumbled glass to represent the loved one who has passed, she creates gentle, angelic figures that often move clients to tears. These works honour memory without words, offering comfort through simplicity and symbolism.

What clients love most is that Denise listens. She asks about relationships, personalities, and stories, then translates those details into natural materials that feel timeless. Her art becomes a keepsake, a way to hold onto a moment, a person, or a feeling.

It’s no wonder her work inspires such loyalty and affection. It’s art with heart.

Bring a piece of Denise’s imagination into your home. Visit her website and discover the stories waiting to be told through stone, driftwood, and memory.

-Written by Denise’s son-in-law, Robert

Denise Gray
Having creative fun in my home studio!
Denise Gray
Grand Beach holds a very special place in my heart. My husband Brian and I used to drive out there all the time when we were dating, then later on when we had our first son and then our second son. My Mother also loved Grand Beach, and in particular the “ East Beach” because it was quieter and less populated. Two years ago, I fulfilled her wishes and shared her ashes on a cold October day with Lake Winnipeg. ❤️
This photo was taken at our cottage in Lakeshore Heights ( south of Grand Beach). I was one of the artists taking part in the fabulous Boreal Shores Art Tour. The driving tour was a two-day event and showcased 40-plus local artists.
Relaxing after a busy day of collecting stones, pebbles and driftwood. Having a delicious dinner in our cosy cottage.
Had a great time as a vendor at the Dakota Community Centre Christmas Market. It’s very close to where I live, and I love that so I can meet neighbours and folks who live in the area. I love being a local artist!!
I’m well known in our community as the Greyhound Lady. My husband Brian and I have had the joy and good fortune to be the caregivers and guardians ( owners is not a word I care for) of 4 retired Greyhounds over the last 20-plus years. They are beautiful, serene and extremely intelligent creatures. This is Guinness, and he’s 11 years old. ❤️🐾
Denise Gray
My absolute favourite place to collect my natural materials is “Pebble Beach,” which is a local name for section of Hill Side Beach, which is a fair distance from the main beach. Pebble Beach has very little sand BUT it does have amazing berms and long stretches of stones of all sizes. It also has great smaller pieces of driftwood, and are perfect for my work. Often when I go spelunking for materials, I’m the only one there. ❤️
Denise Gray
I’d heard about this fabulous place to collect driftwood from many of my customers over the years and finally had an opportunity to go there a couple of years ago. There was so much driftwood, large, small and enormous that it took my breath away. I filled 2 large bags with smaller pieces and then set my sights on some large ones for our front yard at home. Our yard is all natural, no grass, full of trees, stone beds and mulch. The several pieces of driftwood that came home with us now are the crowning glory of our own piece of nature. 🌳

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Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in River Park South, which is in the Southeast area of Winnipeg. We have a large and robust community, and over 11,000 are members of our River Park South and Lovin It Facebook page. We have lived in this area for over 40 years and love it.

What do you do?

I am a natural materials artist, and I make endearing scenes of people, families and nature. My designs are created using all-natural and hand-selected materials: pebbles, stones, driftwood and various other natural curiosities. My art evokes emotions, and I specialize in custom designs that are heartfelt and meaningful to my customers.

What are you currently working on?

I have recently been working on designs that I used at my last event on July 4, 2026. The show was sponsored by the Public Display Agency, and the event was called Fathom. They sponsor these art shows across Canada. The event was in Winnipeg and held at the Riverview Community Centre. I worked on my most popular designs: By The Fire (family on logs roasting marshmallows by a fire, Our Journey (features a couple on top of a rock foundation after they have persevered and made it to the top goal) and defend versions of  Together, which features a family of sweet little birds perched on branches or driftwood. They have hand-painted eyes, one of my rare embellishments, and each bird has a different expression.

Where can we find your work?

I am currently selling my work at the Pulse Gallery, Johnson Terminal, The Forks, as well as the Preferred Perch (wild Bird Specialty and Rock Shop), 1604 St Mary’s Rd, Unit #4

 

About Emilea Semancik 44 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: @ancestral.foods