Ocean Spray, an original work by Athey Family Master of the Arts Diane Deery P'21 '23, was recently featured in an exhibit sponsored by PGIM in Grand Central Station in New York City. Ocean Spray was part of a curated selection of 10 contemporary works, each paired with a thematic question. PGIM’s goal was to create an immersive, thought‑provoking experience for the thousands of daily passersby in the historic train station. 

The question paired with Diane's work was: What if water becomes more valuable than oil?

Water is the hidden pulse of nearly every industry, yet its value remains largely unpriced. As water becomes a key driver of economic resilience, investors have an opportunity to support solutions that balance profitability, stewardship, and sustainability. These questions invite deeper consideration: In a world defined by borders, how do we invest in a resource that flows across them? What does stewardship require when the asset is essential to life itself? Where does water’s value reside—in the source, the rights, and/or the infrastructure that moves it? 

Ocean Spray will become part of PGIM’s permanent collection. While the work was on view, Diane was struck by the way people engaged with it. "Some viewers commented that it felt reminiscent of a gentle spray of water; others saw multiple forms emerge through the mark‑making."

"Several described the energy they felt while viewing the piece," she noted. "All acknowledged the impact and importance of water as a resource that must be protected and cared for. Many viewers were curious about how the work was made, and as I explained the process, their connection to the piece deepened." 

Diane is a land artist who creates site‑specific works in harmony with nature. "I carefully select a body of water, immerse raw silk, and lay the wet fabric over a uniquely shaped rock," she shared. "After waiting for the right moment, I add powdered dye, allowing it to settle into the silk’s folds and crevices. The result is a one‑of‑a‑kind monoprint that captures a specific place and moment in time."

Using natural materials, her process mirrors nature’s gentleness, capturing tranquility and the fleeting beauty of impermanence.