From mariner to artist, the stars have aligned for Tom Grubb — especially in his artwork, where the heavens are replicated through sculpture and mixed media.

The Washington transplant brings his former career as a sea captain on commercial fishing boats to life with a mixed-media exploration of time and space.

“It all stems from me running boats on the North Atlantic,” Grubb said of his use of star charts and linear elements. “I like the way the charts, in an abstract way, make you think about another dimension. … I use a lot of rope and cables — cables define space and volume without being heavy.”

Some of his pieces incorporate the elements of early star charts, such as a those fabricated from string, shell and bamboo; others are outdoor installations, large enough to walk into.

Grubb is also using his artistic talent to bring art to many across the region. He currently teaches art appreciation classes at Beaufort County Community College and Martin Community College, as well as to Beaufort County Early College, Mattamuskeet, Columbia and Ocracoke high schools students.

For Grubb, it’s a hands-on affair, where students not only learn how to talk about art, but how to make it as well. They’re asked to write about artists whose work they are learning about — and may not be very familiar — then read other peers’ impressions of the work, followed by an exam.

“The end goal is so when they finish the class, when they see a work of art on the wall or in a museum, they can have a dialogue, know where it’s from and what it’s about,” Grubb said.

Fridays are for activities: drawing, collages and other projects, giving non-artists a window into the artistic process.

“It shows them in a real way, when the artist is confronted with a blank page or blank canvas, and they have to solve the problem,” Grubb said.

Grubb said his work with the schools gives him time to continue his work as an artist. A number of his pieces are on display at the Craven Arts County & Gallery, Bank of the Arts, in New Bern, where he is one of four artists featured in the organization’s “Through the Portal” exhibit that will run through Oct. 27. A reception for the exhibit will be held on Oct. 6, from 5-8 p.m. Bank of the Arts is located at 317 Middle St., New Bern.