Today is an extra special day to celebrate this absolutely amazing Woman, it is her birthday! One of the first things I learned about Annie Ruth before I met her was about her beautiful smile! I was greeted with that smile as soon as we connected at Washing Park for her photo session. She is a true Renaissance Woman, her journey with art began at three years old, since then she has done tremendous work using art and expression to help the community grow in a positive direction. I feel very fortunate to have her included in the Heart and Soul project and to have spent time getting to know her.

“Annie Ruth is an award-winning visual artist/poet who creates work that celebrates the human spirit. She studied graphic design at the University of Cincinnati, College of Design Architecture and Art and served eight years in the United States Air Force Reserve, working and training as a graphic technician. She is a trailblazer who has received critical acclaim for her work in the community. She fuses her artistic talents with arts education and collaborates with major cultural institutions and museums to bring art directly to communities throughout the United States and abroad. Annie Ruth has exhibited in major national and international museums, institutions and venues including the National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center, Cincinnati Museum Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Her commissioned works are in the collections of Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s for Children/Procter & Gamble the Presbyterian Foundation, and numerous other corporate and private collectors.

Combining acrylic, mixed media and collage, she often fuses several styles of art such as surrealism and expressionism. She describes this style as "spiritual portraits"-- capturing the essence of what she creates. The compositions utilize symbolism, vibrant color, accompanied by poetic verse. Annie Ruth has also gained acclaim for the artwork she has created for numerous children's picture books, which she wrote and illustrated.”

Annie Ruth has a number of exciting things coming up, head over to her Facebook page today to bid on lamps created by her Mother. She is raising funds to get her Mother more crafting supplies. She is also hosting an inspirational virtual tribute honoring women and sisterhood., Dada Rafiki: Conversations Oct. 30, 2020. Her Facebook page has become one of my favorite to follow as she does a lot of live cooking, gardening, and sharing. I have been learning a lot from her.

Thank you for sharing your love with the world, Annie Ruth! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Coming September 2020, ‘Heart and Soul’ is a photo installation project that was created to elevate the voices of some of Cincinnati’s amazing Black Womxn. Commissioned by Artworks and funded by FotoFocus I worked with 8 youth apprentices to make mini murals created with painted photos that will be wheat pasted on Black Owned businesses around Cincinnati.