OUR HISTORY, OUR VOICES PROJECT
The Mary Ruden Exhibit
About Her Exhibit…
I am Mary, an artist with a focus on natural subjects such as orchids, butterflies & joyful expressions such as music.
My love for art was influenced by my Welsh roots, and my ability to explore museums and gardens in Europe.
I am active in the Knoxville Arts Alliance and I participate in art shows in the state of Tennessee as well as surrounding states.
For Women’s History Month I have chosen to display a couple of different pieces I have curated over the years.
The 9-minute video includes the history of conditions for working women before labor laws and has the bronze bust of the famous Knoxville suffragist and quilts I made to honor women’s rights.
The pieces displayed include:
1.) My “Anne M. Davis Quilt” which includes wildflowers, butterflies, and native plants in it. It is also on display at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, TN.
2.) My bronze bust of Knoxville Suffragist Lizzie Crozier French on display at City Hall, Salisbury, NC.
3.) My life-size drawings of Tennessee Woman Suffragists.
4.) A quilt on display at Arromont in Gatlinburg to commemorate the Centennial of Women’s Right to Vote.
Click to view images at larger scale.
Connect with Mary Ruden »
Instagram: @MaryRudenArt | Website: https://maryruden.com
More Exhibits
The Jennifer MacIsaac Exhibit
I have always wanted to learn how to make jewelry, metalsmithing to be exact. During quarantine, I began to explore YouTube videos on the subject. I have been having a blast learning, and there is still so much I want to discover about this medium!
The Ashley Garner Exhibit
My submission was inspired by all the many ways over time I, like all women, just had to figure it out. As a result of figuring it out, I have built a successful custom painting and furniture restoration business (Nest) as well as a writing career, writing for The Dollywood Company, Knoxville Mom's, Her View From Home, and Today.com.
The Emily McClenagan Exhibit
Jane & Pearl started during my twins' nap in 2015 as a way for me to create as well as give back to others. I am partnering with Thrive Parkridge in East Knoxville to amplify their work and donate profits to help with projects such as renovating rooms and spaces in their 100-year-old building. I love to paint live at weddings, watercolor home portraits, and of course whimsical florals.