Annie Ruth

Inspirational Artist, Author & Community Advocate

Annie Ruth is an internationally respected artist and arts educator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work positively influences audiences in Europe, Africa, and throughout the United States.  For over 30 years, she has been stirring up her gift to impact the world.   She uses innovative strategies to make the arts experience both rewarding and relevant.

She is an award-winning author who has published over twenty-five volumes of poetry, books and articles for both children and adults.  Her arts and education curriculum sets are used in educational and cultural institutions across the country.

Annie Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from National University in San Diego, California. In 2001, she established Eye of the Artists Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3 public charity to connect more arts programming and arts education to underserved communities. She is the founder of Dada Rafiki, pronounced (DAH-Dah RAH-fee-kee), a special celebration of women that acknowledges their contributions through visual art, poetry, song and dance.  Dada Rafiki means “sister friend” in the Kiswahili language of East Africa.  Annie Ruth has empowered young women and girls through her conferences and workshops since 1999, has celebrated, and honored women in Cincinnati through her art and cultural programming since 2005.

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 emphasizes youth involvement and building collaborations among artists in the community. A few of her  awards  include the Athena International Leadership Award, NAACP Innovative Educator/ Arts Award, YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, Cincinnati Herald Nefertiti Award, Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, two Ohio Senate Commendations, U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Recognition and a featured Black History vignette by Fox Network, narrated by Tyra Banks.