Katie Ruiz facts for kids

Katie Ruiz (born in 1984) is an amazing artist. She is a painter, a sculptor, and an activist. Katie was born in Los Angeles, California. Now, she lives in San Diego, California. Her art often shows nature and special meanings found in blankets.

About Katie Ruiz

Katie Ruiz was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1984. She grew up there and also in Northern Arizona. Her mother raised her and her younger sister. Her grandmother and uncle were also important in her life.

Katie has traveled to many countries, about 22 of them! These trips have inspired her art, especially her work with Latin American fabrics. She has moved many times, even twice during the pandemic. Katie moved to San Diego in 2017 and still lives there today.

She studied art at Northern Arizona University. Later, she earned a master's degree from the New York Studio School in 2015. After finishing school, Katie continued to create art. She also teaches art at the New York Studio School and the Athenaeum School. She has won special awards too, like the Mac Connor Scholarship in 2014 and the Hohenburg Travel Scholarship in 2015.

The Blanket Series

Katie is famous for her "blanket series." In these artworks, she uses blankets and Latin American fabrics. She shows special, close moments using these symbols. During the pandemic, Katie spent more time with her art. She explored new ways to create.

"Blanketism" is a term for an art style. It uses blanket symbols to show different ideas and feelings. Katie uses blankets to tell stories. They help her show special moments and feelings of closeness. Besides her blanket art, Katie has made many sculptures and paintings. Some of her paintings are shown at the "Staff Picks Exhibition." This show is at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Katie also wrote a children's book called Brian the Wildflower. During the pandemic, she made masks for healthcare workers. She also created "healing alters" to help people feel better.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Katie Ruiz has shown her art in many places. She has had solo shows and group shows with other artists.

Solo Exhibitions

• Brian and the Bugs (2021) – This was a mural and art setup at the New Children's Museum in San Diego, CA.
• Waves of Feminism (2021) – Shown at the Women's Museum of California in San Diego, CA.
• San Diego International Airport Exhibit (2021) – Her art was displayed at the airport in San Diego, CA.
• The PomPom Project (2020) – This show was at the Oceanside Museum of Art, CA.
• 1805 Gallery Xicana (2019) – This show was put together by Lauren Siry in San Diego, CA.
• Mother Rose Cried Many Burdens (2018) – Displayed at the Mesa College Art Gallery in San Diego, CA.
• Artistic Soireé (2017) – Curated by Brit Magnuson in Los Angeles, CA.
• Blankets (2015) – This was her final art show for her master's degree at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, New York, NY.

Group Exhibitions

• Staff Picks (2021) – Shown at the Oceanside Museum of Art in San Diego, CA.
• MCASD Museum Auction (2020) – An auction at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, CA.
• Mercedes Matter Award Exhibition (2020) – Held in New York City, NY.
• Sidewalk Activism (2020) – Curated by Jim Daichendt at the Oceanside Museum of Art in San Diego, California.