After serving our nation for 23 years in the US Navy and the US Air Force, Joe continued his training as a meteorologist in the private weather industry. Before retiring as President and CEO of a private weather company, he received the Entrepreneur of the Year in St. Louis for establishing the first meteorological center designed specifically for forecast road and runway weather conditions. During Joe’s career as a meteorologist he analyzed and hand drew thousands of weather maps and charts; which is an art form. Shortly before Joe’s retirement from the weather industry, he tried his hand at drawing and painting on canvas vs. weather charts and was encouraged by comments from artist friends.  Thus, started what has been a very rewarding second career.  His work has rewarded with many honors, sales and commissions in North America and Europe.   Joe Ray has been awarded Signature Artist status with National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS). International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP), and the National Society of Artists (NSA). He is an invited member to the National Society Painter in Casein and Acrylic (NSPCA).  In 2011, he was elected President of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS).