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 Elizabeth Molter Exhibit
My mom has always been my inspiration my entire life. She has always been there with me through tough times and even when I had health problems she never left my side for a single minute, not to even get a bite to eat. When I found myself doodling one day writing calligraphy she, along with others, inspired me to start this business and make some money from my passion and talent.
The Leah Yaun Exhibit
This piece is titled “Fear of Him”. It is about a time in my life when I kept quite about a series of situations in fear of what would happen if I spoke up. It is too common women are belittled by boys because boys think they can do anything they want. I think it is important to note that women are so much stronger than what society views us as.
The Sienna Prater Exhibit
I am inspired always by feelings and stories! I love to make art that has strong movement and color, and can convey depth and space in a new way. These acrylic on canvas paintings were all done in the space of about a month, and were all inspired by organic things in nature; stones, mountains, etc.